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Jeremy Hollis, President Board of Trustees
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| Executive Committee E-mail a member of our Executive Committee |
Trustees E-mail one of our trustees |
Jeremy Hollis
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Jeff Aran Our AffiliatePresidents: Jeff Rabinovitz Sarah Gladstone |
The following letter regarding the role of non-Jews at B'nai Israel (and the special ballot) was mailed to members during the past summer. The changes to the bylaws were subsequently approved by the membership.
Dear Members of Congregation B’nai Israel,
In April, you received a copy of the final report of the Committee on the Role of Non-Jews at Congregation B’nai Israel. If you recall, this committee was appointed in early 2007, and was charged with examining the congregation’s bylaws and practices in the areas of membership, governance and religious practices; and with recommending any changes necessary to define more clearly the role that non-Jews play at B’nai Israel.
Most of the RNJ Committee’s recommendations concern amending our congregational bylaws. Bylaws changes require congregational approval, and the Board of Trustees has authorized submitting these proposals for a congregational vote. If implemented, these would result in new language affecting mainly our preamble, eligibility for membership, participation in committees, and service on the Board of Trustees.
Enclosed please find 3 items:
- A ballot, to be returned to CBI by August 11; and
- A copy of the affected sections of the bylaws showing both the current language and the proposed changes; and
- A summary of the recommendations taken from the RNJ Committee report, Attachment C.
To save on paper and mailing costs, we have enclosed only the relevant sections of the bylaws. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the complete bylaws (with the recommended changes), please call the temple office at 446-4861. However, you may view the complete document, marked to show changes, as well as the full RNJ Committee Report, on the temple’s website. Both of these documents at available at www.bnais.com. (Go to About/Board of Trustees) and from the temple office.
Please note that the ballot contains only one question: Do you approve of the proposed amendment of the Bylaws of Congregation B’nai Israel, as set forth in the enclosed copy of the affected sections of the bylaws? A vote of “approve” means you support making the proposed changes. A vote of “disapprove” means you are opposed to making these changes. You do not have the option of approving some changes and disapproving others. The Board of Trustees determined that since these amendments relate to each other philosophically, they should be voted on as one single question.
The Board of Trustees invites you to attend a second town hall meeting on the RNJ report. This will give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may still have regarding the proposed changes to the bylaws. This meetingwill take place on Wednesday, July 16, 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the temple's sanctuary.
Our bylaws require a quorum of ten percent (10%) of the voting power of the Congregation, so every vote is important. Please remember to return your ballot to CBI by August 11, and thank you for participating in this major congregational project.