Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
September 28, 2005

Present: Finerman, Rashes, Bardenstein, Kaplan, Liberman-Lampear, Landau, Bernstein, Gershowitz, Weisbach, Ahronheim, Klein, Sussman, Rosenberg, Margolis, Tankanow, Peller, Sorkin, Dobrusin

Meeting called to order 8:00PM
Agenda approved as presented
Dvar Torah given by Peller
Minutes approved as corrected

Rabbi�s Remarks: Rabbi Dobrusin reported that there is a large class this year of those interested in conversion to Judaism. The Rabbi thanked all of those who had a hand in making the new curtain for the ark. They have worked long and hard to make it ready for the High Holidays. Contributions, made to our synagogue for Katrina evacuees who are staying in the Ann Arbor area, will be converted to gift certificates and can be used to purchase needed items.

President�s Report: Finerman reported that she has begun work on the establishment of an Endowment Committee. Board member Weisbach will serve on the Committee. The theme for the April 2006 fundraiser is �A Night in the Catskills.� Co-Chairs for the event in November 2006 celebrating Beth Israel�s 90th birthday are Elaine Margolis and Sue Adler.

Treasurer�s Report: Liberman-Lampear provided an overview of our finances. We are ahead of where we were last year at this time.

Executive Director�s Report: There are 27 new member family units. The average dues increase at this time is 7%. Everything is on schedule for the High Holidays. At Sorkin�s request a motion made by Liberman-Lampear and seconded by Peller to spend up to $3000 for a new locking system for the front entrance passed unanimously. At the Board�s request Sorkin continues to search for an updated security system that meets our budget and needs.

Finance Vice President: Klein warned the Board that although dues collection this year is ahead of schedule, and the average increase is 7% for those who have pledged so far, he has received more phone calls than in the past from those in financial distress. It is not at all clear whether dues pledges for this year will meet the amount budgeted. New loan documents were signed on September 27th giving us greater flexibility in paying the principle on our mortgage. The longer we delay in paying principle, however, the higher our total interest payments will be. A motion made by Rashes, seconded by Landau to renew the Rabbi�s contract for the next 10 years passed unanimously.

Program Vice President: Sussman reported that the Program department is offering a wide variety of programs this fall. The Introduction to Judaism and the Mishna class are both large. She has received very positive feedback.

Education Vice President: Bardenstein stated that at this point the total enrollment in the school is 163, an increase over last year. Both the kindergarten (15 students) and the 8th grade (20 students) saw significant increases. The high school Madrichim program continues to be strong at 35 students.

Administration Vice President: Rashes reported that he and Sorkin attended a workshop whose topic was lay members and staff working together. The workshop was under the auspices of the Association of Executive Directors of Southeast Michigan.

Membership Vice President: Kaplan indicated the year is off to a good start with 27 new families. New members received welcome bags and joined together at an informal dinner.

Building Committee: Margolis indicated the building renovation (upstairs and down) is 98% completed.

Men�s Club: Rashes reported that usher schedules and instructions have been sent via email and hard copies will soon be mailed as well.

Sisterhood: A program presented by Happy Feigleson in September was well attended. Six congregational families will serve as hosts for Sisterhood�s Sukkah Hop.

Meeting adjourned 9:30PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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