Minutes from Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors meetings, May 1973 - May 1974

MINUTES, GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING OF TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM May 9, 1973 President Mel Exber called the meeting to order at 8:30 P.M. He welcomed all Temple members attending the annual membership meeting. Cantor Joseph Kohn delivered the invocation. Board members presented annual committee reports. Please see attached copies. Note was also made of a feasability study being made into the possibilities of a Jewish Day School on the Temple premises. Art Marshall, as Las Vegas Combined Jewish Appeal Chairman for 1973 reported to the membership. This year marks the 25t h Anniversary of the State of Israel. The Las Vegas C.J.A. will sponsor a Silver Anniversary Ambassador's Ball at Caesars Palace on May 24, 1973. Ambassador Simcha Dinitz will be the honored guest speaker. Also attending and addressing the celebrants will be Senator Howard Cannon, recently returned from a trip to Russia. A Special Award will be presented to Red Skeleton for his service to Israel. The Combined Jewish Appeal for this year is $650,000. Cantor Joseph Kohn reported on the adult education activities of the Temple. Also noted his activities for the year as the clergyman for the Temple. He asked for Sisterhood's coop?eration in forming a Sisterhood choir. Irving Steinberg made a Treasurer's report. Information was distributed to members concerning the financial statue of the Temple. A request was made from a Temple member that greater consideration be given social activities for the youth, young adults, and older singles of the congregation. Questions were solicited on the proposed dues structure changes and financial report as presented. (Please see attached copy of information distributed.) Members participated in this question and answer period. President Mel Exber noted there were 4 members of the Board of Directors who were completing 3 year terms of office: Irwin Kishner, having completed 2 consecutive 3 year terms; George Katz, Bud Shiftman, and Irving Steinberg. Mel Exber thanked those not returning to the Board: Irwin Kishner, having served 2 consecutive 3 year terms, andGeorge Katz and Bud Schiffman both not seeking reelection. All served with dedication and distinction. President then turned the meeting over to Daniel Goldfarb, chairman of hte nominating committee. Mr. Goldfarb intooduced members of the committee: Mel Exber, Irwin Kishner, Art Marshall, and Flora Mason. The nominating committee respectfully suggests 6 nominee to fill the 4 vacancies for the Board of Directors. Suggested for consider ation were Burton Brown, Oscar Goodman, Mike Katz, Dr. Victor Schiller, Irving Steinberg, and Irving Waller. Nominations from the fdoor were accepted. Bob Gallop was nominated. Kay Wallerstein moved nominations be closed. Seconded by Bud Schiffman. Dan Goldfarb asked Leo Wilner to prepare the ballots Tellers to count the ballots were appointed. They were; Jerry Engle, Chic Hecht, Art Marshall, Haryp Levy, Bud Schiffman -2- Chairman Dan Goldfarb announced that members must remember to vote for 4 names on the ballot or the ballot will not be valid. Each candidate then had the opportunity to speak for thmmselv es er and / or to have a sponsoring speech. Ballots were distributed and tallied. While the ballots were being counted, President Mel Exber made some announcements. 1) Abe and Sara Saltzman are celebrating their 50th Wedding anniversary at Sabbath services May 11. The Temple is 2) The Temple is again sponsoring a summer day Camp. 3) Rabbi Philip Shnairson will assume the pulpit of Temple Beth Sholom on July 1 of theis year. 4) The Temple's public seder at the Dunes Hotel this year attracted approximately 900 people. 5) The Temple presented a Bible and stand to the Nevada state legislature. Temple Past President Judge David Benoff made the presentation. 6) Emergency appropriations were made to send funds during th past year to flood-ravaged temple in Pennsylvania, our sister Temple in Israel, and the Jewish School for the Deaf. Dan Goldfarb announced the election results: Oscar Goodman, Mike Katz, Dr. Victor Schiller, and Irving Steinberg were elected to serve 3 year terms on the Board of Directors of Temple Beth Sholom. Mel-thanked-eutgeing congratulated those elected and thanked those who had been nominated for allowing their named to be considered. He also thanked the out-going Board members and the entire-Board of Directors and officers for a full year of dedicated effort. There being no further business on hand, the meeting was adjourned at 10;45 P.M. Flora Mason, secretary INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS OF TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM DISTRIBUTED AT ANNUAL MEETING - MAY 9. 1973 1. Posts & YEAR 1969-170 1970- '71 1971-172 1972-'73* 1973-'74* EXPENDITURES $193,282.00 200,104.00 260,871.00 256,000.00 300,000.00 ?Estimated TOTAL AVERAGE COST ACTUAL ACTUAL DUES MEMBERS PER MEMBER TOTAL DUES PER MEMBER 68.*; $283.00 $ 96,000. $141.00 738 271.00 100,000. 136?00 816 320.00 105,000. 129.00 840 304.00 105,000. 125.00 875 343.00 150,000. ** 171.00 ** Based upon new dues structure REVISED SCHEDULE OF MEMBERSHIP DUES: Category Old New Up to $10,000 $200 $300 $10,000 to $12,000 225 325 $12,000 to $14,000 250 350 $14,000 to $16,000 300 400 $16,000 to $18,000 400 500 $18,000 to $20,000 500 600 $20,000 to $25,000 750 750 $25,000 to $30,000 1,000 1,000 Over $35,000 2,000 2,000 - ii II 5,000 5,000 - Patron Guardian (a) Members will still be entitled to seats, as follows: (b) 2 - $25 seats per family membership. 1 - $25 seat for single membership. No reserved seats in Center Building needed. Admission ticket only. Ticket holder may sit wherever seats are available. a************************************* NOTE: THERE ARE FOUR SOURCES OF FUNDS TO COVER COST OF SERVICES TO MEMBERS?DUES, HIGH HOLIDAY TICKETS, TUITION AND CONTRIBUTIONS. THE NEW DUES AND TUITION STRUCTURE IS FOR NORMAL COSTS ONLY, NOT TO PAY OFF ANY INDEBTEDNESS. Page 2 Cost of High Holiday Tickets will be as follows; OLD NSW Sanctuary $100 $125 Sanctuary 50 75 Social Hall, first 4 rows 25 50 Social Hall, balance 15 25 Center Building 15 25 Center Building, non-members 25 50 School Costs Sc. Income, Per Child; ACTUAL TOTAL EAR 970- '71 971-172 972i,73* 973-'74* EXPENDITURE 43,000.00 46,000.00 55,000.00 70,000.00 AVERAGE COST ACTUAL TOTAL TUITION CHILDREN PER CHILD 274 310 335 370 157.00 146.00 167.00 190.00 TUITION 9,700. 10,500. 11,000 16,000 PER CHILD 35.00 34.00 33.00 ** 43.00 ?Estimated ??Based upon new tuition structure REVISED SCHEDULE OF RELIGIOUS SCHOOL TUITION: OLD NEW Hebrew School, 1st child 65.00 100.00 Hebrew School, 2nd child; 40.00 75.00 additional children Free 50.00 each Sunday School Kindergarten 25.00 25.00 50.00 50.00 Pre-confirmation Confirmation High School 50.00 50.00 50.00 75.00 75.00 75.00 Building Fund Effective with the fiscal year beginning 9/1/73, each member will be required to contribute the sum of $1,000 to the Building Fund of TBS. This amount may be paid at the rate of $100 or more per year, at the discretion and convenience of the member. This money will be placed in a separate bank account and is to be used for the sole purpose of repayment of mortgage indebted ness and/or future capital expenditures. Fund Raising; Fund raising is to begin immediately in the following manner (a) Final completion and dedication of the Ruby Kolod Reere tion Center, with an appropriate program and a souvenir journal ad book. (b) Celebration of Silver Anniversary of Incorporation of Temple Beth Sholom, at which time we will dedicate all of the items selected by the members, from the special Dedication Brochure. Page 3 COMPARISON. CHART DUES ]MD_..BUILDING, FUND) MAY, 1973 CONGREGATION A MEMBERSHIP MINIMUM BUILDING FUND 563 380 500.00 B 850 260 115.00 per yr for 10 yrs. C 1,050 350 None D 500 350 500.00 E 580 265 450.00 F 750 400 None G 840 330 None H 680 395 1,000.00 I 300 275 500.00 J 630 250 1/2 of dues K 750 350 500 L 460 250 420.00 NOTE: Reform Temples (4 included above) add 12% of dues, for membership in Union of American Hebrew Congregation. INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS OF TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM DISTRIBUTED AT ANNUAL MEETING - MAY 9, 1973 r.AR EXPENDITURES TOTAL MEMBERS AVERAGE COST PER MEMBER ACTUAL TOTAL DUES ACTUAL DUE'" PER MEMBER ?69-170 $193,282.00 ? 683 $283.00 $96,000. $141.00 970-171 200,104.00 738 271.00 100,000. 136.00 971-'7 2 260,871.00 816 320.00 105,000. 129.00 972-* 73* 256,000.00 840 .3 04.00 105,000. 125.00 973-'74* 300,000.00 875 343.00 150,000. ** 171.00 Estimated **Based upon new dues structure . SCHOOL COSTS & INCOME, PER CHILD: ACTUAL EAR EXPENDITURE TOTAL AVERAGE COST CHILDREN PER CHILD ACTUAL TOT TUITION TUITION PER CHILD .97 0-' 71 43,000.00 274 157.00 9,700. 35.00 .971-' 72 46,000.00 310 146.00 10,500. 34.00 .972-' 7 3* 55,000.00 335 167.00 11,000. 33.00 L973-' 74* 70,000.00 370 190.00 16,000. ** 43.00 ^Estimated **Based upon new tuition structure flOTE: There are 4 sources of funds to cover cost of services to members: Dues, High Holiday Tickets, Tuition and Contributions. The new dues and tuition structure is for normal costs only, not to pay o ff any indebtedness. COMPARISON CHART DUES (AND BUILDING FUND) MAY, 1973 CONGREGATION MEMB. MINIMUM BUILDING FUND A 563 380 500.00 B 850 260 115.00 per yr for 10 yrs. C 1,050 350 None D 500 350 500.00 E 580 265 450.00 F 750 400 None G 840 330 None H 680 395 1,000.00 I 300 275 500.00 J 630 250 1/2 of dues K 750 350 500.00 L 460 250 420.00 NOTE: Reform Temples (4 included above) add 12% of dues, for membership in Union of American Hebrew Congregation. REPORT OF ADULT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM 1972-1975 In tho past year, the Temple's adult e ducation program was in the main, a successful one. It was well-balanced, well organized, ?ery well attended a nd pr ofitable to all who participated. It consisted of fire instuction or discussion "aou?aes",as follows: # 1} Elementary Hebrew #2: Intermediate Hebrew #5: Yiddish Club Jewish History #5! The Elements of Judaism #6: Judaism vis-a-vis Islam Except for the Intermediate Hebrew couase, they all had good enrollments and g ood rec eption. Attendance was excellent until the end of the calendar year when interest beg an to lag. This was not true of the courses in Jewish Histyry and Elements of Judaism which were outstanding successes. Their enrollment was the highest on record (85) and they had remarkable attendance which averaged hbout 60. The groups meeting for these two courses were of such size that w e had to use the Sanctuary or Social Hall for our classrooms could n ot accommodate them. This was due to the scholarly and exciting lectures prepared b y Cantor Kohn and his colleagues, Drs. Fredrick Plotkin and Joseph Graziani. A valuable byproduet of Cantor Kohn's efforts in this area is an inspired booklet c alled "Vistas in the Garden of Judaism" which should be in every congregant's home library. Respectfully submitted, Roberta Gang Dr. Eugene Kirshbaum Dr. Maurice D. Pearlman, Chairman As of May 1, our total registration of the Hebrew School/Temple Beth Sholom stood at 335, plus an additional 32 youngsters who received Hebrew training in the nursery school, making a total of 367. The same figures for last year were 294 and 310. The attendance at the Hebrew School has been very high. Attendance at the Junior Services has also been very good with between 70 to 90 students attend?ing. The Junior Seder this year was very successful with over 300 children attend?ing and being served. It is noteworthy that approximately 175 Hebrew School students attended the first day of Passover Morning Services, even tho ugh it was a normal s c h o o l d a y . T h e p a r e n t s o f t h e s e c h i l d r e n a n d t h e H e b r e w S c h o o l S t a f f b e congratulated for this achievement. This is our second year for Hebrew being taught to the Jewish youngsters in the nursery school. The program has been very successful and teacher is to be commended for the fine job she has done with these young children. There are plans for increasing the Hebraically oriented classes forsome of the kindergarten children to a twice a week schedule. Our bar mitzvahs this year have increased to an all time high. The bar mitzvah youngsters have done very well with their haftorahs. Many have con?ducted part or most of the service. The quality of our bar mitzvahs seems to be improving steadily. Monthly seminars are planned for the teaching staff of the Hebrew School. These will be conducted by Kantor Kohn, Dr. Graziani, and by Rabbi Shnairson. The vacation schedule of the teachiq* staff will be arranged in such a way that one or more staff members will be on the premises all summer. This is because of the need for tutoring services and because of the increased bar mitzvahs, which can no longer suspended during the summertime. i ?Uuliimu L lidl duilng Lha p not few yotiro, our roliAiouo mi'hwnl prn yram htu-ALcadlly improved" and been eApanded up?n. With, the holp nf Rubbi OlmulirBon, LlUllll j lir97lan1 , ' g? t-hgf f.ir-fKJlf t iii|iii.?Tmnrtn<- -T nf>y-j f^b 1 P:. I should like to take this opportunity to thank Kantor Kohn for the 9?..6-Aa.X.i<?'H r, fine job that he has done as Principal of our Religious School. y^The teachers and staff of our Religious School are also to baor ^ ^^,T-t *~u the help of our new Rabbi, Kantor Kohn and the teachers -wpl ? !i ->ffefflPtgRif kLll^jUIIH" ,M trw?l. I am sure that our forthcoming year will be even more successful. BUILDING & PLANNING COMMITTEE - IRWIN KISHNER, CHAIRMAN - MAY 9, 1973 At the annual meeting last year, I reported to you that the remodeling and refurbishing work on the Temple and social hall areas, was complete. This ended Phases I and II, and we planned to go ahead with the final phase - Phase III?the expansion and remodeling of the kitchen area. This, however, could not be accomplished because our thoughts had to turn to several other areas of importance. First, it was necessary to finish the new Center and Gymnasium Building, and the cost of the necessary equipment ran high. Then, early in the school year, we realized that it had become absolutely necessary to consider building additional classrooms. Our Religious School is growing steadily, as you heard in the Board of Education report, and by next year we have every reason to expect a pupil popula?tion of 400 or better. The board, therefore, began to investigate the possibility of creating additional classrooms in the vacant area beneath the building, opposite the existing downstairs classrooms. However, after months of investigation and research, it was determined that it was not feasible to construct classrooms in this location. Finally, it was determined that the only logical area for additional classrooms, was a second story above the existin g pre-school classrooms. Here we could add five new much-needed rooms and build them symetrically, because we could tie in the new second floor with the existing second floor of our Religious School building. In doing so, we could also begin to utilize the two existing toilets for the school, now located outside of the building. In the new plans, we would be able to enclose them in a new downstairs corridor, and thus make them useful for students. We are right now working on the plans and drawings. When ready, these plans will be presented to the board for further study and approval. Once approved, it is logical to have the work done over BUILDING & PLANNING COMMITTEE Page 2 the summer so that the new classrooms will be ready for occupancy with the beginning of the new school year in the fall. This is the goal we have in mind. While the aforementioned school building is vitally important to the continuing growth of the Temple, I assure you that the expan?sion of the kitchen will not be forgotten. This is also a very important item in the life of the Temple and the membership. The kitchen receives lots of use, and even normal wear and tear brings about a condition which makes it very difficult to maintain proper cleanliness. The kitchen badly needs a new floor, and new equipment. I want to take this opportunity to express a fond farewell to my fellow board members. I have now completed my second consecutive term as a member of the board. Six years have come and gone, all too soon. I must tell you that it was a great pleasure for me to serve my people, to do what I could, whenever I could. I assure you that I will continue to serve in whatever capacity I can, whenever called upon to do so. Thank you. CENTER COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 1972 - 1973 The Center Committee is responsible for the operation and programming of the RUBY KOLOD RECREATION CENTER of the LAS VEGAS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER. The committee consists of the following: Mel Exber, Temple President Harry Zumar, Chairman Peter Margolis, Center Director Mike Cherry, Judy Frank, Dan Goldfarb, Dave Gordon, Arnold Goussak, Mike Katz, Sylvia Koch, Ed. Luboff, Florence Pollak, Diana Schwartz, Jerry Shaffer, Elaine Steinberg, Ira Spector. 56 K , The RUBY KOLOD RECREATION CENTER was completed during the past year. Out Temple can now boast of having one of the finest recreation facilities on the west coast, and we are unique in the fact that we are of of the few Temples with this type of recreational facility directly connected to it. We now have a high school regulation size basketball court with side baskets that can be lowered so that our small fry are able to play. The floor is of a rubber composition, the very newest innovation, that practically eliminates injuries. . The walls are also well padded. We have a fine exercise room with the latest in weight-lifting equipment, ballet bar, etc. Two handball courts were added. These are the only regulation size handball and raquetball courts in the entire State of Nevada, and are being put to good use. We have both men's and ladies' shower and locker-room facilities and also a large sauna room donated by Dr. Leon Steinberg and Dr. Leonard Raizin. The youth house has been completely renovated and refurbished with new carpet and equipment, such as pool tables, bumper pool, table tennis, color T.V. etc. The gymnasium was used for the High Holy Bay Services last year and proved more than adequate to take care of the many congregants and visitors who were unable to be accommodated in the main Sanctuary and Social Hall. - 2 - We tried a separate membership for the center in the hopes that it would be self-supporting, however this failed, so the Temple has taken over the entire operation. Thos Temple members who had paid their center membership dues had three alternatives: 1. They could donate it to the Temple. 2. They could apply the amount to their Temple account. 3. They could get refunds, which will be made in the near future. Our present policy is that all Temple members are automatically members of the center and can participate in all its programs and have full use of all facilities including handball, raguetball, sauna, etc. The building is in constant use from 9 A.M. to 10 P.M. every day except Friday evening and Saturday morning. No age group is forgotten in our programming from tiny tots to senior citizens. Programs such as Judo, folk dancing, leadership training, stitchery, bridge, basketball, handball, raquetball, rap sessions, musical evenings, cookery, in fact, almost every type of activity is available. The gymnasium was partially completed in time for use by the summer day camp, and it contributed greatly to the most successful season in the history of this program. Enrollment far exceeded that of former years and the programming was he best ever. Peter Margolis, center director, and his staff, mostly Temple youth, did an- excellent job during the ten weeks the camp was in session. For the first time a Kinder Kamp, a program for the 3 to 5 year old pre-schooler was inaugerated, and was proven very successful. It will be continued this year. Camp Sholom, for the older children, also proved to be a huge success with their programs of camping out, hiking, and various other summer sport activities. We were fortunate in having our trans?portation problem solved by a donation of 2 vans by Pre School. Both vehicles were used to excellent advantage by not only the summer day camp, but by our - 3 - senior citizens as well. On the basis of our success of last year, we look forward to an even more successful camp for the year 1973. Enrollment is on a first come first served basis, so if you have not as yet enrolled your children, I urge you to do so as accommodation for the camp is limited. Advance registration for Temple members will close this Friday, May 11th. We have one problem, however, as yet we do not have access to a swimming we pool for our water program. Last yearj^were fortunate to have the use of Bernie and Dorothy Ogron's pool , but they are unable to let us have it this year. Please, if anyone in the area would care to donate the use of their swimming pool for our summer day camp, ltwould be greatly appreciated. Perhaps, incorporated in our future plans, we will have our own pool. Dedication of our center will take place as soon as a few details are completed, such as, a name placed on the building and the entrance revised, which should be within the next two months. To summarize - The RUBY KOLOD RECREATION CENTER, is a dream come true. It is successful beyond our wildest expectations. It is a facility that was sorely needed for our Jewish community for many years. The amount of use it is getting is phenon^-^and the Temple members have a recreation facility they can be proud of, where they can meet and participate in programs both athletic and cu ltural, with their own people. I want to stress that you, as Temple members are automatically members of the center. Respectfully^ submitted iairman Center Committee. HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT - DAVE GORDON, CHAIRMAN - MAY 9, 197 3 This committee concerns itself with the normal maintenance and physical well-being Qf our buildings. Upkeep can become an expensive proposition, particularly with the hundreds of youngsters on our grounds every day of the year. And so we do our best to see to it that everything is in good repair, and things are att ended to ir as soon as necessary. We had a problem this past year regarding gardeners. We couldnat find one who would consistently do the job wall. We had-~to keep several of them, and the one we have now,, otautod with" fo us about a month or so afp; So f ary?so- -good-,?-Ll-iis one wil 1 ygrk nul. nri'i t1 on the jnh We had several heavy rainstorms this past year, and we found quite a few areas on the roof which had to be fixed. These repairs were done. But it brings to mind the fact that one of these days, we will probably have to put a new roof on the building. In the final analysis, if we have to keep paying for patching the roof after every rain, it will probably be to our advantage in the long run, to get new roofs put onQ We will watch this matter carefully during this coming year. The board has for some time been concerned with the possibility of gating* a retaining wall built along our Westernmost property line, which runs along the driveway leading to the new Center Building. We have been and will continue to be in touch with the owners of the hill property, and see what can be done. We are at this moment working with a local engineering firm to determine what would be best for us to do. The dirt and rocks from the hillside, forms a natural playground for every youngster, and it is virtu ally impossible to keep the parking lot clean. However, in an attempt to keep it clean, we have engaged the services of a machine sweeper, which cleans the entire area once a month. HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT Page 2 In an effort to properly utilize all our parking areas, we have during this past year, re-striped and re-whitewashed all the parking stalls, and for the sake of safety, especially for the safety of the children, we hope everyone will park properly at all times. One important comment ? Our facilities are in use just about every day of the year, morning, noon and night. That?s what they were built for, and that?s their purpose. We3re happy they are being used so extensively, and we do out best to make every individual who uses the premises, comfortable and happy. In general, things are in good repair, and everything is taken care of, as needed. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT - GEORGE RUDIAK, CHAIRMAN - MAY 9, 197 3 I am happy to report to you that we have 841 members in the Temple family. At this time last year, we had 77 9 members. This indicates a net gain of 62 members. We actually signed up 93 new members during the past 12 months, but unfortunately, the turnover in memberships continues as usual, and we lose an average of 30-40 families a year, most of whom move out of the city. However, the continuing growth of the area/is reflected as well in the growth of the Jewish population and the Temple membership. We can readily foresee the magic number of 1000 members in the not too distant future. I want to remind each of you that the finest way to gain new members, is by personally bringing them in. There are undoubtedly people you know?friends or neighbors of the Jewish faith, who just will not come in on their own, and would enjoy being asked to join. Invite them to come to services or to any event sponsored during the year. This would give us the opportunity of meeting them and making them welcome. In this regard. Sisterhood continues to play a very important role by sponsoring the Oneg Shabbat each Friday evening after services, and greeting strangers, whether new local people or guests from out-of-town. I want to report to you on a very interesting project which was undertaken and carried out by Dr. Pearlman. In an effort to learn more about the background of our membership, a survey questionnaire was sent to everyone. The response represented 12% of the general membership. We wish there had been many more responses, but it was adequate enough to show a positive trend. The results indicated that of our membership MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT PAGE 2 40% were Conservative, liberally inclined. 20% were Conservative, traditionally inclined. 30% leaned toward Reform Jewry. 4% leaned toward Orthodoxy. 3% were Reconstructionists, and 3% were completely neutral. nc cjo This means that of the membership is liberally inclined, one way or another, and it indicates clearly that being a Conservative Temple is best for us. I want to take this opportunity to remind you that there will be another''triple installation" of the officers and board members elected for the Temple, Sisterhood and the Mens Club. Each year for the past few years, we've had beautiful installation evenings, enjoyed by everyone, and we know that this year's will be equally enjoyableQ Watch your mail for the official invitation. It will be in the mail to you very shortly. Then, make it your business to attend. And remember, each one of you is always a "committee of one" for bringing in new members. With your help, the 1000 goal will soon be reached. Thank you. RTTUAL & HIGH HOLIDAY COMMITTEE - DR. MAURICE PEARLMAN - CHAIRMAN MAY 9. 1973 Many of you will remember that Maury Spencer was appointed Chairman of this committee last year, but a few months ago he moved out of the city?and so it is my pleasure to make this report. During the High Holidays of 1972, our Jewish community experienced a "first." With the growth of membership it had become a problem of physically seating the members who wished to attend services. In recent years, we had to place 75-100 chairs on the stage itself, in the social hall. This past year, however, the new Center Gymnasium building was ready to be used in time for the High Holidays, and so for the first time, our Temple held dual-services. You will recall that our Guest Rabbi in the Sanctuary was Rabbi Benzion Bergman. For the Center, we engaged the services of young Rabbi Daniel Pressman, son of the eminent Rabbi Jacob Pressman, of Los Angeles. As Cantor, we engaged Cantor William Nussen of Long Beach, Calif. I am happy to report that Rabbi Bergman conducted an outstanding service. Cantor Kohn and our adult choir were equally outstanding, and the High Holiday services were most enjoyable. In the Center Building, there were 259 tickets sold. The guest Clergy there provided a service which was much more than adequate. It was enjoyed by almost everyone present. On the second evening of Rosh Hashana, and on the second d ay^ when attendance normally is much less than the first day, all worshippers were invited to come into the Sanctuary. This proved to be very acceptable, as was the fact that our guest Rabbis alternated delivering sermons. Particular thanks is extended to Cantor Kinnory for his help during the High Holidays, and to Sid Peilte, our appointed Gabbai, who pitched in and helped when our Committee Chairman could not be present. Thanks are also due to the ushers, who served devotedly. RITUAL & HIGH HOLIDAY COMMITTEE PAGE 2 under the direction of David Gordon, Mens Club President, and Chairman of the Ushers Committee. And a special thanks to Bernie Otis for helping so ably with the distribution of the various aliyahs and honors, and to Jerry Willik and Norman Shlisky who helped at the services in the Center Building. Cantor Kohn has carried the ball admirably. During the past year he has served us as Cantor and Rabbi, and, assisted by our Executive Director, has given us excellent Friday night services. Attendance has held up very well, and it is worthy of note that there were more Friday night services with the youngsters and the Junior Choir, than ever before. The religious area in the life of our Temple did not fall down, nor was it neglected at all. Now we look forward to the arrival of Rabbi Philip Shnairson who will assume our pulpit on July 1, 1973 . As dedicated as our staff has shown itself to be, and with the addition of our Rabbi, I think our Temple will enjoy continued growth in attendance at services. As for the High Holidays, I can foresee a minimum of 500 people in attendance in the Center Building this coming September. I feel certain that we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the proposition that we want to present outstanding services to our members at all times; to insure that every worshipper, whether in the main building or in the new Center Building, will enjoy a spiritually enriching experience. Thank you. YOUTH COMMISSION COMMITTEE REPORT This year has been one of formulating and adopting guide lines for the operation 0i the USY. These guide lines covered transportation,travel events requirements, duties 0i the advisor and guide lines for activities of the USY. Additionally, a new structure of the Youth Commission Committee has been adopted effective on September 1, 1973. The new structure will include a more varied participation in that Mens Club and Sisterhood will be asked to provide representatives to sit on this board and wil include the Rabbi and the Cantor along with representatives of the USY and its advisors. It has taken a while to refine these guide lines and the new commission structure, and it's my opinion that having hurdled the administrative obstacles, the Youth Commission will now be in a position to better help the USY in its future activities and growth. The new Rabbi has already indicated a strong interest and willingness to help the USY grow and prosper. The activities of the USY progressed rather well throughout the year, culminating in what was the most financially successful and perhaps the best attended Purim Carnival in the history of the USY. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to those of you who helped during the critical time on the Y0uth Commission. I would like to thankft?el Baratz, Sid Goldberg and Eunice Merkin, along with our ex-officio member, Leo Wilner, whose services were invaluable. o. we operate tne Girt snop wmcii uu variety of beautiful religious, decorative and educational products not found anywhere else in the City. SISTERHOOD 1972-73 As always, Sisterhood has had