Congregation Beth David Board Meeting
MINUTES
January 27, 2010
Ron Ruebusch, Rabbi Schonbrun, David Hoffman, Jerry Bloom, Marshall Burak, Michael Schaffer, Ricki Gafter, Dan Skilken, Steve Levin, Lee Hirsch, Steve Karel, Dave Graubart, Joanne Cornbleet, Rhonda Raider, Ronnie Gordon, Steve Schlosser, Roland King, Norm Abramovitz, Jane Blumenthal, Marty Sherman, Alex Baskind, Howard Fine, Eric Lewis, Davida Adelberg
Guest: Tanya Lorien
DRASH
Rabbi Schonbrun suggested two thoughts to guide our discussion on Noten Yad. 1) A mission statement is a destination, where we want to be as a community. Shapes our choices. 2) From Talmud: if two positions are equally worthy, judgment goes to the person whose presentation is most humble, thoughtful, and respectful.
GOOD & WELFARE
- Rabbi Pressman’s 50th bar mitzvah anniversary will be celebrated this Shabbat.
- A number of bereavements.
- Michael and Heather Harris had a daughter.
- Vanina Sandell had a son.
NOTEN YAD
- Jan Lipson presented Noten Yad’s proposed policies. Bruce Ravell from Shir Hadash came to describe the synagogue’s experience with Noten Yad.
- Goal: Tikkun Olam
- Policy:
- Commitment to PACT is renewed yearly
- All Noten YAD activities open to all congregants; broadest possible exposure
- Project selection predicated on expressed self-interest from congregation, prospects for successful conclusion, and a theme that unifies our congregation (Local issues more actionable than state and federal issues.)
- Reports to the CBD Board at key milestones
- Delegation of CBD Board to Noten Yad of authority to select its leadership including representatives to both the CBD Board and to PACT.
- Requirement for CBD Board to Approve policies and amendments.
- Mutual Responsibilities for Noten Yad and CBD Board
- Board retains ultimate authority. Motivation is critical, which requires independence, founded on trust. We’ll have first-hand info from CBD congregants and PACT about what is happening in the community.
- The committee has selected a person to represent CBD to PACT and another person responsible to the CBD board
- Already 30 people have signed up for listening training, and calls to set up listening meetings have begun.
Discussion:
- What is PACT? Consortium of 23 congregations in the county. Purpose is to facilitate developing an agenda and act on it.
- Concern: Is PACT too political for us? Too confrontational? Is joining consistent with Judaism? Rabbi S said that social activism is new for Conservative movement, is allowed, and arguably is required.
- PACT Exec Director said that for Shir Hadash, it’s been unifying, and the association with PACT has been richly rewarding, helping them become effective at things they find important.
- What has Shir Hadash done? Health Fair, in cooperation with other congregations. Community action meeting, with the subject of healthcare. Zoe Lofgren and Mike Honda participated, and the event attracted 600 people. A supervisor committed to setting up a citizen’s task force.
- Should CBD be giving money to an outside group when we have internal needs?
- Does having our name on the site imply we agree with all their political positions?
- If completely agreeing with everyone in an organization is a requirement, the world would come to a halt.
- Our rabbis are part of the Saratoga Ministerial Association, and other members have very different views on Israel. Associating with them has helped us influence their views on Israel
- Can we afford it?
- Can Noten Yad exist without PACT? PACT is the only type of org that does this type of work.
- Difference between Social Action Committee and Noten Yad? SAC has been on the decline; the Noten Yad committee doesn’t think they could succeed without support and best practices from PACT.
- Suggestion: Look at it as a pilot program and see how it goes. We pay quarterly; PACT’s policies allow us to withdraw. If we act based on aversion to risk, we can lose out on an opportunity for CBD to find activities that are successful and rewarding, and perhaps increase our stature in the community.
- Members were excited about this opportunity and took the initiative. Sticking point seems to be that the org most able to help us might have some political positions we don’t agree with.
Motion to approve policy as presented: 12 in favor; 8 opposed; 0 abstentions. Motion passed
TREASURER’S REPORT
Mid-fiscal year update on expenses.
- Admin costs are significantly below projections because the staff is short-handed. A large insurance expense will offset some of the difference.
- Not certain yet of electrical bills because of the new solar system; the Admin VP said we’ll probably know next month.
- We are saving money because we stopped paying mortgage interest on the cemetery.
- We have not seen an upsurge in requests for special arrangements; we have a 2% shortfall on dues.
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN SUMMARY
- Total pledges are $264,467, of which we have collected just over $200,000.
- Major donors have pledged $168,000. We still have 6 major donors to contact, and 4 non-major donors.
- The board thanked Joanne Cornbleet and Ricki Gafter for their outstanding work on the campaign.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
- We started the month with have 567 membership units
- We have 6 fewer units at the end of the month, 4 because of database cleanup. A family that had joined recently resigned because there is no programming for their age group (pre-Hazak, and no children)
- The Board congratulated Nancy Newman for her work on the Night of Illusion. 180 attended, and we made $1,200+.
- This Shabbat will be a triple simcha: board installation, Rabbi Pressman’s 50th bar mitzvah, and volunteer appreciation.
- Mahjong Tournament with prizes will be held on Sunday February 21.
ADMIN REPORT
- Office settling in well with new staff.
- 2nd week of February will be an electronics-recycling event: afternoon of February 10-12.
- Tanya Lorien thanked David Hoffman, Admin VP, for being her boss, and Dave thanked her for making his job easy.
EDUCATION
- Mishpacha program coming up in mid-February. Board is encouraged to come.
- Hebrew High is planning spring semester. Students are giving feedback that they can’t attend Thursday night because they have tests on Friday. Is this affecting enrollment?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
January – Installation will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010.
There will be a board orientation meeting on January 31st for the newly installed board slate from 1-4 PM at Beth David. Snack and drinks will be provided.
February
When Federation realized the conflict with the Super Bowl, Federation moved Super Sunday from its previously scheduled date of February 7, 2010 to January 31st, which conflicts with our previously scheduled Orientation meeting. Federation has decided to have the Youth Adults Division run Super Sunday this year. The Beth David Young Adults Group has agreed to participate representing CBD. Thank you, Aleeza and YAG. Jyl Jurman of Federation mentioned that Jews Next Dor did an exemplary job!
There will be an extra Board Meeting for the newly installed Board on Wednesday, February 10, at 7:45 PM at Beth David. This meeting will be in place of the February Exec Board meeting.
The regular February Board meeting will be held at Beth David on Wednesday, February 24, at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rhonda Raider
Recording Secretary