Minutes of Vaad Menahel meeting 16.02.09

 

Present: Miriam Fine, Noomi Stahl (co-chairpersons), Kobi Ableman, Penina Arbit, Esther Edell, Randdi Garber, Gary Heller, Daniel Rohrlich, Michael Stahl

Carol Fuchs (Vaadat Bikoret)

Philip Yakar (administrator)

 

Apologies: Donna Goldberg, Sharon Greenblat- Dietch

 

  1. Minutes of the previous meeting

Were approved and signed.

 

  1. Metuna Event 02.06.09

Hershey Katz joined the meeting, for this item, and explained Metuna, a non-profit organization fighting traffic accidents, is requesting use of our building for a fund-raising event on 2nd June. The programme will include a reception downstairs at 19:00, followed by a concert (19:00 – 20:00) by the Jerusalem wind Valley orchestra, and a presentation in English by the Light Rail planning team. Metuna is requesting the lowest possible rent or a co-sponsorship arrangement.

The Vaad unanimously approved the request in principle and will ask the Building Use committee to determine the details.

 

  1. Signatories on Kupat Tzedakah Account

Since internet access is now being requested and the bank is demanding confirmation of the signatories on the account, it was decided:

Two of the following will sign on the relevant documents and all four will have internet access to account number 444211 (Kupat Tzedakah) – Ellie Render, Mindy Schimmel, Dorit Meijers, Esther Edell.

 

  1. Budget 2009

Esther presented the draft budget for approval. The following changes were made:

Ø      The events line will be merged with the programming line which will show 3000 NIS income and 21,800 Nis expenses.

Ø      The personnel line will be increased to 92,000 NIS to include 2000 NIS extra cleaning for the Beit Midrash, and a similar amount removed from the general maintenance line.

The budget was then unanimously approved. (Budget attached.)

It was noted that, despite Debbie Greiniman efforts, the programming committee was not yet functioning as was hoped. The committee now has a substantial budget (net 18,800 NIS) to be used.

Randi requested that a clear picture of our accumulated excess of income over expenditure be shown. Esther explained that this does not belong to the current budget, but she will prepare a draft fund balance, using the information currently available. We will receive opening balances for 2009 from the accountant only after the full audit is completed.

 

  1. Bookcase purchase for the Beit Midrash

This was approved within the parameters set by the Building Fund, which will fund the purchase.

 

  1. Beit Midrash

Haim Watzman took part in the discussion.

He pointed out, that, because of tax and bituach Leumi payments, the budget lines for the eventual payments to the teachers will be higher than originally calculated. New, specific fund-raising will have to cover this. The teachers and coordinator will be employed by Yedidya, unless they are self-employed and give invoices. All funds will be channeled through Yedidya.

The average attendance is about 50, with a core of 25, and a significant number of women. Also there is a small number of regulars from the neighbourhood, who are neither from Ein Tzurim nor Yedidya. Itai, the coordinator, deals with publicity, and a web-site is being built, which will enable discussion and the building of community.

Every Pesach Yeshivat Ein Tzurim puts out a journal, and this will be done this year with the financial support of the parents. In future it will be done on-line by Yedidya, but with a somewhat different slant.

Randi suggested that sponsorship of Shiurim be considered for fund-raising.

The Vaad expressed their great appreciation for Haim's work.

 

  1. Keren Ezvonot

> 2009   We received the 10,000 NIS we requested for the amplification equipment for the hearing-impaired. The request included the acquisition of a 'barco'. The remaining 50%, Yedidya's matching commitment, will come from the Building Fund.

> 2010   We will apply for 10,000 NIS towards furniture for the Bet Midrash.

 

  1. Purim

Price for the Seudah, 10 NIS for adults (12+), 5 for children aged 3 – 12, maximum 40 NIS for a family. Mincha will be called for 16:00. Debbie Weisman, Renee Atlas-Cohen and Randi are organizing the event, Debbie taking responsibility for the music and the Purim Torah.

Teen volunteers are needed for the Shuk Purim.

 

  1. Pesach

Kobi distributed a page detailing all that needs to be organized before and on Pesach. He also pointed out that programme decisions need to be made soon for Yom Hashoah and Yom Haatzmaut.

 

  1. Building Fund

An 80,000 NIS donation for acquisition of the youth Sefer Torah has been pledged. This leaves less than 250,000 NIS to be raised. There has been a certain loss of momentum in the fund-raising process.

Reactions (some positive, some less so) have come in from the bulk-mailing; to date 3000 NIS has been received.

The Rumanian Sefer Torah has been acquired and will be given a final check by Akiva Garber.

A sum of 900 NIS was approved for purchase of the Atzei Chayim.

Issues arising from the date of Hachnasat Hasefer will be referred to the Minhag and Halachah Committee.

 

  1. Miscellaneous

a.       Concern was expressed about the holes left in the walls after the removal of the last exhibit. Miriam will discuss the matter with the art committee.

b.      The claim brought against us by the original building supervisor (Ben-Moshe) will be heard in June.

 

  1. Date of the next meeting

Monday 16th March 2009 at 20:00.