Congregational Meeting
Ohavi Zedek

June 10, 2007
10:30 am
Minutes

Basha Brody called the meeting to order at 10:40am.
46 members were present.

Honoring members: Many thanks were given to the following members who have given their time and energy to OZ and are moving on to different adventures:

• Michael Schaal- Founder and Chair of the Interfaith Social Action Committee
• Eisha Lichtenstein- Youth leader and Board member and a member of the Hebrew School committee
• Dana Engel- Chair of the Outreach Committee
• Michelle Rath- Chair of the Hebrew School Committee
• Ruth Horowitz - Congregant exceptional. (Ruth was honored at Shabbat services the previous day was unable to be at this meeting.)
• A special honor was given to Sarah Klionsky for her devotion to children and families at OZ. A tree will be planted in the Hadassah Forest in Israel in her honor.
• The Congregation will be honoring Michelle Leftkowitz in August.

Approval of the change in by-law Article VI. Board of Directors. Harvey Klein made a motion to accept the change. Michael Bukanc seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Sam Alpert was nominated for the Youth member for the Board of Directors. Motion was made by Debra Klein, seconded by Michael Bukanc to elect Sam as the Youth Board member. The vote passed unanimously. Sam is a senior at CVU and is involved in YJ.

Reports:
Jeff Alpert gave an update on the construction project at OZ. All is competed inside the Synagogue. The organ has been moved to make the north side of the chapel handicap assessable. OZ now has air-conditioning. The grounds work is not taking place at this time although the parking grade will be handicap accessible. The lighting is a huge improvement but made it clear that a fresh coat of paint was needed in the hallways.

Jeff recognized the members of the construction committee: Alex Halperin , Arnie Kreiger, Elizabeth Brody, Frank Donath, Raul Guevera. This committee met every Thurs at 7:00. The project is on budget with some rebates to come back. Arnie Krieger spoke to the tremendous ability and dedication of Jeff in completing this stage of the reconstruction. Basha reminded the congregation that the campaign is not over.

Diane Rippa gave an update on the Synagogue Director search. She described the position. Mike Kanarick was offered the position and the search committee is in negotiation with him.

There was some discussion that the position had been tried before. Basha spoke to this concern that the former position was both an Executive Director and Hebrew School principal, a job that was not able to be done by one person. It was also made clear that if Mike Kanarick can not take the position, the Board will hire an interim financial person to help with the running of OZ. The SD will report to Basha and the Board, work with clergy, and there will be a formal reporting structure for the staff. A new description of the position was read by Diane, which included the many duties of the SD.

Lee Lichtenstein reported on the United Synagogue study group. The study group began with Rabbi Eddelman on Jan. 3, 2007. The opinions of the study group came down to two: 1) OZ must stay with US and get involved with his programs which could be very helpful to the synagogue. 2) pull out because US won't take a stand on prejudices against sexual orientation where they appear in other synagogues. Basha reported that the Board decided to keep US in the budget. However, intermarriage and matrilineal lineage was not discussed though the question was brought up. Basha was clear that OZ will be utilizing the services of the US.

Rick Wolfish reported on the 2007/08 budget. There will be no need for a dues increase for members as the State of the Synagogue is good. There are no mortgages on buildings and the only debt is a 5 year mortgage with a very good interest rate.

Rick reported a $14,000 excess from 05/06, but OZ still needs to raise $9,000 in pledges. We currently have $16,000.

The budget contains money for updating computers, having access to computers in the library, and going wireless. United Synagogue dues are part of the budget. OZ needs $16,000, have $ 9000 and will need to fundraise for the remaining $7,000. The Synagogue Director's salary has been raised to $56,000 and benefits that include total health care for the SD as well as a 5% pension each year. What is not in the budget are moving expenses which need to be negotiated. Family insurance is an option.

A question was brought up as to how the committees will be allocated their money. Rick Wolfish explained that the programs drive the budget in a committee.

Aaron Goldberg questioned that the Archive committee was not an item in the budget. This will have to be looked into and Rick will get back to Aaron about this.

Aaron Goldberg spoke about fundraising. The Tammy Fletcher concert brought in more money than any other fundraising event. This committee needs people to solicit money from industry, businesses and professions to be sponsors for an event. There also needs to be an artist selection committee. This is a project that needs everyone's help.

The Building Campaign is a part of the Archive committee which includes Aaron Goldberg, Jeff Potash, and Judy Hershberg, They were able to raise $3,000,000. Events are a part of the building campaign.

Jeff Potash announced that OZ will host the Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA) this evening where people from 8 congregations will be speaking to Daniel Fogel about UVM's plan to build affordable housing for social justice. All are invited.

Basha spoke about her joy in being President of the Board and then recognized members of the Board. It was noted that Board meetings are open to all (3rd Thursday of the month at 5:30pm).

Motion was made by Dana Engel and seconded by Cheryl Goldstein to adjourn the meeting. The motion was passed and the meeting was adjourned at 12:00pm.

Respectfully submitted by:
Mary Beth Bowman Secretary

THE NEXT SPRING CONGREGATIONAL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, JUNE 8 AT 10:30AM.