K'hilat Ha'Aloneem Board of Directors met at K'hilat on April 18, 2010. President John Gottesman presided. A quorum was present.
Minutes of March 20, 2010 approved.
Steering committee for planned retreat to address future of K'hilat in place. Jeff Loebl and Barbara Hirsch continue efforts to set up retreat.
Finance Committee approved the 2010-2011 budget.
Sid Cohn will present a performance on Saturday, May 22 of Frank Sinatra songs, and incorporate some information about Sinatra's involvement and support of Israel. The show will be titled "The Flip Side of Frank Sinatra." Tickets will be sold at $15.00 per adult and seniors and students at $7.00. Sid will need assistance with publicity and setting up.
Introduction to Judaism taught by Rabbi Yossi Carron continues on Saturday mornings. Jay Sherman will ask the Rabbi to write a brief note each week prior to class about the topic of the upcoming class. It will go out in the "Temple Doings" e-mail.
A Sunday School parent meeting will be held before the end of the Sunday School year to discuss the School. Discussion will be held whether classes should be held every other week or every week. General agreement that Sunday School is a great asset to the community and is a membership selling point, and should be advertised and publicized.
Landscaping at Synagogue needs work including replacement of shrubs on side of building and drip system needed. Third automatic valve for drip system needs to be installed and connected to control box with recommendation that valves be relocated out of easy access. General clean up of beds needed. Alan Greenberg has brought this issue to the attention of the Board.
Harold Shapiro reported that he spoke to Marvin Beck, architect, and Mr. Beck has agreed to volunteer at no cost to draw up a scale plan of the Oneg Room. General agreement that the space needs to be reconfigured to better meet the Synagogue's needs, and to perhaps offer a space that could be rented out to the community.
Discussion regarding the Jewish Federation grants. They cannot be used to fund capital improvements of the building, but only to fund events. Discussion as to whether grants could be used for Introduction to Judaism Class, the Community Seder and/or a Hebrew class for adults. Susan deCordova will write proposals and present to the Jewish Federation by grant deadline.
Next Board meeting June 6.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo M. Haas
Secretary
Temple Board Highlights...
beginning October, 2009
October 9, 2009
K'hilat Ha'Aloneem Board held a general meeting on October 10, 2009. President John Gottesman presided and a quorum was present. Minutes of the prior August 31, 2009 meeting were approved.
Susan deCordova and Ted Malos will be meeting with Ventura County Jewish Federation Representative Cheri Dubovsky regarding computer protocol.
A financial report was provided by Jeff Loebl. He reported that there are three new prospective members post Jewish High Holidays. There is a projected negative cash flow of $5,000.00, although that does not take into account the potential profit from the upcoming Klezmer concert.
Sheila Cohn reported on the upcoming 15th Anniversary Special Shabbat Services and Klezmer Concert scheduled for the weekend of October 16 and 17. All members of the community are invited to the Shabbat Services and Oneg on Friday night and tickets continue to be sold and will be available at the door for the Klezmer Concert on Saturday night. A pre-concert reception is being held on Saturday evening and more information is available on the K'hilat website. The committee is working on publicity and finalization of arrangements for the Service and Concert.
A discussion was held regarding High Holidays and general feedback.
The Sunday School continues to operate and stays within budget.
A Motion was made and approved to remove the pepper tree from the front lawn of the Temple. It is invasive and is interfering with the power lines and uprooting the concrete. Several bids will be obtained for tree removal.
David Cohn volunteered to head the Membership Committee. He will be assisted by Sheila Cohn and any other members who would be interested in helping solicit new members. Further clarification of the structure of the volunteer organization is needed. Input by the Board will be provided to David.
Members should contact either President John Gottesman or any member of the Board if there is an interest in serving on the K'hilat Board.
The next Board meeting will be held at K'hilat Ha'Aloneem on October 25, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. to specifically address the issues of organizational structure, membership process and the vision of the future of K'hilat.
Search for new treasurer ongoing. Finance Committee will be asked for input.
The organizational chart prepared by David Cohen discussed with further modifications and amendments suggested for completion purposes.
Hanukkah events planned to include a December 11 Friday Night Inter-Faith Community Service celebrating "Holiday of Lights." Harold Shapiro will arrange for programming. On December 18 Rabbi Yossi Carron will lead a Hanukkah service with the entire K'hilat community including participation by the Sunday School children. Latke Oneg to follow. Further information to be posted on the K'hilat website and on the Jewish Federation website
Sunday School is ongoing and Emily DeCordova is filling in as assistant student teacher while Revital is on maternity leave.
Three quotes have been obtained for removal of pepper tree.
The bulletin board in front of the Temple needs redesign and updating. Anticipated that it will be done on a quarterly basis in order to keep it current.
Agreement that we can incorporate music prior to start of Friday night services.
Discussion regarding preparation of a voluntary roster of members (names, addresses, phone numbers, email address, or whatever information member might be willing to share).
Discussion regarding having Community Friday Night Services led by individual Board members and their family, as well as inviting community members to lead Services.
K'hilat Ha'Aloneem to be listed in the Ojai Valley Directory and the Temple website and/or email address will be linked to ojaivalleydirectory.com and visitojai.com websites.
Next meeting is December 6 at 10:00 a.m. at K'hilat Ha'Aloneem. .
The K'hilat Ha'Aloneem Board of Directors met on October 25, 2009. President John Gottesman presided with a quorum present.
A discussion was held regarding an out reach to the founding members of the community, and to others who are not active members or involved in the community at the present time.
Sunday School is ongoing. Emily deCordova will substitute as a paid substitute assistant to Gil while Revital is on maternity leave.
Facilities update given by John Gottesman. Repair person will come out to check and repair gas stove. Bids are still being obtained for pepper tree removal.
Next Board meeting will take place at K'hilat Ha'Aloneem on November 15, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Special Oneg for Susan deCordovoa's father's yahrzeit will be held on November 27, 2009.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo Milden-Haas
Secretary
The K'hilat Ha'Aloneem Board met on December 6, 2009 at K'hilat and a quorum was present. President John Gottesman presided. Motions to approve Minutes of October 25, 2009 and November 15, 2009 were made and approved.
Plans are underway to update bulletin board on the outside of the Temple.
Update regarding discussion with Cheri DeKofsky from Ventura County Jewish Federation regarding an e-mail master list for purposes of promotion of Jewish activities and programs in Ventura County. It is not used as a membership solicitation. Ted Malos will talk to the designated keeper of information for the Jewish Federation. Susan DeCordova and Jeff Loebl to followup and formulate an opt out list and membership list to be provided to the Jewish Federation. Discussion that members of K'hilat be contacted by letter inquiring as to whether they're willing to share information with Ventura County Jewish Federation. A separate membership roster fof K'hilat Ha'Aloneem members may also be created for the use of the K'hilat community only.
David Cohen explained that the second organizational charge he had provided and was discussed in the November 9, 2009 meeting was a summary of the original organizational chart. The first document is more detailed and the second was drafted for purposes of posting on the website and as a general reference for members. He will finalize the organizational chart.
Jeff Loebl is resigning as Chief Financial Officer as of December 31, 2009. There is no current replacement, but one is needed..
Discussion that Tony Hirsch is finalizing stock transfer donation process. There is a tax deduction advantage to making stock transfers to K'hilat (or any charitable organization). Further information to be forthcoming.
Harold Shapiro has taken the lead in organizing the Multi-Cultural Celebration of Lights to be held December 11, 2009. This will be a combined Shabbat Service and multi-cultural and religious celebration including poetry, storytelling, songs and audience participation. Jean Bates will be one of the facilitators along with other K'hilat members and guests.
December 18, 2009 will be K'hilat Hanukkah Friday Night Service with Rabbi Yossi Carron. Laktes will be provided at Oneg. Members to be asked to bring latkes.
Next Board meeting on January 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at K'hilat Ha'Aloneem. .
Respectfully Submitted,
Margo Milden-Haas
Secretary
The K'hilat Ha'Aloneem Board met on January 17, 2010 at K'hilat. Present were President John Gottesman, and a quorum of Directors..
Motion to approve Minutes of K'hilat Board Meeting of December 21 approved.
Motion to appoint Sid Cohn as Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer of K'hilat Ha'Aloneem approved.
Organizational chart discussion deferred.
Outside bulletin board has been updated by John Gottesman.
Ted Malos, member, reported on his conversation with Cheri DeKofsky from the Ventura County Jewish Federation regarding membership information sharing and policy. A written policy will be confirmed for K'hilat and members will be notified of the policy.
Calendar of Events: Susan deCordova to follow up in regard to scheduling of dates for holidays and events.
Financial Report: Monthly reports will continue to be provided by Finance Committee to Treasurer Sid Cohn, who in turn will review and provide information to Board.
Discussion regarding long term vision of K'hilat and specific goal setting. Motion approved to follow up on the Finance Committee suggestion to hire an outside facilitator to hold discussion(s) regarding community and vision.
Program Director needed. General discussion that a fund raising/membership event should be held several times a year. There are no current volunteers for position of Program Director who would be in charge of programming ideas and logistics. Further discussion that there should be a "clearing house" for purposes of review of events hosted by K'hilat (i.e., website information, newspaper publicity, etc.). Margo Haas will review publicity pieces for consistency and accuracy, and will consult Board, on as needed basis, if questions arise.
Rabbi Yossi Carron to start his Introduction to Judaism class no later than February 6.
Sunday School- Emily deCordova continues to substitute for Revital Ramot and children are preparing for Purim.
Facilities: Outside sign (in front of Temple) needs to be replaced or repainted.
Thank you note and donation from Claudia Harrison acknowledged.
Next Board meeting at K'hilat at 10:00 a.m. on February 21, 2010.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo Haas
Secretary
K'hilat Ha'Aloneem Board met on February 21, 2010 at K'hilat. President John Gottesman presided with a quorum present. Minutes of January 17, 2010 Board meeting were approved.
Organizational chart will be finalized by David Cohen and sent to Fred Rothenberg for posting on synagogue website.
Jewish Federation e-mail issue and calendar of events issues deferred.
Discussion held regarding loaning Torah to non community members. Motion approved that subject to the applicant being a fully paid member in the appropriate membership category, the Board in its sole and arbitrary discretion, may permit the member to use the designated Torah at a local specified time and place, with an appropriate synagogue escort, and subject to appropriate conditions to preserve the Torah.
Further discussion regarding a retreat for purposes of discussing the future vision of K'hilat Ha'Aloneem and regarding interaction with other spiritual/religious communities in Ojai. Possibility of incorporating the concept of tikun olam ("repairing the world") into the Passover Seder, and Harold Shapiro to contact Susan deCordova to discuss integration of non-traditional but Jewish oriented themes into the Community Seder.
Financial report provided by Sid Cohn. Suggestion by Sid that someone be at the door during the film nights to "request" a donation.
Purim on Friday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. with Megillah reading by Susan deCordova at K'hilat and Passover Seder to be held on Saturday, April 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Soule Park. Information regarding Seder to be sent to members, and members can check website for more information on both events.
Rabbi update provided by rabbi liaison Jay Sherman. Pot luck on Friday, February 22, was successful and well attended. Introduction to Judaism Class taught by Rabbi Yossi Carron has started on Saturday mornings when Rabbi is present and has drawn interest.
A gift to be given to teachers Gil and Ravi on behalf of K'hilat in honor of the birth of their baby daughter.
Glori Young continues to provide speakers for Community Friday Night Services and a note will be sent to her in appreciation of her efforts.
Membership Chairman David Cohen is reaching out to four potential new members. David will be placing membership contact information on bulletin boards.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo Milden-Haas
Secretary
K'hilat Ha'Aloneem Board meeting was held at K'hilat on March 21, 2010. President John Gottesman presided. A quorum was present and attending as representatives of the Finance Committee and for purposes of updating the Board on the proposed long range planning facilitation were Barbara Hirsch, Ila Rothenberg and Fred Rothenberg .
Clarification of prior Minutes of February 21, 2010 to confirm that the Motion made on February 21, 2010 regarding use of Torah by non community members was meant to supersede prior motion of March 8, 2009. Current policy in place is:
Subject to the applicant being a fully paid member in the appropriate membership category, the Board in its sole and arbitrary discretion, may permit the member to use the designated Torah at a local specified time and place, with an appropriate synagogue escort, and subject to appropriate conditions to preserve the Torah.
Barbara Hirsch and Jeff Loebl have met with Judy Bysshe (professional facilitator) for purpose of exploring long range planning. Purpose of the facilitation is to address long term planning for K'hilat; address what the Ojai Jewish community wants and needs, and outreach to the Jewish community at large. Decision made
to appoint a steering committee to address divergent perspectives and address mission and priorities.
Fred Rothenberg provided financial report. Decision has been made by Financial Committee not to increase dues for 2010/2011. Ratio between membership dues and Pillar support is approximately 50/50. Motion to accept draft budget as proposed by Financial Committee to include dues structure passed.
On the first and third Friday/Saturdays of the month, Rabbi Yossi Carron is in Ojai. On Saturday mornings he teaches his " Introduction to Judaism Class" at 10:00 a.m., and on the third Friday Night the "Potluck with the Rabbi" continues. Community Friday Night Services continue on the second, fourth and (fifth) Fridays of the month.
Sunday School continues to meet twice monthly.
Membership Chairman David Cohen has posted information on bulletin board and is continuing to discuss membership with prospective members and families.
Discussion regarding roster; information to be provided on membership dues/application to notify members that contact information will be provided to Jewish Federation unless member opts out; same procedure to be used for membership roster for K'hilat .
K'hilat Ha'Aloneem outdoor sign to be renovated.
Next Board Meeting:
April 18 at 10:00 a.m. at K'hilat.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo Milden-Haas
Secretary
K'hilat Ha'aloneem Board of Directors met at K'hilat on June 6, 2010 . A quorum was present and President John Gottesman presided..
Motion to approve Minutes of April 18, 2010 approved .
Jeff Loebel reported that the steering committee for planning the "long term vision retreat" is being finalized and he expects to present a more comprehensive update at the next Board meeting.
Jeff Loebl discussed the financial report prepared by the Finance Committee. K'hilat is within its projected budget. He reminded the Board that the original Pillar commitment is scheduled to end year end 2010 and without Pillar support the budget will be substantially altered.
Sid Cohn reported that "The Flip Side of Sinatra" show was well attended and received by the audience.
Shabbat (Friday Night) Community Services during the summer will continue with the Rabbi on the first and third Fridays of the month with the Jewish Education Class continuing to be held on Saturday when Rabbi Yossi Carron is in Ojai. The Community Services will not be held in July or August. If there is a special need for a Friday Night Service on a weekend when the Rabbi is not in Ojai, then Sheila Cohn can be contacted and arrangements will be made. Notice regarding this change in schedule will be posted on the K'hilat website and through the weekly e-mail.
Proposal to hold a Shabbat Under the Stars in August. Plans pending.
Barbara Aaronson is in charge of High Holiday Services planning. Discussion regarding delegation of duties. Erev Rosh Hashanah is Wednesday, September 8 and Erev Yom Kippur is Friday, September 17. At the beginning of August, a letter will go out to members regarding the High Holiday Services schedule. Tickets are included in membership fee.
Motion by Susan deCordova and second by Jeff to add following language suggested by the Finance Committee to existing language procedure in re to existing board approved procedure for the review of proposed expenditures. Unanimous approval.
The existing procedure approved at the board’s May, 2009 meeting is…“All proposed expenditures exceeding $250 shall be reviewed by the Finance Committee in a timely manner prior to final Board consideration. The Committee's recommendation shall be forwarded to the President. The President shall present the proposed expenditure and the Committee's recommendation to the Board, which shall approve or modify the item. In the event that the proposed expenditure cannot wait for any of the required reviews or is under $250, two officers, one of which is the President, shall make the decision regarding the expenditure." The suggested additional language is as follows:
"No proposed program or expenditure shall be brought to the Finance Committee unless it is preceded by one of the following: The proposed program, event or item has been discussed at a Board meeting and has the preliminary support of the Board, or if it is preliminary to any board consideration, the proposed program, event or item shall have the support of at least three board members, one of whom has the board-assigned responsibility for this type of program, event or item."
Next K'hilat meeting August 1, 2010.
Susan deCordova moved to adjourn meeting. Barbara Aaronson second. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo Milden-Haas
Secretary
K'hilat Ha'Aloneem Board meeting was held on August 1, 2010 at K'hilat. A quorum was present and the meting was presided over by President John Gottesman.
Motion by Susan deCordova to approve Minutes of June 6, 2010. Harold Shapiro second. Unanimous approval.
Jeff Loebl reported on strategic planning committee. Members of committee have met and prepared list of questions to be presented to small groups for feedback. These groups will be inclusive of current members and prospective members (including former members). Purpose of the groups is to obtain feedback re needs, concerns, ideas regarding future of K'hilat Jewish community. Groups will be facilitated by non-Board members. These groups will meet within next month or two with planned retreat for members of Board and Pillars (facilitated by Judy Bysshe) to take place end of October or early November.
Financial Report provided by Sid Cohn. Synagogue is solvent and operating in compliance with the projected budget.
Membership report provided by David Cohen. He has contacted approximately five potential members. Any new potential contacts should be provided to David. (Information on website regarding contact information).
Shabbat Under the Stars to take place August 20. Place to be determined. Susan deCordova and Sheila Cohn to coordinate. This will be a Community Shabbat.
High Holiday planning is continuing. Erev Rosh Hashonah is Wednesday, September 8 and day time services on September 9. Tashlich will be held on Friday, September 10 at Lake Casitas. Erev Yom Kippur is Friday, September 17 and day time services September 18.
Sunday School report by Susan deCordova. There is parent interest in continuing the school. A parent meeting was held and Susan will follow up by way of e-mail to the parents to make sure that someone takes charge and plans for the new Sunday School year are in place.
Facilities update by John Gottesman. He'll coordinate with cleaning crew to make sure they clean synagogue for High Holidays.
Susan deCordova to request someone from Finance Committee to contact Ojai Valley News and determine what their policy is regarding inclusion in House of Worship section of newspaper.
Next meeting to be held on August 29 at 10:00 a.m. at K'hilat.
Motion to adjourn made by Jeff Loebl. Second by Harold Shapiro. Unanimous approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo Haas
Secretary
K'hilat Ha'Aloneem met on August 29, 2010 at K'hilat. Present were President John Gottesman, CFO Sid Cohn, Secretary Margo Haas and members Harold Shapiro, Barbara Aaronson, David Cohen , Susan Decordova and Jeff Loebl.
Motion to adopt Minutes of August 10, 2010 made by Susan Decordova with second by Sid Cohn. Unanimous approval.
Under "old business" it was discussed that Ojai Valley News continues to publish information regarding K'hilat without any additional charge in the religious section of the newspaper. Sid Cohn will check into price regarding placing information in the Ventura County Star.
Financial report provided by Sid Cohn. He continues to follow up regarding dues collections.
Membership report provided by David Cohen. Two new families have joined.
High Holiday update provided by Barbara Aaronson.
Tashlich discussed. Sid Cohen will inquire as to whether the Rotary Club has their boat available on September 10 from noon to 2p.m. Entrance for parking is $10.00 per car. A donation of a $100.00 will be made to secure the boat if available. If the boat is available, Sid will reserve and an announcement will be made by way of e-mail and at High Holiday Services in order that people can make reservations. If not available, then Taslich will be at the Lake Casitas campground/picnic area and no reservations needed; same $10.00 cost for car entrance. (Tashlich (תשליך) is a ritual that many Jews observe during Rosh Hashanah. "Tashlich" means "casting off" in Hebrew and involves symbolically casting off the sins of the previous year by tossing pieces of bread or another food into a body of flowing water. Just as the water carries away the bits of bread, so too are sins symbolically carried away. In this way the participant hopes to start the New Year with a clean slate.)
There will be a ceremonial nailing of the first nail in the sukkah following conclusion of Yom Kippur Services. John Gottesman and Ted Malos will coordinate the building of the sukkah. (The traditional pounding of the first nail into the sukkah as soon as the fast of Yom Kippur is over both literally and figuratively hammers home the point that these two holidays must be seen as complementary parts of the whole. The insular, cerebral nature of Yom Kippur is balanced by the commandment on Sukkot to go outside to build and to live in the sukkah. The two holidays need each other. Our internal work is a necessary prerequisite providing us with the spiritual sustenance and energy to walk in the material world. )
Sunday School report provided by Susan Decordova. It is scheduled to begin on September 12.
Facilities report by John Gottesman. electrical and gardening work to be done prior to High Holidays. Piano to be tuned week of Rosh Hashanah.
Jeff Loebl gave an update regarding the focus group/retreat committee. Training session to be held on August 30, and the planned retreat to be held on October 24 (tentative date). Detailed information to be provided to the community by way of website and at High Holiday Services.
Next Board meeting on September 26, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at K'hilat.
Motion to adjourn meeting made by Jeff Loebl. Susan Decordova second. Unanimous approval.
