Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of Board Meeting
September 25, 2002

Present: D�Angelo, Vinokur, Berman, Taylor, Sussman, Rosenberg, Schiff, Coran, Finerman, Hamermesh, Margolis, Schteingart, Spoon, Peller, Gershowitz, Rabbi Dobrusin, Sorkin

Call to order 8:00PM
Agenda approved as amended
Minutes of July 24, 2002, approved
D�var Torah by Sherri Peller

Rabbi�s Report: Rabbi Dobrusin noted with great thanks the efforts of many individuals involved in the planning and carrying out of the High Holiday services and surrounding events. He also reported on synagogue actions to honor the activities of our teenage members and to engage them further in Jewish life. Those particitpating in the Madrichim Program were honored at a Saturday morning service. All high school graduates have been given a subscription to Shema magazine. Two dinners were held for high school students. The dinner for the freshmen and sophomores had a dozen students attending. This is a very enthusiastic group. Lastly, the Rabbi reported on an initiative by a group within the conservative movement and United Synagogue to encourage travel to Israel as a way of showing support and contributing economically to Israel at this time. This group would like to have cards provided which people would sign pledging an interest in visiting Israel.

President�s Report: D�Angelo reported on a meeting to discuss the Endowment Fund attended by himself, Vinokur, Berman, Terri Mellow, and Judie Lax from the Federation. The meeting was informative and interesting. Clearly the fund raising environment within the local Jewish community has become more competitive. Other organizations have hired professional fundraisers. Beth Israel has decided against this approach in the past. We need to find and train volunteers to perform this function. It is public information that a number of our members give more generously to the Federation than to Beth Israel. We need to better represent Beth Israel�s needs. Healthy giving requires a balance of three types of giving: (1) annual appeal (2) capital campaign (3) endowment giving. Do we wish to remain an economically egalitarian congregation where we do not give an aliya or other recognition based on the size of economic support?

Treasurer�s Report: Sorkin, as Executive Director, provided the report. The report was abbreviated this month as a result of the High Holidays. Next month there will be a complete report. Donations to the New Year�s card decreased this year. The Saad Committee�s letter successfully raised donations for Interfaith Hospitality Network and their mission of housing the homeless. We received a very nice letter of thanks from IHN. Members have used the Network for Good to charge dues online. Funds received by the Network in our name are transferred automatically every two weeks to our account.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin reported that the American Red Cross provided a defibrillator free of charge to our congregation for use during the High Holiday services. We are very grateful to the Red Cross. This will allow us to delay purchasing our defibrillator and to take advantage of a generous grant offered by the Sinai Fund and Sinai Guild for this purpose. Our share of the purchase will be $500 instead of $4000 as originally allocated by the Board. The Board unanimously passed a resolution to submit a grant application to the Sinai Fund and Sinai Guild for assistance in purchasing a defibrillator. A committee of staff and volunteers will receive training in appropriate policies and procedures for operating the defibrillator. In addition, Sorkin reported that, at the request of the staff, he has established a medical committee to make sure first aid kits and Crisis Intervention Plan are adequate. Sorkin provided a written report from MIS Resources with recommendations to upgrade the computers in our main building for $12,000. Three existing funds will provide the money for this project. They are the Office Equipment Fund, Hilma Geffen Fund, and Margolis Fund. We can now generate yahrzeit letters automatically by computer. This letter replaces hand written reminder cards. As is common in many congregations, the letter includes a form for those who wish to make a commemorative donation at this time. Sorkin reported on the exciting possibility of hiring a Drachler Intern from the U of M. This is a program for interns with an interest in Jewish leadership. Should we be matched with a student intern, Beth Israel�s share of support would cost $2500 for 16 hours per week of the intern�s time over two semesters. Beth Israel would also need to provide a supervisor with an MSW for the intern. Lonnie Sussman has offered to fulfill this role. The Board unanimously passed a resolution to commit $2500 to fund the intern�s position, utilizing funds from the Samson Jewish Family Life Fund. Lastly, at Sorkin�s request, The Board unanimously passed a resolution to give Steven Klein signatory power on Beth Israel�s Raymond James account. Others with signatory power on this account are Edward D�Angelo and Diane Vinokur.

Old Business: The Board discussed the inadequate lighting on the front steps of the synagogue. Spoon will investigate options and report next month.

New Business: No one raised new issues at this time.

Vice President�s Reports:

Finance: Vinokur had no additions to D�Angelo�s report of the Endowment Fund meeting.

Religious: Ahronheim was commended on his tireless work and that of his committee in preparation for the High Holidays. Coran offered several suggestions of things we might consider next year. She suggested a shorter erev Rosh Hashanah service and a return to the presence of the leadership of the congregation on the bima during the services.

Education: Taylor reported that this year Littky started a new tradition and did not cancel Sunday school classes during Sukkot. Classes were held, and later in the morning the students went upstairs to join the congregation in services. This is part of an ongoing effort to merge school and synagogue life. The Madrichim Program for those of high school age has 18 students this year. The total Religious School enrollment, including Madrichim, has stayed about the same at 157.

Administrative: Berman reported success in signing for the synagogue a comprehensive insurance policy at a reduced cost this year.

Committee Reports:

Building/Construction: Spoon, with the agreement of the Board, has set a date for a special meeting of the Board on Monday, November 18, 2002, at 8:00PM. At this time he will present the complete financial details for the renovation project. This meeting is for presentation of all materials and discussion only. No voting will take place.

Communication/HaShaliach: Schiff reported HaShaliach improves every month as the staff develops greater familiarity with the new software. Attention is now directed at improving the website and educating those who post reports to the site in how to do those postings themselves, rather than going through an intermediary.

Men�s Club: Gershowitz reported the group has taken responsibility for building the sukkah. The group has, also, scheduled a Men�s Club Shabbat for February 15, 2003.

Sisterhood: Peller reported that there is a membership program scheduled for October 6, 2002. In November, Peller and Yael King Goldenberg will attend the Women�s League Biennial Convention in Philadelphia.

Photo Directory: Finerman reported that the scheduling of appointments is well underway.

Meeting adjourned at 9:50PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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