Minutes of Vaad Menahel meeting - January 2, 2006

Present:  Penina Arbit, Randi Garber (chairpersons), Kobi Abelman, Warren Burstein, Dov Cooper, Donna Goldberg-Katkoff, Yonni Hammer-Kossoy, Neil Pearlman, Bobbie Silberklang, Debbie Weissman, Philip Yakar (Administrator)

Apologies:  Jody Blum, Esther Edell, Orit Elgavi

Early Minyan

Gerald Cromer, organizer of the early minyan, joined the discussion, which was agreed would take place after the experiment of the first three Shabbatot. On the first two Shabbatot between 25 and 30 participants came, on the last 17 (a stormy day). Following these T'filot Gerald wrote to the 30 people involved asking how often there should be an early minyan and if they, themselves, would take part. According to the replies there are enough people for a weekly minyan. He believes the minyan will attract new members, as there are already non-member participants. On average four women took part.

In the discussion that followed the following points were raised:

• perhaps some members would leave if there was no early minyan,
• Yedidya is the only Bet Knesset in the Baka area that has an early minyan, which might attract participants,
• the real consideration should be the effect of the early minyan on the main t'filah,
• is the fact that a small group wants to do something sufficient reason for change?
• how does the early minyan affect the K'hilah, and the feeling of K'hilah? The participants would no longer be seen at Kiddushim, part of the social fabric. Key people (baalei t'fila, baalei k'riah) would be lost to the main minyan. The women in the early minyan are competent readers of the four t'filot. We would losegood maggidei Torah,
• Since K'hilah is a group of people together, then a once-in-a-while early minyan is acceptable, but no more than that,
• The length of the new t'filah is preferred by some people, and the early start is convenient.

In light of all the points raised it was proposed that there be an early minyan on the first and third Shabbat of every Hebrew month until Pesach, after which the situation would be reviewed.

The proposal was approved, eight for, two abstentions (Bobbie Silberklang and Debbie Weissman).

Guests and Greeters

Agreed there is a need for openers and closers who will be at the door to greet people and keep an eye on the children. There are 17-18 members interested, and, if Shabbat morning is split into two sessions, each volunteer will be asked to open/close etc. once every six weeks (which is too often, need to recruit a few more people). Each volunteer will receive a key, and there will be a session for learning to work the alarm system. On the early minyan days there will, of course, be no need for an "opener". Warren will work out the toranut.

Annual general meeting

Due to take place on 21st January, but there was a suggestion that it take place on the same evening (28th January) as the Purimshpiel review. Neil expressed concern about this, and it was agreed that he would consult with the other shpielers.

Finance

• A budget of 1700 NIS was approved for coat-hooks opposite the men's bathroom.
• A budget of 250 NIS was approved for purchase of Yamim Noraim Nussach CD set for training new baalei t'filah.

Maintenance

• The wood panels of the air-conditioners need to be cleaned.
• Estimates will be obtained for painting the lower hall.
• The wooden slats of the Sukkah need to be treated.
• A letter has been sent to the Kablan about the leaks in the glass wall.

Shabbaton

No place has yet been found.

Use of Hebrew

Concern was expressed about the dwindling use of Hebrew in the community, particularly its affect on non-English speakers (making them feel left out). A number of people noted that if there are no non-English speakers around (e.g. small meetings) they do not see a problem with speaking English.

Agreed that all announcements (including for noar) be only in Hebrew (except announcements for guests from abroad), and that the web-site be in Hebrew and English (though no clear plan how to go about doing it). There will be no change in the e-mails, as not all have Hebrew on their computers.

There is a need for the membership list in English (for those people whose computer does not print Hebrew).

The general subject of use of Hebrew will appear on the next agenda.

Dates of next meetings

30.01.06 at 20:00

27.02.06 at 20:00

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