Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
October 27, 2004

Present: D�Angelo, Berman, Ahronheim, Bardenstein, Sussman, Kaplan, Rashes, Rosenberg, Schiff, Bernstein, Finerman, Landau, Liberman-Lampear, Margolis, Tankanow, Gershowitz, Dobrusin, Sorkin

Meeting called to order 8:00PM
Agenda approved as corrected
Minutes of September 22, 2004 approved
D�var Torah given by Tankanow

Rabbi�s Remarks: The Rabbi stated we will always make clear our support of Israel. Our community needs peacemakers and unifiers. We must strive to resolve what divides us. We must always have hope and continue to work with people of goodwill in the community.

President�s Report: D�Angelo thanked Finerman, Berman, Margolis, Rashes and Sorkin for organizing a dinner in appreciation of those who gave $2000 or more to the building renovation project. He also spoke of the beautiful Shabbat and the dedication of our renovated sanctuary. It was touching that so many clergy from the community attended. The Ann Arbor city council passed a unanimous resolution that condemns the picketing of houses of worship during the hours when congregants are attending worship services. Thirty interfaith clergy have written a letter in support of Beth Israel expressing similar sentiments. Now we must move forward. We must work on other important matters and begin to address the development of leaders within Beth Israel.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin reported we have lost about 27 old members and gained 18 new members. The last Sunday evening adult education program attracted about 75 people to hear a talk on Arabs in the State of Israel by Sammy Smooha. The night lighting at GSAC (2010) has been improved with the addition of a photo sensor. We have a problem with our main water service line to the Garfunkel Schteingart Activities Center. Margolis will investigate this matter.

Treasurer�s Report: Rashes delivered the financial report that shows the balance of income and expenses is slightly better than expected compared to last year. He also presented to the Board a sheet indicating the balance of each of the special funds.

New Business: The Board decided to once again hold a Board retreat in January or February, even though there will be no change of officers until June. One of the topics of discussion will be how to develop our congregational leadership. The Board also discussed how to publicize the supportive clergy letter. No more than $2000 shall be taken from current Beth Israel accounts for this purpose. Our new education director will speak to the Board at our next meeting on November 17th.

Education Vice President�s Report: The school is continuing to work on curriculum issues as well as the recruitment of parents to participate in the spring trip for the high school. The Education Committee has discussed several ideas for fund raising for the school.

Membership Vice President�s Report: Kaplan told the Board about the very pleasant dinner that was held for new members. It was a nice way to welcome our new members and for them to meet each other.

Program Vice President�s Report: Sussman spoke of the collection of artwork brought to Ann Arbor by ORT and currently on display in Beth Israel�s social hall. The artists are Israeli teenagers at schools sponsored by ORT.

Building Construction Committee Report: Finerman stated that the committee has begun steps to determine what needs to be done in the next phase of the project. The campaign to finance the second part of the renovation project continues. The fund raising committee talked to Terri Mellow who provided helpful expertise.
Meeting adjourned 9:40PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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