Next Executive Committee Meeting: June 3, 2021
Annual Congregational Meeting: Sunday, June 13, 2021
Our WHY Statement is: “To Celebrate and Enrich Jewish Life.”
Our VISION Statement is “To inspire a vibrant, uplifting, and inclusive community connected to the dynamic traditions of Conservative Judaism.”
Our MISSION Statement is: To provide Greater Chattanooga with a community dedicated to the celebration of Conservative Jewish life inspired by Torah, Education, and Tikkun Olam.
Attendees: Bea Lurie, Beth Lowe, Bill Hillner, David Rose, Howard Kaplan, Irv Ginsburg, Jackie Rosenfeld, Joe Kodsi, Joel Susman, Jordan Parker, Lynn Hochman, Mark Shapiro, Owen Allen, Rachel Hanan, Roy Rosenfeld, Scott Israel, Tal Cohen, Terry Wheeler.
Guests: Traci Sloan – yes
Also in attendance were: Rabbi Hillel Norry and Amy Sandy-Office Manager.
Unable to attend: Alan Lebovitz, Cara Weiner, Matt Kodsi, Orly Berke, Reuben Dubrow, Rob Cowan
Words or notes in brackets like this [x] represent the secretary’s additions for clarification or background information.
The Zoom link was open by 6:27, and our meeting began at 6:32 p.m.
AGENDA
B’nai Zion Board Meeting
Thursday, May 6, 2021, 6:30. p.m. – 8:30, Held via Zoom
Our WHY Statement is: To Celebrate and Enrich Jewish Life.
Our VISION Statement is: To inspire a vibrant, uplifting, and inclusive community connected to the dynamic traditions of Conservative Judaism.
Our MISSION Statement is: To provide Greater Chattanooga with a community dedicated to the celebration of Conservative Jewish life inspired by Torah, Education, and Tikkun Olam.
- D’var Torah – Rabbi Hillel Norry
- Approval of Board Meeting Minutes, Feb. 4, Mar. 21 (Decision Point)
- Rabbi Norry’s Report
- Financials – Rachel Hanan
- Education – Tal Cohen
- Membership – Scott Israel and Tal Cohen (Decision Point)
- High Holiday Report – Mark Shapiro
- B’nai Zion Foundation Corporate Entity Status – Joel Susman & Scott Israel (Decision Point)
- Governance Redesign / By-Laws / Board Reorganization – Mark Shapiro
- Nominating Committee – Scott Israel & Alan Lebovitz (Decision Point)
- Rabbinical Welcoming Committee – Bill Hillner & Scott Israel
- Land at 114 McBrien Road – Alan Lebovitz
- Future Home Search – Bill Hillner & Scott Israel
- Reopening Update – Jackie Rosenfeld & Scott Israel
- Engagement & Outreach Position Open (Marketing Emphasis)
- Upcoming Events
- Kabbalat Shabbat Services via Zoom Fridays, 6:00 p.m.
- Scholars of the Scroll via Zoom on Saturdays, 9:15 a.m.
- Shabbat Services via Zoom on Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.
- Minyan via Zoom on Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.
- Rabbi Norry’s Class via Zoom on Wednesday, May 12 at 6:30 pm
- Erev Shavuot Service via Zoom May 16 at 7:00 pm
- Shavuot In-Person Service at Mizpah Garden, Monday, May 17 at 10:00 am
- Town Hall Meeting: via Zoom on Wednesday, May 19 at 6:30 pm
- “Mixology May” Havdalah via Zoom on Saturday, May 22 at 8:30
- Movie Night Discussion via Zoom on Wednesday, May 26 at 6:30 pm
- BZ Book Club via Zoom Thursday, May 27 at 3:00 pm
- Executive Committee Meeting: Thursday, June 3rd, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom
- Annual Meeting: Sunday, June 13th, 10:00 a.m., via Zoom
- **Contact Rabbi Norry (ext. 702) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-noon. His email address is: rabbi@bzcongregation.com
17. Good and Welfare
Next Meeting:
Annual Congregational Meeting, Sunday, June 13, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
**Contact Rabbi Norry (ext. 702) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-noon.
1. D’var Torah – by Rabbi Hillel Norry. He first read our Vision, Why, and Mission statements. This week’s upcoming Torah reading is a double portion, Behar and Betukotai, ending the Book of Leviticus. This is my personal Torah portion. It is the power of Jewish moments that this can still resonate with me. Hear God’s words, “Listen to my mitzvot and do them.” The Torah proposes that our destiny lies in our own choices. Our future rests on our choices. We should be guided by our Vision and our Mission and our Why, and may God bless our choices.
2. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes, February 4th, 2021. (Decision Point)
MOTION: To approve the February 4, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes as submitted.
Ayes: Mark Shapiro
Nays: Terry Wheeler
Abstentions: None
The motion was passed.
Approval of Board Meeting Minutes, March 21st, 2021. (Decision Point)
MOTION: To approve the March 21, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes as submitted.
Ayes: Mark Shapiro
Nays: Bill Hillner
Abstentions: None
The motion was passed.
3. Rabbi Norry’s Report.
April was a very full month with two special programs, Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut. We had a positive Passover experience with services and second night seder gave a good milestone to year’s holidays. On 21-22 May I will be teaching on two classes. With Rabbi Sam Rotenberg, there will be a one month overlap. Ritual Committee and office team have been involved in the details. We will. Hold Shavuot on May 16-17 at Mizpah with in-person services on Monday. It would be nice to have a strong minyan. I will arrive in Chattanooga on Sunday for an unveiling, a zoom service, teaching, and then Monday in-person services. Please know that I am always available via phone and email.
4. Financials – by Rachel Hanan.
For the period ended April 30th, we have a surplus. Are there any questions about the current budget to actual, about where we are now? If you have questions, please email or call me when you can. We have not had a Dues increase in two years. Rachel then showed budget for last year and the proposed budget for upcoming year. We thought we would be out of the building earlier than we were; Rabbi Tendler stayed one month longer [than anticipated], but we are still under budget by $1,500.
Jordan: Re Dues, there is about $1,000 differential. Are fewer people paying enhanced dues? We have been out of the building, so there should be fewer expenses. Are Dues increasing and if so, by how much?
Scott: We have lost 11 family units, and there are 3 units who passed away. I’ve tried to call as many people as I can to see how they feel about B’nai Zion. Available Dues are at $221,000. We need $5-8K of reserve, and we have only $3K in reserve this year. $218 number is good [221-3=218]. Does that answer your question, Jordan? I am working on the demographics and statistics.
Jordan: What are our total member units now? Scott: 148
Bea to Rachel:
a. Fundraising expenses are high compared to what we raise. Scott: Reason why fundraising expense is $8,000 is due to payouts which were $6500 for the Super Bowl boards. Next January/February we hope to meet for SB in person, so $1500 is budgeted for food.
Scott: Payouts were high on this year’s budget. Some people did not return their winnings to BZ. $6500-payout, $1500-food, $monies for rental space.
b. Utilities of $6667 were budgeted, but the actual was double that. We had to keep AC, water, electric on because we delayed demo of building. Bea and Rachel to have off-line conversation.
MOTION: To approve the fiscal year ending 6/30/2022 as proposed.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Abstentions: None
The motion was passed.
19:15
5. Education – by Tal Cohen.
Focus has been on our potentially new rabbi. We continue conversations with Rabbi Sam Rotenberg. Brought in Eytan and Alison to give some background on education in Chattanooga. We’ve been on hold regarding a new Education Director until we hire a new rabbi. Budget wise, we cannot afford a full-time director. Perhaps can join with Mizpah to share a person or may use a part-time director.
For the short-term, BSI and Machanooga have focused on holidays. Personally, the one-on-one sessions via zoom have been very positive for my kids. We will continue the status quo with volunteers from within our community. Scott echoed his sentiments.
6. Membership – by Scott Israel and Tal Cohen (Decision Point)
We have 148 family units. We lost 10-11 units due to resignation. We lost 3 units to death. We have a crisis on hand, and we need to figure out how to get new members. It is projected that we could lose $15-$20,000 in revenue from Dues caused by normal attrition from multiple causes.
Bea: Can we launch an advertising campaign? We’re in a good position, and Chattanooga is a great place to live. Segued to new membership application.
New Membership Proposed: Adam and Arona Gerson were presented for membership. Adam used to live in Chattanooga, moved back here two months ago. He was active at BZ, Chabad, and Federation. Rachel, Adam, and Tal lead the Young Leadership group. Adam is strong in Human Resources. His wife, Aarona (Pittsburgh originally) has a marketing background. No kids yet. Conservative Judaism household growing up.
MOTION: To approve Adam and Aarona Gerson for membership.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Abstentions: None
The motion was passed.
7. High Holiday Report – by Mark Shapiro.
Holidays are in early September. Committee Ruth, Roy, Jackie, Scott, Joel, Amy, Brooke, call me to attend. We are meeting next week.
8. B’nai Zion Foundation Corporate Entity Status – by Joel Susman & Scott Israel (Decision Point)
We recently found out that our General Endowment has not been registered with the State of TN since 2011. Will find out how we need to go about rectifying this. No questions were asked.
19:20
9. Governance Redesign / By-Laws / Board Reorganization – by Mark Shapiro
Listed committee members. Every member of the committee contributed. Decisions were made by consensus. We started the 1st of February. [I] made a presentation to the past presidents, which they approved of. Please review the previously sent out document.
Mark reviewed the highlights of the report from Dynamic Change Solutions. Scott has done a wonderful job to address the transparency issues. Key governance changes include the number of members, affinity board memberships, and past presidents.
Jordan stressed that we must have absolute clarity as to the nine people on the board slate and their individual responsibilities. They need to be excellent communicators.
Howard Kaplan: Next board grouping will not be just nine people; there will be an overlap as some terms roll off.
Irv: What about dealings with the rabbi? I feel that communication in the past was not clear and not very well done. Scott: We will continue to have a rabbi advisory committee.
MOTION: To approve the Governance Redesign Recommendations as submitted.
Ayes: Most
Nays: ??? wasn’t asked
Possible Abstentions: 3-4. [Unclear to me as recording secretary.]
The motion was passed.
10. Nominating Committee – Scott Israel & Alan Lebovitz (Decision Point)
Nothing to present at this time. We have been talking to a potential president-elect. We will keep you up to date. At this point, we still need a treasurer for next year.
19:50
11. Rabbinical Welcoming Committee – Bill Hillner & Scott Israel
Irv, Amy Boulware, and Gene Boulware volunteered to help.
Bill said they hope to meet in the next few weeks to further on-going discussions about how to best welcome Rabbi Sam Rotenberg and his family. Rabbi Sam asked to hold installation after the High Holydays, and he will choose who will inaugurate him.
Scott: He is learning about us, has been in contact with Amy and Brooke, as well as Rabbi Norry.
12. Land at 114 McBrien Road – Alan Lebovitz. Scott Israel
We have a signed agreement to sell the land. The purchaser is working on the zoning request.
The closing date will be the beginning of August.
13. Future Home Search – Bill Hillner & Scott Israel
Bill is considering the many variables – where to locate, what size of building, etc.
Howard: Is this the right time to do this? Should we wait until the rabbi is fully on board to help determine what our needs are in more detail? We have a firm commitment with Mispah for at least one year.
Scott: It is important that the committee forms some kind of parameters, and we need to start planning now.
Howard: If this a planning committee to determine what our needs are, okay. If we’re going out to start a location search, it may be premature for that. Committee needs to give us an outline of what the steps are.
Jordan: Evidence shows that there is a drastic hit, in that only 50% of the regulars may support our synagogue moving forward. We could start with USCJ to understand post-Covid trends. If shuls have shared space, how did they do it, and how did it work out?
Bill: We need to have Rabbi Rottenberg involved, and we want to have many people involved in doing this. We need input from all of you. I’m asking for a group of people who are interested. We can’t wait until one month before the end of our lease with MZ.
Tal: We need to do a survey [which takes into consideration] budget, location, new/rental/commercial/sharing. Let’s get some data before the rabbi comes in. I’m here to help. Tal, Jordan, Bea, Terry all volunteered.
14. Reopening Update – Jackie Rosenfeld & Scott Israel
a. We plan to have a “soft” opening the weekend of July 2-3 (Friday-Saturday).
Friday – MZ will meet in-person (and zoom) BZ will zoom only.
Saturday – BZ will meet in-person (and zoom), MZ will zoom only.
b. We will be meeting at the Mizpah building, in-person, with masks and with seating at least six feet apart.
c. We will simultaneously have in-person and zoom services.
d. While no food will be served in the building, food outside is permitted.
e. Per Mizpah’s requirements, attendance is limited to thirty people plus rabbi, maintenance, and babysitter. Only fully vaccinated members may attend services. This is on the honor system. Everyone must wear a mask.
f. Singing is permitted with masks.
g. Inter-person kissing and hugging is highly discouraged.
h. You will be informed if anyone later reports a positive Covid-19 test.
i. When using restrooms, please wash your hands after use of the facility.
j. Antibacterial gels and wipes are located at all entryways of the building.
15. Engagement & Outreach Position Open (Marketing Emphasis) – still open.
16. Upcoming Events
- Kabbalat Shabbat Services via Zoom Fridays, 6:00 p.m.
- Scholars of the Scroll via Zoom on Saturdays, 9:15 a.m.
- Shabbat Services via Zoom on Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.
- Minyan via Zoom on Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.
- Rabbi Norry’s Class via Zoom on Wednesday, May 12 at 6:30 pm
- Erev Shavuot Service via Zoom May 16 at 7:00 pm
- Shavuot In-Person Service at Mizpah Garden, Monday, May 17 at 10:00 am
- Town Hall Meeting: via Zoom on Wednesday, May 19 at 6:30 pm
- “Mixology May” Havdalah via Zoom on Saturday, May 22 at 8:30
- Movie Night Discussion via Zoom on Wednesday, May 26 at 6:30 pm
- BZ Book Club via Zoom Thursday, May 27 at 3:00 pm
- Executive Committee Meeting: Thursday, June 3rd, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom
- Annual Meeting: Sunday, June 13th, 10:00 a.m., via Zoom
- **Contact Rabbi Norry (ext. 702) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-noon. His email address is: rabbi@bzcongregation.com
17. Good and Welfare began at 20:10.
Next Executive Committee meeting will be Thursday, June 3, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
The meeting ended at 8:10 p.m.
Good & Welfare began at 8:10 p.m.
(BZ Board Meeting Notes 20210506 final)