Minutes
Yavneh Board of Director’s Meeting
Sunday, October 25, 2015
North Raleigh Business Center
3rd Floor, Gallery Park Building
4030 Wake Forest Rd Raleigh, NC 27609
 
Members Present:
Rabbi Raachel Jurovics (RJ)
Caro Foulkrod, President (CF)
Stacy Grove (SG)
Peter Gabor (PG) 
Janet Isaacs, Secretary (JI)
Margie Sved, VP/ Treasurer (MS)
Carol Gabor (CG)
Stephen Jurovics (SJ)
Helene Stoll (HS)
Jonathan Kodack (JK)

Absent:
Mary Blocher (MB)
 
 
The meeting started at 3:09 pm with confirmation of a quorum and Lewis Copulsky (LC), executive director present. RJ gave the D’var Torah about her participation in the Parliament of the World Religions held in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She tied this experience to the goals of Yavneh Center for Deep Ecumenism. SG also attended this Parliament and gave her observations.  Then board members reviewed the board minutes from the September 20th 2015 meeting and suggested edits. PG moved and SJ seconded a motion for their approval as edited, which was unanimously passed.
 
CF then gave the President’s report, reviewing Yom Kippur and Sukkot holiday activities and committee work since the last board meeting. All were reminded that March 27, 2016 Yavneh members will help St. Marks members with food for Easter, following up on the donation of food hosting time for our 2015 Yom Kippur Break the Fast.  JK was asked to chair a committee for the 2016 Sukkot plans recruiting other Yavneh members.  MS reported about program committee progress, which had three resignations before the last meeting.  Further discussion about a Jewish Cultural event for the 2016-17 year will be considered.  The book club JI is leading starting January 2016 was briefly discussed, as it will be announced in November to give those who are interested time to purchase the book The December Project.
 
Next RJ gave the Rabbi’s report, reviewing plans for the October 31, 2015 Death Café lead by SG.  She reported that the November Scholar in Residence Program, “Among the Waters” was receiving less RSVP responses than hoped.  How the program was designed with various collaborators and how to appeal to the community was discussed, as this is the first educational program of the Center for Deep Ecumenism.  Members and supporters may not have sufficient understanding of the concept to generate interest.  An educational approach to prepare for the program was being considered, with a postponement until spring, 2016 for the planned weekend activities.  A decision was to be made by RJ and other collaborators by the end of the month.
 
Next LC reviewed the most recent financial summaries which had been sent to board members prior to this meeting.  MS said no treasurer issues were raised by these summaries.  It was already clear at month 3 of the 2015-2016 fiscal year that the goal of eliminating a spring fund-raiser was not being met so far.  LC had no other issues to discuss in his executive director non-financial report.
 
All were reminded about the upcoming events: November 14, 2015 Sabbath services include a Bat Mitzvah.  SJ reported about the New Hope Alliance pending changes about holiday gifts for children and for knitted scarves, which will be clarified by later emails.   At 4:45 pm JI moved and PG seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting; all agreed.
 
The next meeting is November 15, 2015 at 3:00 pm. (note earlier time). The December meeting is set for December 20, 2015 at 3:00 pm.
 
Minutes prepared November 11, 2015 by Janet S Isaacs; approved as edited at the November 15, 2015 board meeting. 

Minutes
Yavneh Board of Director’s Meeting
Sunday, September 20, 2015
North Raleigh Business Center
3rd Floor, Gallery Park Building
4030 Wake Forest Rd Raleigh, NC 27609
 
Members Present:
Rabbi Raachel Jurovics (RJ)
Caro Foulkrod, President (CF)
Janet Isaacs, Secretary (JI)
Carol Gabor (CG)
Stephen Jurovics (SJ)
Mary Blocher (MB)
Jonathan Kodack (JK)

Absent:
Margie Sved, Treasurer
Helene Stoll
Stacy Grove
Peter Gabor
 
The meeting started at 4:08 pm with a review of the board minutes for the August 16th 2015 meeting prepared by MB.  CG moved and PG seconded for their approval, which was unanimously passed. Prior to this meeting, board members were asked to review a Yavneh Proposed Worship/Event Schedule for September 2015 to June 2016 prepared by RJ.  RJ gave the D’var Torah about the High Holy Day time and the role of leaders.  All discussed and enjoyed this sixth Rosh Hashanah which just took place.  We noted these changes compared to last year: seeing new people at services, including donation envelopes in the prayer books, the positive change in having the Rabbi encourage support briefly.  LC proposed a slight change in the start time of 7:30 pm instead of 7:45 pm for next year Erev Rosh Hashanah.
 
Then CF reviewed two recent Yavneh activities: the meal for the choir and board before Rosh Hashanah, and the September 19, 2015 program committee meeting for volunteers led by MS. A brief discussion of what is a Yavneh official activity compared to a community event that Yavneh can support was part of the discussion of volunteer wanting to lead events. The Yavneh board is waiting on specific proposals from this committee, which will meet again.  Then the Sukkot plans which are part of our ecumenical Outreach were reviewed.  Board members PG, JC, CG, MB, and CF volunteered to host specific nights for Sukkot events: two different Islamic groups are scheduled Tuesday and Thursday, a youth groups is scheduled Friday and the Men’s spirituality group is hosting Wednesday. Sunday October 4th is Simchat Torah. The hosts were to arrange for food and to be present, although all are welcome each night.  Come about 6:00 to help set up and encourage non-Yavneh friends to come experience this holiday. (Bad weather interfered with plans for Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights.)
 
The upcoming plans for the Yom Kippur services and Break-the-fast were next discussed.  Stu Binder and MB were acknowledged in advance for their preparations. As planned, the agreement is that St. Marks members will host set up and clean up and in Spring Yavneh will host food at Easter.
 
Next LC distributed the most recent financial summaries for year of August 2014 to September 2015 for review.  Like other years, the financial revenues are higher in this first part of the fiscal year as members send in membership than in the second half of the fiscal year. Membership numbers are consistent with last year so far. St. Marks requested and was approved to have additional funds, $150./ year, for paper products used for food and beverage; this is up from $125./year last fiscal year. One of our financial goals: to encourage supporters and members to pay monthly is higher this fiscal year than last year. LC mentioned the need to identify and follow-up with previous Yavneh members.
 
Upcoming events were then discussed.  October 31 a Death Café will be held at St. Marks. November 6-8, 2015 “Among the Waters” a multi-faith program is scheduled, and November 14 the Sabbath services includes a Bat Mitzvah.  JI has agreed to lead a discussion of the book December Project starting the 4th Wednesday in January 2016, meeting a total of three times.  SJ reported that the New Hope Alliance holiday gifts for children is likely to changed from the previous practice of purchasing gifts; more information is pending.  There were no other new issues or business for the board.  At 5:39 pm RJ moved and JK seconded to adjourn the meeting; all agreed.
 
The next meeting is the October 25, 2015 at 3:00 pm. (note earlier time)
 
Minutes prepared October 18, 2015 by Janet S Isaacs as approved after editing at the October 25, 2015 board meeting. 

Present
Rabbi Raachel Jurovics (RJ)
Peter Gabor, President (PG)
Janet Isaacs, Secretary (JI)
Margie Sved, Treasurer  (MS)
Carol Gabor  (CG)
Stephen Jurovics (SJ)
Les Taylor (LT)
Lewis Copulsky, Vice President   (LC)
Jonathan Kodack (JK)

Absent
Caro Foulkrod
Helene Stoll
Stacy Grove

PG noted a quorum (9) was present at 12:55 pm for this board meeting held after Sabbath services at St. Mark’s, as summer traveling interfered with the usual Sunday afternoon board meeting and location this month.  PG provided the agenda and recognized newly elected board member Jonathan Kodack and guest Cantor Karen Kumin.  The board minutes from the last June 15, 2014 meeting were not yet available. 

PG started the President’s Report by continuing the discussion of the Center for Deep Ecumenism (“the Center”), started at the June 15, 2014 board meeting.  LC was not present at that time when his willingness to take over book-keeping services for Yavneh (and for the Center) was mentioned, replacing Number Crunchers in these duties.  LC is elected for the term 7/1/14 to 6/30/17 on the Yavneh Board, served for the last three fiscal years in the office of Vice President, and was voted to be the Director of Operations for the Center at the June Board meeting.  LC would be providing book-keeping services through his existing business.  Further investigation is needed based on the Yavneh By-laws for how consultants, employees, and board service are to be handled.  

After further discussion, JI moved the following: The board authorizes a committee composed of PG, LC, RJ and MS to make financial recommendations concerning these topics: how routine financial records are to be organized for the Center and Yavneh; relationship of currently elected Yavneh board members and officers to the Center; updated insurance needs and costs; annual donation IRS letters; personnel payroll and IRS requirements.  The committee will meet prior to the August Yavneh board meeting, so that there can be a preliminary report.  CG seconded the motion.  A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.

RJ and the rest of the board thanked LT for his activities during the last fiscal year in updating the website.  LC passed around a preliminary draft of the updated Yavneh website page, and collected comments. 

MS passed around preliminary fiscal summaries about Yavneh’s account balances over the last month (no fiscal reports were available from Number Crunchers).  Discussion about the need for returning updated membership forms, religious school registration forms, and High Holy Days schedules resulted in this plan:  membership information will be both emailed and sent by regular mail to previous members, as well as available on line.  High Holy Day information will be separated out in emails and regular mail.  Only those with children will be provided the school information by email.

The Secretary will provide an updated list of the Yavneh board contact information.  RJ will provide board orientation at the September board meeting, as she and SJ will be out of town for the August meeting.

Under Social Action, RJ called attention to the Saturday August 2, 2014 New Hope Alliance Picnic.  RJ lead the board in a remembrance of her mentor and Renewal leader, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.

JI moved to adjourn this meeting at 2:15 pm

Minutes prepared August 20, 2014 by Janet Isaacs, Secretary
Approved at the August 24, 2014 Board meeting as edited. 

Present and Absent:
Rabbi Raachel Jurovics (RJ)
Stacy Grove (SG)
Peter Gabor, President (PG)
Janet Isaacs, Secretary (JI)
Margie Sved, Treasurer  (MS)
Carol Gabor  (CG)
Stephen Jurovics (SJ)
Les Taylor (LT)

Absent:
Caro Foulkrod
Lewis Copulsky, Vice President
Jeff Land
 
PG noted a quorum (8) was present at 4:17 pm and called the meeting to order. PG provided the agenda.  RJ discussed how the weekly portion about the Levites, Korach and Moses’ leadership, is applicable to all organizations.

The minutes from the last Board meeting on Sunday April 20, 2014 were circulated and reviewed.  Then CG moved them to be accepted and they were unanimously approved.  JI thanked RJ for her edits on draft minutes.

PG started the President’s Report by providing an overview of the May Annual General Meeting, noting the high level of participation.  Next draft papers about the Center for Deep Ecumenism were circulated.  The main points discussed were: 1) This Center is separate from Yavneh membership. 2) For grant-seeking opportunities, this Center needed officers at this time, so that proposals are coming from officials of this 501(c)3 organization who are capable of receiving funding. 3) LC has agreed to be an unpaid officer of this Center, along with RJ. 4) The official name of the Center is proposed as “Center for Deep Ecumenism: A project of Yavneh, A Jewish Renewal Community.”  After discussion CG moved and SG seconded this motion: The Board approves creation of the Center for Deep Ecumenism as a project of Yavneh, with an Executive Director and a Director of Operations. The motion was unanimously approved.  The Center officers are RJ as Executive Director and LC as Director of Operations.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by MS.  Number Crunchers had not been able to provide a fiscal report in time for this meeting.  (See previous minutes regarding this ongoing problem.)  PG stated that LC is willing to perform the duties now performed by Number Crunchers.  This discussion was tabled (LC was not present).  MS demonstrated her tracking system for dues payers, member classes, member donors, and non-member donors, which was appreciated by the Board.  Yavneh financial status was reviewed, noting that the Spring Fund-raising revenue was $11,000 so far.  PG mentioned the plan to send letters with the membership forms to remind all of our fiscal year starting in July. 

The Board then went into executive session. 

When the regular board meeting resumed, musical preparations for the 2014 High Holy Days were briefly discussed. Next the Rabbi described the good turnout for the first and second dinners with the Rabbi events, which are social and community functions for Yavneh supporters, some of whom do not come often to other more religious functions.

Under Social Action, RJ called attention to the Saturday August 2, 2014 New Hope Alliance Picnic.  Yavneh Board Members are encouraged to participate in this new Alliance activity.  RJ will provide Board Orientation as part of the next Board meeting after services on Saturday July 26, 2014, as that is the first meeting that the newly elected Board members attend.  When LC is available, he will be asked to report about any proceeds to Yavneh from AmazonSmile announced in the weekly updates and the last Board meeting.

JI moved to adjourn this meeting at 6:05 pm.

Minutes prepared July 18, 2014 by Janet Isaacs, Secretary
Approved as edited at the August 24, 2014 Board meeting.

Present: 
Rabbi Raachel Jurovics (RJ )
Caro Foulkrod (CF)
Stacy Grove (SLG)
Peter Gabor, President (PG)
Janet Isaacs, Secretary (JI)
Margie Sved, Treasurer (MS)
Carol Gabor (CG)
Stephen Jurovics (SJ)
Lewis Copulsky, Vice President (LC) 

Absent: Les Taylor; Jeff Land
Resigned: Debbie Warren
 
PG noted a quorum (8) was present at 4:10 pm and called the meeting to order. PG 
provided the agenda. Yavneh Board members will total 10 as Jeff Land resigned from 
the Board as of the end of the fiscal year. 
 
RJ discussed the commonalities of the springtime holidays in all the major religions, 
noting seeds of current faiths are identifiable in aboriginal religions. She encouraged 
spiritual humility in light of this recognition. 
 
The minutes from the last Board meeting on March 23, 2014 were circulated and 
reviewed. Then SLG moved them to be accepted with a second by MS. The minutes 
were unanimously approved with small edits. 
 
PG started the President’s Report by circulating the list of current Board members and their terms, as a part of planning the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the Yavneh community (AGM). Staggered three-year terms of board members was discussed, along with the need (1) to clarify the term for PG (who is now completing the first year of a two year term as President) and (2) recruit someone to complete the remaining year of a three-year term resulting from JL’s resignation. 
 
A list of potential candidates to serve on the Board was generated, with the plan that SJ was to contact them first so the candidates can be elected during the May 10, 2014 AGM. Board members also listed Yavneh members and supporters who deserved to be thanked publically during the AGM. The financial handouts needed for the AGM were discussed with input of MS and PG. MS summarized the current financial status and the early results of the current fund-raising goal of $18,000. LC was thanked for his efforts on mailings and updating the 2014-15 membership form. 
 
The Rabbi’s report started with an announcement about her June 22 to July 21, 2014 
mini-Sabbatical. She reviewed the April 6th Social Justice Seder and the invitation for a 2015 Social Justice Seder to be hosted by two Smithfield congregations who have been active participants. Although this 2014 Seder was a lower-cost event than previous years, it was less well attended. She encouraged further discussion about the November 8, 2014 planning for the Fall Scholar in Residence program, to avoid a 
conflict with a Federation event the same weekend. 
 
Several announcements were made: How the Amazon Smile website functions as a 
Yavneh fund-raiser; the Board thanks and supports a one-time Richard Kahan business solicitation (he provides Yavneh administrative support services); SLG informed the Board about the Cary Beth Shalom synagogue renovations; RJ will plan activities for a Yavneh Board retreat after the new board members are elected. 
 
SJ briefly reviewed the progress of the New Hope Alliance in setting up a board 
meeting. The next Board meeting is Sunday June 15, 2014 at 4:00 pm. 
 
The meeting ended at 6:03 pm after a motion from SLG and a second from JI. 
 
 
Minutes prepared May 27, 2014 by Janet Isaacs, Secretary