Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
September 22, 2004

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

Meeting called to order 8:10PM
D�var Torah given by Peller
Minutes of August 25, 2004 approved as corrected
Agenda approved

D�Angelo started the meeting by giving special thanks to Barry Margolis, Carol Finerman, Harvey Berman, and Steve Klein for the long hours and very hard work they have performed to bring about the renovation of our shul. It is beautiful!

Rabbi�s Remarks: What a pleasure it is to worship in the renovated sanctuary! A beautiful spirit pervaded this year. Rabbi Dobrusin will hold a couple of lunch and learn programs in the sukkah during Sukkot. The program with Arik Ascherman will take place on November 16th. The location has not yet been decided. Finally, Dobrusin wishes to thank all who worked on Rosh Hashanah services.

President�s Report: D�Angelo received many positive comments from congregants regarding his remarks erev Rosh Hashanah. In these remarks he asked members �to do the right thing� and expressed hope to avoid assessments of non-contributing members of our community to the renovation project. He also stated the Board�s stance regarding Shabbat pickets in these remarks.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin reported that we now have pledges of $1,151,449 for the renovation project. We must raise an additional $350,000 to meet our budget. Finerman emphasized that it is still our goal for 100% of the Beth Israel community to donate something toward this project. Meanwhile the renovation work continues. Sorkin stated that at latest report 14 new member units joined Beth Israel. The adult education lecture series will start Sunday evening, October 10th.

Treasurer�s Report: Rashes reported that dues payments are behind this year because letters to congregants were sent later than last year. Religious school registration was also later this year than last. Next month he will report on the endowment funds. The Board unanimously agreed that any costs incurred by the fund raising committee for the renovation shall be paid by the fund for that project.

New Business: Finerman informed us that on Thursday evening, October 14th there will be an elegant dinner to honor those who gave $2000 or more to the renovation project. Bernstein spoke about the celebration planned for the entire congregation on Shabbat morning, October 16th. There will be a procession moving the Torah scrolls from their temporary home at the Garfunkel-Schteingart Activities Center back to the newly renovated sanctuary. We plan to invite members of the larger Ann Arbor community to celebrate with us during the morning service.

Building Construction Report: Margolis happily reported that the deadline of September 4th for use of the main sanctuary and social hall was met. There are still many matters of detail that must be corrected or finished before we complete Phase One. Soon the committee will begin determining the specifics of Phase Two.

Religious Affairs Vice President�s Report: Ahronheim commented on the very positive effect the improved lighting and sound system had on the conduct of services.

Education Vice President�s Report: Bardenstein reported that the number of high school students in the Madrichim program is up again this year. There are now 30 participants. These students interact well with each other and bring many ideas with them. The Education Committee hopes to add a leadership development component to the program. There will be a school trip for the Madrichim in March.

Membership Committee: This year, Kaplan reported, the committee delivered baskets and New Year�s cards to all the new families. The committee has met with our Program Director, Geoff Berdy, and he has contributed a number of good suggestions.

Men�s Club: The club will work on building the Sukkah this Sunday. Gershowitz also reported the club always welcomes new members.

Sisterhood: Peller reported that Sisterhood has raised $1000 to help furnish the new kitchen.

Meeting adjourned 9:30PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Reporting Secretary

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