The Board of Trustees met on December 13, 2001.

Rabbi’s Vort:  The Rabbi and Garry Cohen lit the Menorah for the 4^th day of  Chanukah.  The Rabbi had the Board read the extra paragraph (Al Hanisim) in the silent prayer (Shemoneh Esrei) that we recite each day during Chanukah to remember the Macabee's victory over the Greeks to save Judaism from forced assimilation and the rededication of our Holy Temple. 

Treasurer’s Report:  Garry Cohen informed the Board that the new mortgage ($1.16M) with Fredericktown Bank was signed.  Our new mortgage rate should save the Congregation about $25,000/year in interest payments.  Many thanks to Seymour Stern, Nelson Zahler, Dick Kessler, and the senior mangement of Fredericktown Bank who helped secure this important loan for Beth Sholom.  Also, special thanks to Marcia Newfeld, who provided the important financial information necessary to secure this loan. 

Bingo Report:  Marcia Newfeld presented the Bingo report for November.  The proceeds of six nights of Bingo were outstanding thanks to the dedication of a small group of our regular Bingo workers. Bingo is our major fundraiser, which keeps our dues structure low.  However, the same people are working Bingo multiple nights each month.  Our Vice-President, Marty Potash, has worked Bingo 6 out of the last 7 weeks!  This is not fair, and many of our regulars are becoming exhausted.  We need additional volunteers.  If you are not currently working Bingo, you will receive a call from our new Bingo Chairperson, Sid Kandel, who along with his wife, Michelle, works Bingo several times a month.  He will ask you to work Bingo and help to continue our successful Bingo game.  Although some of you are opposed to Bingo for various reasons, there is nothing in Jewish law that indicates that raising money in this way is morally wrong.  In many cases we are providing a community service to players, who depend upon the pleasant social atmosphere of our games.  Please welcome Sid when he calls you, and sign up for one of our teams.  We need your help!

Budget and Finance Committee:  Roger Strong’s committee will meet in January to review this year’s budget and begin to develop the new budget for the next fiscal year.  In addition, the Investment subcommittee will review the progress of our investments to date.

House Committee:  Carl Lazerow reported that the wiring project at the Rabbi’s house is moving slowly.  We are getting estimates on having the front doors of the synagogue re-stained. The Rabbi is still exploring the acceptability of a Kosher Sound System developed in Israel. 

Long-Range Planning:  Marty Potash continues plans to interview several potential candidates for the position of Assistant Religious Director.  The phased expansion of the Community Center is on hold at this time.
  
Board of Education (BOE):  They are looking for new nominations of individuals interested in serving on the BOE.  A ‘walk-thru’ of the current space allocations for the various programs of our schools is planned.  We are still short two Hebrew teachers and they considering advertising in the Baltimore and Washington Jewish Times as well as local free papers.  It is difficult to recruit teachers since we are competing with synagogues in the Baltimore-Washington area, as well as nationally. 

Adult Ed/Cultural Arts:  The Sholom Aleichem film shown last Sunday was well received.  Thanks to Jeff Rossio for his assistance in this project.  Please mark your calendars for the Family Shabbaton scheduled for February 8-9, 2002.

Sisterhood:  Marcia Newfeld reported that the Gift and Book Fairs went well.  More volunteers are needed to work the Gift Shop, particularly during Chanukah.

Youth Committee:  Stacee Springer has planned a variety of activities for our youth and has developed a Calendar of Events that will be posted in the Community Center. 

Beautification committee:  Sid Kandel is putting plaques on the Donor Board.  The Tree of Life is full, and we need a new one.  A donor is needed for the new tree.  Contact Marcia for more details.

Old Business:  The Brunswick Shul has been sold to a Jewish artist.  If the property goes on sale again in the future, Beth Sholom will have first rights of refusal.

New Business:  The Board recommended a modest holiday gift to our two cleaning crew members, Jose and Sonia in recognition of their excellent service (with a smile) to Beth Sholom .

That is it from the President’s Corner for this month.  Hope that your Chanukah was wonderful.