Beth Israel Congregation
Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Present: Rashes, Finerman, Bernstein, Rosenblum, Kaplan, Hirshbein, Colton, Rubenstein, Liberman-Lampear, Peller, Landau, Bender, Dwoskin, Hartman, Leber, Winkelman, Dobrusin, Blumenthal, Sorkin

Meeting was called to order at 8:02 a.m.

Hirshbein gave the D�var Torah

Agenda was approved by Finerman and seconded by Landau.

Rabbi�s Remarks: Dobrusin spoke about the trip to Israel being planned for 2009. Rabbi Blumenthal will offer course sponsored by the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem , which has an on-line component.

Minutes were corrected and approved by Liberman-Lampear and Bernstein.

President�s Report: Rashes reported that Beth Israel�s participation in Apples and Honey event was successful. Rashes and others met with Scot Cranis who is the USCJ representative for this area. Rashes described the Amazing Race to be held on Sunday, September 28th for kids.

Treasurer�s Report: Liberman-Lampear reviewed the report briefly.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin reported that congregant pledges are coming in later. $80,000 has been pledged this year, exceeding last year�s pledges. There are 20 new members at this time and at least 14 members who have notified us that they are leaving, most are moving away. The Adult Hebrew Class has 37 signed up so. Adult Education programs start in earnest in November. There will be a program almost every evening. Wireless system for Beth Israel has been ordered. Four bids were considered for the office renovation. Gipfert had lowest bid at $19,315. The architect is Larry Rockind. Rabbi Dobrusin had agreed to give up office space to accommodate renovation plans. Discussion regarding plans for renovation followed.

Education Report: Colton reports that Religious School has started.

Finance Report: Rosenblum reported that as of now, 97% of the renewed members had increased their dues, though not at the $250 level. A number of members, however are reporting life style changes, including retirement, which will affect their current and future contributions.

Membership Report: Rubinstein asked the Board to deliver new member baskets consisting of wine, honey, apples, candy, and havdalah candles. A new member�s dinner will be held on Monday, October 27th at 6:00p.m. Board Members are invited and are asked to bring a Jewish object of personal significance.

Program Report: Hirshbein expressed appreciation for support at the Beth Israel Fair. Many non members did attend the Fair. Quiz Night will be held in January 2009. Programming meetings are being planned with Jake Kander, Rabbi Blumenthal and Hirshbein.

Motion: To accept written Board member reports as asked for by President Rashes. (Landau/ 2nd by Winkelman, unanimous approval)

Religious Report: Kaplan reported that everything for High Holiday Services is in place, Rashes will coordinate Ushers.

Motion to adjourn at 9:17 p.m. by Winkelman, seconded by Leber.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sherri Peller
Recording Secretary

SP/bj

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