Summary of November Board Meeting
A. Many of the committee chair persons provided reports which included the following updates:
1.Building – Michael Radbill reported that work is continuing on kitchen renovations in the Lewish-Goldman parsonage. Additionally, there will be repairs to the sanctuary in addition to the recent re-lamping, including painting and re-plastering the walls, and replacing the gold carpet surrounding the pews. We will have a tree growing out of the chimney on the alley side removed.
2. Community – Eileen Dwell shared that the Bowler family is doing well and looking forward to welcoming Baby Adar home from the hospital. The committee sponsored a Yesod dinner and hosted a brunch honoring volunteers on December 15. Cooking and baking for our Stocking Up program was done by volunteers.
Challah Braid and Booze with EC families was held on November 11. The next one will be sponsored by Sisterhood on January 30.
This year Challah for Hunger will hold have 4 bakes with four different groups; Pre-school parents (held on Nov. 11); Sisterhood (January 31); Hebrew School Parents (Date TBD); and Grandparents (Date TDB). We are working on having a national expert on food insufficiency speak at a braid and flavor in late May/early June. BZBI Volunteers continue to prep the dough for the bakes.
3. Tikkun Olam – Rosalie Kurz reported that our wonderful volunteers continue to work with the Mbonigaba family who are working toward their independence.
Work continues on the Library program at the Stephen Girard Public School. Volunteers have cleaned the library. Donations of new books and money have been much appreciated. Our current program is with Grades 2 and 4. Grade 3 graduated to other activities.
4. Early Childhood – Arielle Kerstein shared that the Play- and Pre-Schools are raising tuitions to help cover faculty raises and higher security costs, while at the same time limiting the increases to stay competitive with other pre-school options in the area. The increases will help BZBI meet its budget goals for next year while staying competitive in the pre-school market.
5. Finance – Brian Bushee shared that overall, our expenses are down by $25,361 and are 32% of budget for the year (which is 33% done); and revenues are down by $19,306 versus last year at this time.
6. Ritual – Larry Kessler shared that the Committee discussed the increasingly urgent need for more Torah readers. The Committee hopes to increase volunteer readership from congregants but may also need to hire one or more part-time readers. The gabbaim have updated to the use of gender-neutral terms for people honored with aliyot during the Torah Service.
7. Membership – Sharon Greis stated that the New Members Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner on November 8, 2019 was a success, thanks to Rebecca Krasner and Eileen Dwell. The committee reached its goal of 25 new members in attendance and at least 25 current members who joined us to welcome them. Guests enjoyed delicious food and warm conversation. We now have a committee to evaluate our membership structure and dues hierarchy. The purpose of the committee is to investigate and evaluate our current Membership structure. Please let Sharon know of any potential member or family who is considering joining a synagogue.
8. Sisterhood – Susan Zeelander presented updates from the Sisterhood Committee, including visiting a Pop-Up exhibit of exclusively Israeli artists at the PMA Craft Show; participation in the early childhood Sip ‘N’ Shop for Hanukkah on December 11; and the Challah Lab, scheduled for January 8. The Challah Lab is a family event and is chaired by Eileen Dwell; proceeds will be split between Sisterhood and the Challah Lab organization that combats hunger among college students.
9. Human Resources – Matt Whitehorn reported that he, Harvey Friedrich and Leslee Schwartz worked with staff to address their concerns and remedy the issue of the payroll company’s failure to deduct certain taxes from their paychecks.
10. Development report – Gary Bramnick reported that as of 11/20/19, we have $28,990 in pledges and $73,068 in donations for a grand Annual Giving total of $102,058!! Last year at the same time, we had $19,268.71 in pledges and $39,605 in donations for a grand AG total of $58,873.71. While the comparison is not totally accurate until the end of the fiscal year, front loading the donations gives us a longer investment opportunity.
B. Introduction to Rabbi Max Nissen. Max has been the Director of Youth and Family Education at BZBI since July. Max shared that, in addition to administering the Hebrew School program, he is exploring ways to keep the post-bnai mitzvah students active and involved and looks forward to developing tools to make sure the Neziner School is constantly relevant and engaging.
C. Executive Director’s report – Harvey Friedrich has conducted interviews to fill the position of Communications Coordinator, with a goal of a January start date.
He is working with our Finance Representative to the Board Brian Bushee and our Treasurer Ben Silverman to creating an investment policy to reflect current practice and to adhere to the bylaws.
Our staff will undergo additional training as required by our insurance carrier on the topics of identifying and reporting abuse, molestation and bullying in the work/childcare environment. Senior staff is currently working on training protocols that include these items as well as first aid, CPR, non-discrimination, lockdown procedures and active shooter training. There was a discussion about building security and the importance of working closely with local law enforcement agencies and maintain modern security equipment.
D. President’s report provided by Nikki Morris. She thanked everyone who completed the survey report. She encouraged members to attend the since held or contribute to the Jewish Relief Agency Annual Event to Prevent Hunger on December 3 at the Wanamaker Crystal Room at which Cara and Hailey Levinson were honored, and the December 15 for a brunch honoring some of our wonderful volunteers.
