Beth Israel Board Minutes
Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Present:
Finerman, Rashes, Rosenblum, Bernstein, Hirshbein, S. Rubenstein, Liberman-Lampear, Peller, Adler, Dwoskin, J. Rubenstein, Winter, Dobrusin, Sorkin, Colton, Winkelman

Meeting called to order at 8:04 p.m. Agenda approved by J. Rubenstein, seconded by Liberman-Lampear. Minutes of August 22, 2007 corrected and approved by Hirshbein, seconded by Winkelman.

D'Var Torah:
The D�var Torah was presented by Ritual Vice President Jeffrey Bernstein. Carol Finerman commented on the smoothly running and beautiful High Holy Day services.

Rabbi's Remarks:
Numerous opportunities to adult learning are coming up, including the Monday evening Talmud Study sessions and the Wednesday Lunch & Learn series. Chancellor Arnold Eisen will speak at Beth Israel on October 17, 2007.

President's Report:
Finerman stated that a letter will be sent to all members of BIC to determine the need to focus on and begin the Outreach Program. The High Holiday Torah covers are in need of replacement, and it may become an in-house project which is being researched by Anita. Liberman-Lampear and Carol Finerman. The defective cement steps have been replaced, but due to unforeseen complications of removing the previous work, an additional $2,000 is needed. Amy Colton moved to approve the additional costs. Seconded by Sarajane Winkelman. Funding will be made available through the Building Renovation Fund. An attorney, will be asked to follow up with those responsible for the unacceptable cement steps in an effort to recover the expenses.

Treasurer's Report:
Anita Liberman-Lampear reviewed the August income statement.

Executive Vice President's Report:
Haran Rashes passed out the copy for a proposed letter to be sent to the Ann Arbor News. This was not deemed necessary to do at this time.

Education Vice President's Report:
Amy Colton reported the Education Committee wants to insure that their web page is updated. Steve Weiss and Charles Weaver over see the Beth Israel website and Beth Jarvis is being trained to make some changes from the office. The Education Committee would like to take a bigger hand in overseeing Adult Education, since this has been added to the Director of Education�s list of responsibilities. Currently this is listed under the program committee in the by-laws and further clarification is needed. Haran Rashes volunteered to form a subcommittee to possibly revise the parts of the By Laws dealing with the functions of the committees.

Endowment Committee:
Victor Rosenberg and Steve Klein are creating an endowment brochure.

Finance Vice President's Report:
Rosenblum reported that 72 families have requested dues reductions to the amount of $19,000. So far there seems to be enough increased pledges and new members to offset this loss, provided that members who have not yet pledged continue their membership.

Membership Vice President's Report:
Steve Rubenstein reported that 17 new member gift baskets were delivered. A social event for new members at Finerman's was cancelled, but a new members dinner is still on the calendar.

Program Vice President's Report:
Hirshbein reported that programming was smooth during the holiday season. A Sukkot family dinner is planned for September 27.

Religious Vice President's Report:
Jeff Bernstein reinforced the need for participation at Minyans. He is encouraging the marketing of birthdays and life cycle events during the daily minyan with the saying of a �Shehechiyanu.� It was reported that Jeff Bernstein's article entitled "The Talk" was published in the Detroit Jewish News.

Men's Club:
Haran Rashes complimented those who volunteered to usher at Holiday Services for their fine work! Charles Weaver and Steve Weiss coordinated the sign-up online.

Women's League:
Sherri Peller reported that Michigan Women's League will honor her, among others from different chapters in Michigan, as Beth Israel's Women's League � Woman of Achievement for 2007. The event will be held at a dinner on October 10 at B'nai Moshe Synagogue in West Bloomfield.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:12 p.m. Motion by Liberman-Lampear, seconded by Winkelman.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sherri Peller,
Recording Secretary

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