Minutes from Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors meetings, June 1987 - May 1988 (1 of 2)

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988 PRESENT Gene R. Greenberg Herb Pastor Ed Bernstein Stanley Schwartz Allen Brewster JJ Cowles David Funk Barry Eisen Beverly Eisen Ruth Goldfarb Etta Harmell Joseph Kadans Todd Marshall Benjamin Mehr Gerald Welt Herman Youngman Adele Baratz Faye Steinberg A1 Schulman ABSENT Elaine Steinberg Oscar Alterwitz Dr, Eugene Eisenman Jared Shafer Steven Molasky Leo Wilner GUESTS None Gene Greenberg, President, called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. The roll was called by Isabel Goldberg. Those present, absent and guests are noted above. Addition to minutes: David Funk is also serving on the Nominating Committee. A motion was made and seconded to accept the April 4, 1988 Minutes as corrected. Motion carried. CORRESPONDENCE : \<$n The followina QQiiy'Myr-o? Ami i T " * in Isi congre ticipa age (w from D also s vices; for the of Las Convale bution fish fo a the Agenda and Addendum n The United Synagogue ling their convention ?-hat any United Synagogue .gent of fifteen par-free round trip pack-onvention; a letter a contribution and oks at the Yizkor ser-athan Adelson Hospice vish Community Center ;r from the Vegas Valley .. for the wine contri-the gift of gefilte tients during Passover. We ongratulatory letter from Rai gation Ner Tamid; a thank y^ . . nusney for the flowers received during her hospital stay; a letter from The Movement to Reaffirm Conservative Zionism (MERCAZ) regarding their support for Israel on Yom Ha-Atzmaut, and a thank you let?ter from the Jewish Family Service Agency for Temple Beth Sholom's donation to the JFSA Financial Assistance Fund. REPORTS; RABBI'S REPORT: The Rabbi thanked the Board members and congregation for the expressions of condolences which were comforting and inspiring. CANTOR'S REPORT: Gene Greenberg reported the Cantor was at the Cantorial Convention in New York, but left the following report to be added to the minutes. There will be three Bar Mitzvahs during the month of May; Michael Dias, Sheldon Cowles and Brett Primack. Fri?day evening, May 6th is the second grade Consecration Shabbat Dinner and Service. The boys and girls of our sec?ond grade class will present a short program at services. At the Oneg Shabbat following services, our United Synagogue Youth will honor the mothers and grandmothers of our con?gregation who are in attendance that evening in a very special way. Friday eveing, May 13th, is Hebrew Academy Shabbat. The Hebrew Academy will participate in the service and also pre?sent a special program. Friday evening, May 20th, the stu?dents of our high school who have continued with us for two years beyond their Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be confirmed during the service. Friday evening, May 27th is Men's Club Sabbath. The Men's Club will participate in services and Dr. Joe Kadans will address the congregation. Sunday morn?ing, May 22nd, the first day of Shavuot, is designated as Nate Mack Religious School closing exercises. Monday May 23rd at 11:00 A.M., on the Second day of Shavuot, we will have Yizkor Services. Everyone is cordially invited to part?icipate and join us for all or any of these services. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Faye Steinberg, Chairperson, reported that the last Board of Education Committee meeting was cancelled because a majority of board members could not attend. Faye reported she met with Roz Sbarra regarding compiling a list of the teachers with their addresses and telephone numbers; the books used at each grade level; a resume with their secular and Jewish education; their length of teaching, and their present salary. Faye reported they discussed the July 10-14, 1988 conference that many of the teachers had registered for. Funds were requested from Federation to assist. They discussed some of the potential problems that face the Hebrew School in the Fall, and some possible remedies. Faye stated she met with the Rabbi last week to inform him how deeply concerned she was regarding a principal. The Rabbi informed her he had been in touch with people in Los Angeles. They are aware of how anxious we are to find a principal. Faye stated she felt her "hands were tied" Board or Director's Meeting May 2, 1988 2 She is uncomfortable with the feeling of not knowing what direction to go in, how much we could save or spend and and what to do. Faye stated she would not have sat on her hands for the last two months and would have put ads in all the papers in Los Angeles. She said she did not know in which direction the Temple was going. Faye stated a principal may not be available for the Fall. Perhaps if Rabbi Lederman takes on the full-time position we will have a principal. Faye stated there is the possiblity he might have to do it if a principal is not hired. Faye stated she spoke with the teachers and informed them them the Board is working on obtaining a principal. Faye said the teachers had not been informed if they were going to be rehired. She stated she did not know what we were looking for - just for a principal, an assistant Rabbi, or a Youth director. Faye stated she needed to know what we are look?ing for. Faye reported the students from the religious school participated in the walk-a-thon on April 24, 1988. The school was well represented. Faye stated that all the Temples were represented at the exhibits except for Temple Beth Sholom. Next year we should be better represented. Beverly Eisen stated she felt Faye should be given some guidelines regarding a principal. Faye stated she had spoken with the Religious School Committee at a meet?ing asking them if they had any leads. Gene Greenberg stated that we are attempting to find an assistant Rabbi that would then be principal of the Religious School and work with Rabbi Lederman and free him from a lot of his responsibilities. The assistant Rabbi's main function would be as principal of the Religious School and not be involved as youth director or program director. Gene stated the focus would be on hiring an assistant Rabbi/ Principal. Gene also stated United Synagogue in New York, the Rabbinical Assembly, and Rabbi Dorf in Los Angeles are all aware of our need and are working toward helping us find such a person. Gene said he has found it is not easy to convince Rabbinic school graduates to come West. He stated he had a long discussion with Rabbi Dorf who went to New York to specifically talk to people who were going to graduate soon to try and convince them there are not stagecoaches and horses hitched up to the front of the Synagogue. Rabbi Lederman stated he received the placement list and at least three or four of the recent graduates had taken positions in very large, prestigious congregations such as Kansas City, Highland Park and Encino. These Synagogues have 1,100 to 1,400 families. Gene reported that if there are candidates in New York that we should be takling to then perhaps the Rabbi should go to New York to recruit and in?terview. Rabbi Lederman said the opening has been on the list for nine months. Barry Eisen stated that Faye needs some direction as to what to look for. Faye stated there Board of Director's Meeting May 2, 1988 3 Board of Director's Meeting May 2, 1988 will be a meeting on Wednesday, May 4. Barry Eisen asked if this means we are going to start the school year off with Rabbi Lederman as principal. Gene Greenberg stated it would have to be worked out between the Rabbi, Faye Steinberg and the Board of Education to see what our options a r e . Gene said he will make tlephone calls again, prior to Wednesday's meeting to find out what is happening. The Rabbi stated if a firm offer could be made listing what we want, what we are willing to pay and what the package is then we would receive inquiries. Ed Bernstein asked the Board if they wished to discuss salary ranges, parameters, etc. Gene stated the assistant Rabbi's salary range was in the low 4 0 's. The Rabbi stated to hire an assistant Rabbi, the package would have to be $50,000, minimum. Jerry Welt stated there are 30 graduates and Isabel Goldberg stated that according to Rabbi Epstein the majority of them do not take pulpits; the majority continue their education. The Rabbi stated he is interested in having a package to offer and meeting with anyone that is interested in the details. The package would be presented to Rabbi Epstein and it must go through the Placement Committee. The Rabbi stated that no one would be able to accept the job un?less they go through the Placement Committee, and we cannot speak to anyone unless they come through the Placement Committee, Gene said he had spoken with Rabbi Epstein at length. It seems an assistant is very difficult because it is not a position that a lot of graduates want and they won't take it without the support of the Senior Rabbi. Gene stated we need a motion to allow us to go forward further in in?forming the United Synagogue and the Rabbinic Assembly that we are willing to work out a package in the $40-50,000 range that will be negotiated with a successful candidate. Herb Pastor stated the $50,000 range is proper. Gene said a meeting should be set to appoint a committee to discuss this further to present to the Board. Since David Funk is Ritual Committee chairman he will be on this committee. Ed Bernstein made a motion that Gene Greenberg and David Funk meet to develop a committee to set perameters and actively pursue the hiring of an Assistant Rabbi. Seconded by Barry Eisen. Motion carried. BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE Stan Schwartz, Chairman, reported there were no further comments to the attached report. Jerry Welt stated in the 4 negotiations with United Synagogue, instead of owing them $10,000 for dues, the final payment was $8,700. Gene stated the relationship with United Synagogue has greatly improved. CEMETERY COMMITTEE Stan Schwartz and Ruth Goldfarb, Co-Chairpersons. No report. HOUSE COMMITTEE Allen Brewster, Chairman, reported that he was extremely pleased with the new custodian. Allen stated that unless steady, part-time help is hired to help and relieve him on a steady basis, then we will lose him due to the work load. Gene asked Allen if there was anything in the House Budget to cover this. Isabel stated in the Budget there is a line item "Other Custodial" and it is about $8-9,000 a year for part-time help (15-18 hours a week) which is not enough. Ed Bernstein asked if the custodian had been told how well he was doing and how pleased Allen was with his work. Allen answered in the affirmative. Ed stated if there is money in the budget for part-time help than someone should be hired. Ed noted that one problem the Temple has is staff problems, such as the need for an Assistant Rabbi, an Education Administrator, and an additional person in the office. Ed stated he felt we need to sit down to discuss how much money should be spent for each of these people and determine what we can afford to pay so we can hire them. Barry Eisen stated there is money in the budget for a person. Isabel Goldberg stated the person hired has to be more than just part-time. Someone is needed that can work 25-30 hours a week. When the custodian is off, the other person is on. He will clean and close the building in the evening. Sam is being paid $800. per month, plus the apart?ment. The part-time person can be hired at $4.00 or $4.50 an h o u r . A call for the question was made. Gene requested all in favor or hiring another person to relieve the custodian to raise their hands. Motion carried. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Etta Harmell, Chairperson, reported two members left during the period of March through April 25; five new members were gained, three school age children. The total membership as of April 25 is 836. Ed Bernstein stated that some time ago a New Membership Committee was formed and Allan Boruszak was chairman. Ed Board of Director's Meeting May 2, 1988 5 Board of Director's Meeting May , 1988 reported that for the first few meetings, not everyone attended. Unless something has happened between the last meeting and this evening, he did not know of any new members on "-he Membership Committee. Ed felt that anything we can do for the Temple to encourage new members to join is nec?essary. Ed asked if there were any Board members interested in serving on the Committee. The idea is to explore what we can do to obtain new members and what programs can be put in place to keep them. Ed stated the next meeting is Thurs?day, May 5 at 7:30 P.M. in the Youth Lounge. Gene stated the New Member Committee is part of the overall Membership Committee and that there will also be a Retention Division under the Membership Committee. RITUAL & HIGH HOLIDAY COMMITTEE David Funk, Chairman, reported the Rabbi and Isabel will meet to prepare Mishaberach and Mola Cards for those who wish to avail themselves of them. The Cantor is going to put together a mailing to obtain volunteers to do the early morning Shabbot service. Hopefully the mailing will help. In reference to the letter in the Agenda re?garding prayer books, there are plenty of them. Allen, the former custodian had resigned the day before and didn't leave them out. Jerry Welt stated he had made a suggestion to have an outline of the services prepared. The Cantor stated he had an outline at a meeting in either February or March and that he would make it available to anyone who wanted it. Jerry stated it would be very helpful for the children. An outline should be given to the USY'ers. WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE Ed Bernstein, Chairman, No Report YOUTH COMMISSION Beverly Eisen, Ben Mehr, Co-Chairpersons. Ben Mehr dis?tributed information concerning the Youth Commission. The main points are as follows: In the last two years USY has made enormous strides at Temple Beth Sholom, especially with the help of Marci Welt. There are more children involved in USY than we have ever had, and they attend meetings. There are 46 dues paying members; 30 are active members. There have been a minimum of 15 different children going on var?ious Kinnusim; plus the children from our own USY that at?tend the mini-Kinnus that we had. Ben stated he now looks at this more personally since his daughter has become an avid USY supporter. He attributed much of U S Y 's growth and support to the enormous strength and energy of Marci Welt. He stated the Yom Hashoah Program was absolutely moving and 6 wonderful. Ben stated that USY is growing and should not be stopped now. Ben stated that at the Budget Committee meeting in Novem?ber a budget was presented for travel for USY. At the time, the budget was cut in half. Their was an option of re?questing additional funds at a future date. Ben stated that USY is an absolute success and is now coming back to the Board for funds to continue to help it grow. The amount requested is $3,500. The money is to be divided as follows: eight officers going to leadership training, four additional Kinnuses planned by the region-$1,600; sponsoring three teens (partially) for USY F a r W e s t on Wheels ? $525; and par?tially sponsoring two teens to travel to Israel this year ? $1,000; and $400 for two additional college students as advisors. Herb asked how much was budgeted. Gene said about $20,000 for the year; Travel about $5,000. Herb asked if there was money in other parts of the budget that could be used. Ed Bernstein asked if money was being spent for chil?dren whose parents could afford to pay their own way. Ben responded in the affirmative, and stated he does not ask if any of the parents are refunding the money; however some parents are. No child is turned down who wants to go to a Kinnus. Far West has even given extra slots when they have been able to do so. The children really enjoy the Kinnusim. Gene stated that when a parent donates money back to the Synagogue it goes into the General Fund not the Youth Com?mittee. Ben stated the kids checking account is currently short $441.00 because the memberships that were to be spon?sored by the Men's Club have not been paid as yet. Herb stated it was his impression that the children that do the traveling, are for the most part, the same children. Ben stated this is not true, all children are encouraged to go and 15-20 different children have gone. There are 30 active USY'ers. Herb questioned the fact that $21,000 is budgeted for 30 children. Isabel stated there are between 25 and 30 paid Kadima kids also, mostly fifth and sixth graders. Herb stated that the Temple had a greater need in budgeting and spending for the staffing; a greater need for a program director and a greater need for an educational director or assistant Rabbi. He stated there was no doubt there is a need for money for the children, but felt there are greater needs. Ben stated that for many years the children were lost from the Temple, but they are now coming back. There is a minimum of 30 children being brought back into the Temple and that means something which does not and cannot have a dollar value. Adele Baratz stated that giving help to the children was more important than a lot of other things that is done with the money. Board of Director's Meeting May 2, 1988 7 Board of Director's Meeting May 2, 1988 Jerry Welt made a motion to allocate $3,500 to Travel for the Youth Committee. Seconded by Barry Eisen. Motion carried. Jerry also stated the children have been active in all the community events and if his wife could not get the chil?dren to interact with the other Jewish children in the Region, the USY program would not exist. Jerry stated there are parents who could fund the whole USY program who will not give their children a dime toward the program and he did not want to deny those children the experience. Ben stated parents are asked to reimburse for the trips, but if they do not, the children are not turned away. Etta asked about the bottom paragraph on the first page of the report regarding USY'ers attending services and learn?ing about the services. Etta said she had not seen any of them on Friday night at this Temple and only has seen two or three on Saturday. Isabel stated there is an organized USY Shabbat service one Friday a month. The Rabbi stated in the Spring of 1983 we started with $6,000 which was for personnel only and nothing for travel. He also stated it was a struggle to obtain travel funds for the children, and there were only four children in USY. The reasons given for not giving money was there was no money. Finally, $10,600 was given. The Rabbi stated at that time the at?traction was with BBYO and not USY. He stated that BBYO does not keep kosher or observe shabbat. Beverly and Barry Eisen both stated that this is not true. The Rabbi stated that the kids have given him this information. Barry and Beverly objected to his statements indicating that is ab?solutely is not true. Now, the organization is USY and the children really like it. Some boys and girls are natural for BBYO and some for USY and some that will go either way, or both. USY is something the boys and girls look froward to and it has a better body of youths then it has had for a number of years. The Rabbi stated that it may well be true that they do not observe Shabbat like the Orthodox National Council of Jewish Youth, and he understands that. Etta stated what she should have said was she did not object to how much money was being spent to have them here. The Rabbi stated it is the first time in his five years here that USY is now the "In" group and that it has eclipsed BBYO. The leadership is now going into USY. The Rabbi felt more money should be given to them. He said that too much money cannot be spent on the children today; that not only does credit go to Marci Welt, but to Ellen Samuels and Jackie Boiman and a lot of other people. Gene called for the question, which passed unanimously. 8 PRE-SCHOOL COMMITTEE Board of Director's Meeting May 2, 1988 Todd Marshall, Chairman, reported that Karin Soresman had been hired as reported at last month's meeting. Todd reported that it is the Committee's recommendation to in?crease the tuition for the coming year. Currently, the par?ents pay $225 for a 9 week quarter. WE would like to raise it to $300 with a discount of $25 ($275) for Temple members. In addition, the Day Care Center rate has not increased for the last several years. The Day Care rate is currently $2 per hour or $35 per week. We would like to change the rate to $2.85 an hour or $45 per week. This is well within what is being charged in the community. There would be no discount for Day Care for Temple members. Ruth Goldfarb made a motion that tuition for Pre-School be raised to $300 for a 9 week quarter, with a $25 discount for Temple members making it $275, and Day Care rate be in?creased to $2.85 an hour or $45 per week and no discount for Temple members. Ed Bernstein seconded the motion. Motion carried. Todd distributed a map which indicated the new fenced area for the Pre-School. The map and fencing is by Tiberti Contraction. Todd stated that the equipment that is too small for the Hebrew Academy children will be rehabilitated and some new equipment will be purchased. He stated that all equipment being put in was approved by the Clark County School District. Todd stated that one of the goals is to create a more secure pre-school environment. We will be marketing that for next year. The cost is approximately $25,000. When the Temple took over the responsibility of the pre-school, there was a $16,000 bank account that went with it. Todd stated he has raised, privately, $8,000 to apply toward the cost of these changes. Barry Eisen made a motion to allocate $25,000 toward the fencing for new equipment and rehabilitation of old playground equipment. Ed Bernstein seconded the motion. Motion carried. Beverly Eisen stated the USY wanted to use the back corner (17th and Bracken Streets) for their use for a USY garden. There were no objections to this. SISTERHOOD: Adele Baratz, president, reported the last meeting was their election meeting and Audrey Merkin spoke on "Women in Politics." Ms. Merkin is National Co-Chairman of the Young Republicans. It was very interesting, and was their final 9 program for the year. The donor luncheon is coming up. SENIORS: Board of Director's Meeting May 2, 1988 Herman Youngman, president, reported on May 17th elections will be held. He reported 1,2000 seniors will be attending the Clark County Committee for Aging luncheon on May 28 at the Hacienda Hotel. Quite a number of donations were received. Three hundred dollars is needed to obtain more tickets. Herman thanked everyone for their support and cooperation. MEN'S CLUB Joe Kadans, president, reported the Men's Club will pay the dues for the USY'ers and did not understand why the $441 had not been paid. He feld that perhaps the bill had not been sent to the Men's Club for payment. Isabel Goldberg reported that to the best of her knowledge the bill had been sent by Jackie at least twice. Joe Kadans stated he will check into this. Joe reported they will be sending out a newsletter soon. He also announced Bob Desmond will be secretary, Sid Lewis will continue as treasurer, vice president will be Allen Brewster, and Herb Kaufman has agreed to serve as president. Joe reported at the next meeting awards will be presented to members of the Men's Club who have been active not only in the Men's Club but also in the community and Temple Ed Bernstein requested that Joe remind Sid Lewis that the Men's Club owes the Gift Shop $75 for Kiddiish cups. Etta stated a bill had been sent for the cups and payment has not been received as yet. Joe will check into this and see that payemnt is made. OLD BUSINESS 4QTH ANNIVERSARY GALA Etta Harmell stated the Gala was the most beautiful affair the Temple has ever done and that Herb was due a Thank You for a job well done. Everyone agreed to this. Herb Pastor stated he had heard good and bad things about the G a l a . Some of not very complementary items, which are true, are as follows: 1. Theodore Bikel was too shabbily dressed for the occasion 2. The auction was a bit tacky. 3. The event was too elegant for our Temple. 4. There were a number of people upset because it was a Kosher dinner. This was not from Gentile people, but members of our Temple. 5. The printing of the invitations appeared to be too costly. 10 Board of Directors Meeting May 2, 1988 6. It should have been on Sunday evening instead of Saturday evening. 7. Next time the event should start earlier. 8. Next time it should end earlier 9. We should not involve the community. 1 0 . Items regarding the advertisements: there was not enough gold on the gold pages and not enough silver on the silver pages. And a number of other things. Herb reported the net result was that hundreds of businesses casinos, banks and individual people spent $50,000 on ad?vertisement in our journal; More than 500 tickets were sold and paid for and that included more than 350 Temple members. Most importantly, not just the Board, but the Board and Temple and the Community were able to focus on our 40th Anniversary. They helped make it a commemorative evening for all. Herb wanted to thank all those who had helped, and dis?tinguishable among them was Elaine Steinberg, Todd Marshall, Etta Harmell, Ruth Goldfarb, and Beverly Eisen. The net result, and not all final figures are in, is just under $70,000. This will help pay for the new assistant Rabbi, and other items needed by the Temple. Herb stated the more you put in, the more you get out. By this event he felt enriched and what he personally got out of this was even far greater than the energy expended. Gene Greenberg stated the Temple received a certificate from the Pacific Southwest Region of United Synagogue of America congratulating us on the e v e n t . Ed Bernstein stated he had also heard some negative and positive comments. However, he felt that next year the event would be bigger and better. Allen Brewster stated he had some comments, such as the salmon was not good, the salad was small and felt the price charged for the dinner was too much. Allen stated some of the past presidents of the Temple were not mentioned nor did they receive an award, such as Jared Shafer. He also stated the letter from Rabbi Axelrad should have been read at the event. MISCELLANEOUS Gene Greenberg reminded everyone that the Annual Temple Meeting is on Tuesday, May 24 at 8:00 P.M. and everyone should be in attendance. Gene reminded the committee chair?persons to be prepared to answer questions regarding their committee. Rabbi Lederman stated that Gene and Melanie Greenberg were in Warsaw for five days and then went on to Israel 11 They related something to him that he wanted to relate to everyone. Rabbi stated that we who live in comfortable America have no idea what is going on in Israel. He stated that for the first time in 40 years, the state of Israel is being besieged as it has never been besieged before. It is besieged not just militarily, but the legitimacy of Torah is now being called into question everywhere. There are Jews, who, for the first time are emphasizing the American advocate and down playing the Jewish advocate. He stated we are probably going to suffer psychologically in America in a peculiar way as our Israeli brothers will be suffering in Israel psychologically. It is not a military threat that is going to destroy them. The Ted Kopel show brought this home in no uncertain terms. A lot of Jews are begin?ning to hang their heads in shame. Just this past Friday night a fine member of ours approached me and said "isn't what is going on is Israel, contrary to Torah?" The Rabbi stated that in a sense it is and the events of the Jewish state and people take precedence over everything else. Rabbi stated that he was going to submit to those present (1) that as far as he is concerned as their spiritual leader, Yitzchak Shamir is one hundred percent correct in his approach to the problem. That as a Rabbi who is aware of Jewish his?tory that what Yitzhak Shamir is saying is correct. (2) he also noted that the "flack" and spinoff is going to harm Israel psychologically, mentally and morally and also specifi?cally the American Jewish Committee. We are now entering a new phase, the second 40 years and there is going to be a falling off of support from the Christian community. The Jews are now being said to be acting like the South Africans. The Rabbi felt that on the Ted Kopel show, the PLO made gains psychologically. The gains were made because they were elo?quent. He flet that Paul Johnson, the historian, made clear the American Jew has to face up to the fact that when the Temple was destroyed in Jerusalem (70 AD} two things should happen. Judaism should have ended, the Jewish people should have ended as their land was conquered and sent into exile. Two thousand years ago this happened, but Judaism did not die. Why did we survive? Because a group of Jews had set in motion before the Temple was destroyed (at least 200 years before), a survival mechanism that kept us alive. Since we could not take a Temple with us, we took a Synagogue, a Torah and we survived in foreign lands because we had the Synagogue and the Torah. The Rabbi stated he prayed to God that no one would destroy the land and was confident it would not be. The Rabbi stated there has probably never been a time in Jewish history, since the beginning of the Christian era, where what you are doing is more important as Board members of a Congregation. We have to give our support to Israel in every conceivable way. If we ever permit the Synagogue or the Torah of the Jewish people to falter, we will have Board of Directors Meeting May 2, 1988 12 sealed our own fate and death. So, as you watch the news, remember that the fate of the land, the State of Israel, is paramount. The Rabbi further stated that we will be criticiz?ed, ridiculed because we are now killing people in a way that Jews never killed people. Christians are asking me con?stantly to explain to them what is going on. I am standing up to you at the end of this meeting to alert you. I don't know why each and everyone of you are on the Board, or why you serve as officers, that is your knowledge. However, one thing I do know is, all of us together have one mission and that is we must do everything we can for the Jews in Israel to survive as the State of Israel. The Rabbi stated to everyone present that if they thought the next 40 years are going to be easy for u s , in terms of living as Jews out?side the Fatherland, then they are mistaken. If there is ever a time this congregation had a mission to reach out to more Jews in this community and to bring them back to the House of God and Torah, probably it is never truer than it is today because of what is happening over there. We have to get away from nursing bruised egos as we have been doing at these meetings; the kind of doors the Synagogue should have; the kind of reading I do on a Friday night: if there is ever a time to pull together as a Congregation that celebrated its 40th anniversary, then it is at this time. The Rabbi stated that if there is one mission we have, it is to not just bring Zionism to our fellow Jews and Christians, but to bring Judaism to our fellow Jews be?cause we are going to suffer mentally, emotionally and psychologically as the news gets worse and worse. The Rabbi then asked Gene Greenberg to relate what was told him. Gene stated that on a trip like this, one is able to meet some high level people and the question was asked as to whether there was going to be peace. This was in Israel. The answer was that they felt their grandchildren would be defending Israel?s borders as their children and they have. It is not going to end soon and it should not be expected. Faye Steinberg stated she had read an article and felt we should go about educating ourselves about all the good Jewish people do. She stated she felt that we are not aware of all the projects Israel has undertaken beside defending its borders. She stated more pride should be taken in the t