Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale Annual Congregational Meeting June 17, 2014

Transcription

1 Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale Annual Congregational Meeting June 17, 2014 CSAIR Mission Statement In accordance with the principles of Conservative Judaism, our mission is to provide a dynamic environment in which all Jews can grow in Jewish living. We are dedicated to enlightening the mind through learning, nourishing the soul through prayer, and creating a caring community. Enlightening the Mind through Learning: We will promote Jewish observance through a full range of educational programs, for youth and adults, on all levels. The education of our children will continue to be our priority. Nourishing the Soul Through Prayer: We will seek God through participatory, traditional, egalitarian services. We will share inspirational, moving prayer experiences and provide meaningful and accessible services for all. We will lift our voices together in praise of our Creator. Creating a Caring Community: We will care for each other, our community, the people and the land of Israel, and all of God s creations through acts of loving kindness 475 West 250th Street Bronx, New York Tel.: Web:

2 Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale Annual Congregational Meeting June 17, 2014 AGENDA 1. Welcome and Remarks Cliff Nerwen, President 2. Remarks Rabbi Barry Dov Katz 3. Election of Trustees Eric Saidel, Chair, Nominating Committee 4. Capital Campaign Update Miriam Westheimer, Capital Campaign Chair CSAIR Trustees returning for terms Ephraim Edelman Arthur Levy David Nerwen Abby Pitkowsky Mitchell Posilkin Charles Pripas Denise Resnik Marty Wolpoff New CSAIR Trustees nominated for terms Evelyn Horn Lori Kurlander Jeremy Ostow

3 Minutes of the Annual Congregational Meeting of the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale Tuesday June 18, 2013 Meeting Called to Order: CSAIR President Cliff Nerwen called the meeting to order. Welcome and Remarks: Cliff Nerwen welcomed everyone to the meeting and reviewed some of the activities of CSAIR over the past 12 months, including an increase in the number of family unit memberships to 440; the successful dinner dance; the successful Phonathon which enabled us to purchase new machzorim for the High Holidays; adult education initiatives; children s activities; increased involvement of CSAIR members on various committees; repair of the building s façade; cleaning of the stain glass windows in the sanctuary; replacement of the sidewalk; planting of a new garden; continued solid financial footing; and various new initiatives such as the scholarship committee. New challenges include reaching out to more people for the daily minyan and a longrange financial development plan to deal with the aging of the building. Cliff discussed how the Board had engaged a consultant to assist with the capital campaign to upgrade the facilities. Cliff thanked the staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Reports: Rabbi Barry Dov Katz: Rabbi Katz discussed the contributions of members of CSAIR towards the formation of thriving relationships and social capital. He described how privileged he is to work with such a talented staff. He discussed two highlights of the past year: the formation of minyan committee focus groups and the hineni project, which featured presentations from three gay students about their experiences growing up in the Jewish community. He asked each staff member to discuss two highlights of the past year. Cantor Elizabeth Stevens: Cantor Stevens discussed the Lechu Neranana Friday night services that were spearheaded by a committee of Susan Schwartz, Joel Einleger and Amy Leveen. Cantor Stevens also discussed the monthly Ruach Shabbat program, which was set up principally for Hebrew school students and their families, with Friday night services followed by festive dinners. Education Director Mason Voit: Mason Voit discussed the Project Haverim Teen Fellowship and their trip to Staten Island. He also discussed the meaningful conversations that take place as part of the intergenerational program between sixth grade kids and the sisterhood. He described how kids from CSAIR traveled to areas that had been affected by Hurricane Sandy and distributed quilts to needy families. Executive Director Eric Nussbaum: Eric Nussbaum described the expanded adult education initiatives, which serve as a gateway towards greater involvement of adults in the workings of the many areas of CSAIR. Eric also discussed the highly successful annual gala and the many ways in which its success could be measured, particularly in the areas of community building and attracting new people who had not previously been involved in synagogue life. Rabbi Katz then discussed four grants as examples of how the wider Jewish community has come to see CSAIR as a worthy investment: an inclusion grant from the UJA for programming directed at children with disabilities; a from UJA for programming for adults in their 20s and 30s; the Gladstein Fellowship through the Jewish Theological Seminary, which enables CSAIR to hire a Rabbinic intern; and a grant from the Davidson (continued)

4 Graduate School of Education Program at JTS, which enables CSAIR to hire an educational intern to work with Mason. Rabbi Katz then discussed the formation of a camper scholarship committee under the leadership of Joel Einleger; the new machzor; and more types of food at Kiddush. He described the year as one that was filled with relationship building. Treasurer Ephraim Edelman: Ephraim Edelman provided a financial report. He stated two primary goals: to keep CSAIR on solid financial footing and to align the synagogue s finances with its values. Ephraim discussed the very modest 1.5% increase in dues for the upcoming year. Election of Trustees: On behalf of Nominating Committee Chairperson Stuart Newman, Cliff Nerwen announced that the Nominating Committee made the following recommendations: CSAIR trustees who will return for terms form : Joel Einleger, Razel Kessler, Irving Ladimer, Eric Saidel, Amy Leveen and Cliff Nerwen. The following CSAIR Trustees were nominated to be named to the honorary board: Sam Feinberg, Tilda Landovitz, Sam Samuels, Steve Schwartz and Walter Tolub. New members of the Board included the following nominations-steve Matthews, Elisa Marcus and Deborah Lupkin-Gross. By a unanimous vote of acclamation, the recommendations of the Nominating Committee were accepted. New Business: Cliff Nerwen read the names of members who had passed away during the past year. David LaDue thanked Cliff Nerwen for his service. Amy Leveen discussed a meeting the previous night concerning the Kol Nidre fundraising drive. She asked for 100% participation from the Board. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michael Stern

5 FROM CANTOR ELIZABETH STEVENS I experienced CSAIR as a congregant this year. I felt so much support after my father died. One night while my family was sitting Shiva, I was talking to several congregants who had come to visit and I realized that I had been to a shiva observance in each of their homes. Usually when I am at a shiva house I am there to offer condolences on behalf of the community, but I was there accepting comfort offered to me. My maternity leave gave me a much happier reason to be a civilian for a while. I spent lots of time in the children's services and now I know why my children love coming to shul. Each week they play and sing and learn to love Torah - ok, plush Torahs, but it's a great start! The whole building is full of life. I want to take this chance to thank everyone, and there is a long list, who helped keep things going during my leave. There are no sufficient words to describe how much I appreciate all your time and energy. It's great to be back, and I'm looking forward to working together in the coming year. FROM EDUCATION DIRECTOR MASON VOIT CSAIR Youth Programs Summary Marsha Dane Stern Hebrew School: The Marsha Dane Stern Hebrew School is the largest and most intensive supplementary Jewish education program in Riverdale. During the school year, our school enrolled 71 students in grades K-7; all classes meet for 3 hours each Sunday, while grades 2-7 come an additional two hours on Wednesday. Our faculty includes 7 teachers, a special needs coordinator and specialists who provide our learning resource room and Art & Text. In addition to the classroom time, our students and families participate in holiday family programs, a Family Tefilot each Sunday and monthly Friday evening Ruach Shabbat services a popular service followed by Shabbat dinner and a family program that typically draws participants. Shabbat Morning: Each week, CSAIR provides three separate age-appropriate Shabbat morning youth and family programs. CSAIR KIDS ages 0-7 New this year, we created CSAIR KIDS for children ages 0-7 a Shabbat morning experience that includes babysitting/supervised play including breakfast from 10am 10:45am/ an age appropriate Tefilah experience for kids and their parents followed by a snack and participation in the end of the main service. CSAIR KIDS includes the Tot Tefilah service for parents and kids ages 0-4 and Tefilat Yeladim for kids in grades K-2. Pick-up Davenning and Club 613 ages 8-10 Kids ages 8-10 participate in Pick-up Davenning a spirited davenning experience or (on alternating weeks) Club 613 a Torah service including children leining followed by chugim (electives) led by teen and pre-teen madrichim. Madrichim ages Each week kids in 6 th grade and above sign up to lead the CSAIR KIDS babysitting/supervised play and assist with the Tefilah experiences. In addition, our madrichim lead the Club 613 chugim (electives). (continued)

6 PJ Library: PJ Library enrolls over 200 Riverdale families - CSAIR members and not-yet-members - to receive Jewish books for children ages 6 months to 8 years in the mail each month. In addition, PJ Library hosts outreach events and participating families are invited to events such as CSAIR YCFP programs and Hebrew School promotional events. B nai Mitzvah For 6-7 graders, as kids and their families are preparing for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, CSAIR provides several gatherings a year - a mix of ritual, hesed and social events - designed to create a cohort of families prepared for their B nai Mitzvot. This year, this cohort experienced the B nai Mitzvah Orientation, a program, co-sponsored by the Sisterhood on the Talit, and an interactive, multi-generational Kristallnacht program Teens Ruach Shabbat After Parties Following the monthly Friday evening Ruach Shabbat Family Friendly Events, teens meet for their own kiddush and shmoozing. Project Chaverim Continuing for the third year, graders come each Sunday morning for training, planning and to work with Hebrew School 3-4 graders. Project Chaverim Fellows lead the kids program for the monthly Ruach Shabbat Friday Evening Family programs. In addition, the teens host their students for several outings throughout the year. Westchester Jewish Teen Learning Initiative In place of our regular Post-B nai Mitzvah Seminar, this year CSAIR has become a host site as part of the Westchester Jewish Teen Learning Initiative (WJTLI). This year, we offered a course titled, J- Movie, for 8-9 graders. This course, taught by CSAIR member Greg Kanter, provided teens will skills in video shooting, editing and production and incorporated these skills in creating video representations of the kids own Jewish stories based on Pirket Avot. Rosh Hodesh: It s a Girl Thing Each month, 8-9 grade girls met for a program exploring the social/emotional challenges of adolescence through a Jewish lens. FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ERIC NUSSBAUM At the CSAIR office, we spend so much of our time looking ahead: to the next Shabbat, the next holiday, the next program, the next Hebrew School event It is a bit of a luxury to stop this time each year to look in the rear view mirror at the past 12 months. Once again, we had a staggering level of activity here at the shul and we continued to create myriad opportunities for people to come together. Lechu Neranena created a new way to welcome Shabbat with the community and to enjoy a Shabbat dinner together at the shul or in members homes. The Holy Grounds, now in its third year, transforms our downstairs lobby on Sunday mornings into a café bustling with people sharing tables, talking, reading books or the newspaper, working at laptops, and enjoying coffee and bagels together. Our Seder Experience brought together two very different communities: CSAIR members and members of the New Life International Church for a moving and memorable inter-faith Passover experience and provided both groups with new ways to explore the Exodus story. (continued)

7 Intimate Voices, our Chamber Music Series, celebrated its 5 th season, continuing to bring professional classical music to Riverdale and enabling those in attendance to experience our beautiful space in a different way. And our Adult Education committee, assembled yet another incredible year of world-class learning opportunities. All of this just scratches the surface but it helps to illustrate what can happen when dedicated volunteers join forces with dedicated professionals all committed to the mission of enlightening the mind, nourishing the soul, and creating a caring community. It is incredibly gratifying to look back at a year of tremendous energy and accomplishment and to look forward an equally if not even more exciting year ahead. My thanks to CSAIR s office staff, Nanci Brickman and Gayle Ozer, our amazing Building Superintendent Wilson Mena and his crew who work miracles every day, a legion of wonderful volunteers, and a professional staff second to none. Rabbi Katz, Cantor Stevens, and Mason Voit make coming to work a pleasure every day. It is a privilege to work with them for this community.

8 CSAIR Committee/Affiliate Reports

9 ADULT EDUCATION Adult Education programs during once again featured stimulating programs of interest to both CSAIR members and the larger Riverdale community. Under the auspices of the Gerson D. Cohen Institute for Adult Jewish Learning, we presented more than two dozen programs within the framework of Engage, Learn, Think, Remember, Read, Discuss, and Eat. This multi-faceted program of seminars, lectures, and workshops was made possible by the fiscal support provided by CSAIR s Board of Directors, by Rabbi Barry Katz s overall guidance, and by Executive Director s Eric Nussbaum ongoing administrative support. As our Interim Report of January, 2014 noted, we are also greatly indebted to the CSAIR members who graciously served as faculty and shared their knowledge and expertise in the above thematic areas. It is not possible to detail all of the programs presented in the past year but this report would be remiss to not highlight the following three. On October 3, 2013, our esteemed member Professor Eric Kandel addressed a standing room only audience in our Social Hall about the Quest to Understand the Unconscious in Art during 20 th Century Vienna. The weekend of April 5, 2014 marked the annual Shabbaton supported by the Helen Tureff Memorial fund and it featured Dr. David Kraemer who is the Librarian and Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Dr. Kraemer shared his expertise in three sessions on Friday night and Shabbat about the relationship between Jewish Eating and Jewish Identity, Jewish Eating Rules from the Bible and later periods, and how Jewish eating patterns relate to acculturation and assimilation. On May 7, 2014, we were honored to host Dr. Avivah Zornberg of Israel whose lecture focused on Bewilderments: The Sin of the Spies. Dr. Zornberg approached this topic from multiple intellectual vantage points, and Rabbi Barry Katz presented a unique introductory lecture to enhance our understanding of Dr. Zornberg s perspectives. Planning is well under way for the Adult Education lectures and seminars to be presented during and Shabbatons will again be supported by the Helen Tureff Memorial Fund and the Hack Family Fund. Some of the past year s faculty have graciously agreed once again to serve in this role and others have already accepted our invitation to join the remarkable cast of CSAIR Adult Education faculty. This combination bodes well for what we expect to be a most invigorating series of intellectual forums and members are urged to participate in as many of them as possible. Charlie Schulberg, Chair; Sharon Kern-Taub, Yael Levy, Steven Matthews, Dianne Meranus, Michael Pitkowsky, and Fran Turitz BIKUR HOLIM Bikur Holim is carrying on its usual visits and calls to those who are homebound and in various places of rehabilitation. Johanna Zurndorfer, Elsie Ruzal, Margaret Danishefsky, Faye Lieman, Rabbi Steve Shulman as well as some other members make calls and visits periodically. I try to coordinate the above activities so that volunteers can make timely visits. Friday afternoon our volunteers call and wish our shut ins a Shabbat Shalom. Shirley Bender visits Jewish patients at the Allen Hospital on Friday, she chats with them and wishes Shabbat Shalom as well. In 2011 a new project was inaugurated. Several members who were able to blow shofar did so a day or two before the high holidays. With the permission of our congregants, who knew they could not attend services in Shul, our volunteers were given names and time slots, of those who wished to listen to the shofar. The program was well received. All of our volunteers are dedicated to their calls, and visits. With Rabbi Katz supervising the list of those that need BH attention, such as cards, calls and visits the committee moves along. Norma Finkelstein, Chair

10 ISRAEL AFFAIRS An exciting new approach to Israel-related programming was launched last fall using the iengage curriculum developed by the renowned faculty of the Shalom Hartman Institute. There were five sessions that prompted participants to go beyond the headlines and emotions about Israel in discussions about the significance of the State of Israel for contemporary Jews using both Jewish texts and historical documents to explore questions such as: What are the benefits of Jewish sovereignty? How should a Jewish state exercise military power ethically? How can Israel create and maintain a Jewish democracy? What values should a Jewish state embody? A unique aspect of the program for CSAIR is that it was co-sponsored with Young Israel Ohab Zedek of North Riverdale, with the sessions led by both Rabbi Katz and Rabbi Shmuel Hain. The second session featured a presentation by Yossi Klein Halevi, the author of "The Dreamers," the acclaimed new history of modern Israel. The Israel Affairs committee is working on a number of new programs for next year, including a gala Yom HaAtzmaut celebration, support of an Israeli charity and participation in the election of delegates to the 37 th World Zionist Congress to be held in Jerusalem in the fall. SOCIAL ACTION Prompted by his experience on an American Jewish World Service mission to rural India last summer, Rabbi Katz convened a meeting of interested congregants to develop new social action programming. Several ideas are being discussed and will be announced early next fall. Members of the congregation have also been participating in a community-wide social action committee convened under the auspices of the Riverdale Jewish Community Relations Council. Discussion has revolved around programming focusing on concepts related to the Shmita year. Specifics will aspects of the activities will be announced prior to the beginning of the Shmita on Rosh HaShanah. SHUL OPERATIONS With the assistance of human resource professionals, management consultants and legal advisors, we have developed a personnel evaluation program that will allow participation by a representative range of congregants in annual performance evaluations of our clergy and professional staff. The program will begin within the next few weeks and then be repeated annually. Working with CSAIR's insurance broker, a new Accountable Care Act health insurance plan was procured for employees, giving them more coverage and increased options without requiring any of them to change doctors, and at lower cost to the shul.

11 RITUAL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE Chair: Susan Schwartz Five meetings were held in Members: Rabbi Katz, Cantor Stevens, Richard Kalmin, Amy Leveen, Cliff Nerwen, David Nerwen, Sheila Reinhold Sacks, Jessica Rezak Schwab, Florence Wolpoff, Martin Wolpoff Review of the High Holidays Clinic: Shofar Blowing Review of instructor, Cantor Pincus Plan next steps Use of Mahzor Lev Shalem general comments extremely positive Discussed High Holiday Survey Individuals who asked to be contacted have all been called Community Service received unanimous support and there was very positive feedback from those who attended Consider continuing next year Shabbat Morning Services more lay leaders are needed to help Amy Leveen coordinating Gabbaim Shomrim Vaad Minyan spearheaded by Rabbi Katz Committee: Diane Sharon, Larry Schultis Meetings with small groups of congregants to understand how individuals feel about ways to support CSAIR morning and evening minyanim Suggestion has been made about ways to honor those who attend minyan on a regular basis Mahzor Project Marty Wolpoff Book plates for new mahzor Schedule a time for individuals to pick up copies of Silverman for personal use Shivah Task Force: Sheila Reinhold Sacks, Arthur Levy, Jessica Rezak Schwab, Steve Altarescu, Richard Sacks, Judith Weinsteiner Review our current plan for supporting those who are sitting shivah or who are mourning Cantor Maternity Leave Overall coordinator: Susan Schwartz Weekday Torah reading: Michael Pitkowsky Torah rolling: Michael Pitkowsky (Cliff Nerwen as needed) Shabbat Torah reading: Freda Kleinburd Shabbat Davening: Ariela Migdal and Amy Leveen Haftarah: Yoni Werlin Ashrei: Liz and Dan Spevack Bar/Bat tutors: Ami Schwab, Adam Kahn, Cantor Leslie Friedlander Bar/Bat/Tutor family liaison as needed: Susan Schwartz Weekly Shabbat Roster: Jerry Ostow Purim: Jessica Rezak Schwab (continued)

12 Once monthly Friday Night Service: Lechu Neranena Let s Sing! Monthly planning being done by Steve Altarescu, Susan Schwartz, Amy Leveen) Attendance has been robust (~50 people) Dinners have been very popular catered dinner is typical cooking dinner in shul on Thursday for Friday night pot luck dinners in someone s home Planning needed to further develop service with a core group of harmonizers Bar/Bat Mitzvah honors Discussion about aliyot and honors for family and congregation on Shabbat morning and Shabbat Minha Bar/Bat Mitzvah is part of a community celebration Rabbi and Cantor have a flexible plan tailored to each child s needs Small working group is being formed Discuss issues related to bar/bat davening, learning torah vs. haftarah trop, guests davvening Electing a Haver Possible candidate names were presented to Board of Trustees in Jan Elsie Ruzal, Sy Ruzal and Marty Wolpoff were nominated as Haverim Service honoring Elsie, Sy and Marty took place on March 1, 2014 Planning Rabbi Sabbatical for 2015 Sabbatical Committee Coordinators: Ariela Migdal and Michael Stern Discussion about alternative minyanim meeting at CSAIR on Shabbat morning. Rabbi Katz will report future developments DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Development programs that occurred during the 2013/14 year: Kol Nidre Appeal- coordinated by Irene Smookler- included advance promotional s featuring prominent members of the CSAIR and why they give. Intake was $75,000 - on target for its budgeted expectation. Phonathon: the focus of giving was a new sound system for the main sanctuary. Ellen Werlin worked with Phonathon founder Vivian Kasen. Intake was $20,000 - above budgeted expectations. Gala: Co-chaired by Jessica Rezak Schwab, Lori Kurlander, and Alyson Spindell produced another wonderful event that was festive and very well attended. Net proceeds about $22,000 - slightly below budgeted expectations. Planned/ Legacy Giving: a preliminary brochure and cover letter will be sent out shortly- commencing this new and to be ongoing campaign at CSAIR. Richard Sacks has been the lead person coordinating this. In the coming year: we will better promote opportunities to sponsor Kiddush, Adult and other learning programs throughout the year with the goal of increasing supplementary income that will ease up funding from the general budget. If anyone would be interested in being further involved with any or more of these projects; or if you have some additional ideas- please contact Eric Nussbaum and Steven Chait. Steven Chait

13 HAVURAH The CSAIR Havurah is a traditional, egalitarian minyan committed to spirited prayer and engaging learning in a warm and intimate atmosphere. The Havurah is entirely lay led; members lead tefillot, read Torah and Haftarah, and give Divrei Torah. The Havurah meets approximately twice per month, usually for Shabbat morning services in CSAIR s Taub Room, but occasionally at other times and places, as well. The Havurah is proud to be multigenerational, with members who range from older adults to families to singles. The Havurah welcomes families to bring their small children. On a typical Shabbat, numerous small children can be found playing and reading in the Taub Room as their parents participate in the prayer and study. The Havurah is also a community. It is a network of friends who worship together, celebrate together, and support each other. About once a month, the Havurah gathers for a Shabbat or holiday meal, either at the synagogue or at a member s home. When members have new babies or face an illness or death, the Havurah helps by providing meals and other support to the family. The Havurah is an integral part of the CSAIR community. It sponsors synagogue-wide events every year, such as the Simhat Torah Kiddush, Tu BiShevat Seder, refreshments on Purim night, and the Tikkun Leil Shavuot all-night study session. This year, the Havurah met 14 times for Shabbat morning services. We held 4 potluck meals in Havurah families homes and 3 meals at CSAIR. The theme of our annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot was Prayer: Challenges and Opportunities. Over 100 people of all ages participated in some part of the night of learning and cheesecake, which ended with Shacharit at 5:00 am. Havurah Volunteers for 5774 ( ): Coordinators: Razel Kessler, Michael Pitkowsky, and Ellen Werlin Treasurer: Jeff Wechselblatt Meal Coordinators: Razel Kessler and Ellen Werlin Database: Hank Golomb Batsheva Halberstam Mailings: Liz Spevack and Jen Greenfeld Membership: Freda Kleinburd Meal Logistics: Ellen Werlin and Razel Kessler Baby Meals: Ronit Notkin Schwab Get Well Meals: Irene Smookler Shiva Meals: Freda Kleinburd and Margaret Danishefsky Tu B Shvat Seder: Deborah Lupkin Gross Tikkun Leil Shavuot: Michael Pitkowsky Ritual Skill Mentorship: Judy Matthews Thank you to everyone who coordinated services, meals, and programs throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who hosted meals, made baby meals, read Torah, lead Services, had an aliyah, and read Ashrei. And thank you to everyone who attended a service, a meal, an event, or a Kiddush we sponsored. We had a great year thanks to the incredible participation and enthusiasm of everyone in the CSAIR community. Respectfully submitted by Ellen Werlin, Michael Pitkowsky, and Razel Kessler

14 CSAIR SISTERHOOD The current Executive Board of Sisterhood has just completed its second year of a two-year term of office led by Co-Presidents, Dianne Meranus and Anita Nerwen. They will be continuing their presidency for another 2 years. Our membership is slightly down from last year s at 198. Special thanks to Financial Vice President, Elsie Ruzal, who has agreed to merge her responsibilities with those of Membership V.P. becoming our new V.P. of Membership. This year, as usual, we scheduled numerous programs and activities and as a result, were pleased to donate $25,405 to the Synagogue (significantly more than our original commitment). In addition, we purchased a $550 ad in the journal of the annual Gala and made a $20,000 pledge to the Capital Campaign to be paid over 5 years. Sisterhood activities included: *Co-sponsorship of Selichot program with the dessert reception. Coffee House format with guests from Pelham Jewish Center was extremely festive. *Luncheon in the succah (capacity crowd with excellent meat meal). *Standing room only musical/video event in October: Growing Up in Jewish Amsterdam developed and performed by Barbara Haimowitz. *Once again we will be receiving Women s League s highest level (Emerald) award for outstanding education/programming, community services and Women s League activities/initiatives. Presentation will be in Whippany N.J. at July Women s League National Convention where 5 of our members will be in attendance. *Continuation of our used eyeglass-for-the-needy project, spear-headed by Lillian Kormes. *Completion of Nursing Room renovation with charming wall art chosen and hung by Stephanie Ives. *Donations to Women League Megillah Simchat Esther project and Masorti fund raiser. *Co-sponsored A Legacy of Values Writing Your Ethical Will with Adult Education Committee. *Enthusiastic viewing and discussion of 2 of film-maker, Diane Nerwen s documentaries with Jewish themes. *Showing of Hitler s Children film with discussion led by Dr. Gary Orin, husband of our member, Sheila Orin. *Model Seder with guests from New Life International Church in the Bronx was an inspiring program co -sponsored with Adult Education Committee and CSAIR. *We are supporting (with donation of funds) an Ethiopian high school student in Israel through the North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry. * Good as Gold project successfully earned Sisterhood a percentage of sales of members un-wanted gold and silver items. (This project is being continued.) *In May we arranged for a Krav Maga event open to all to learn simple self defense techniques by former Israel Defense Forces trainees. All participants enjoyed the event but we were disappointed with low attendance. *Tallit Fashion show/knot tying event in collaboration with Hebrew School. *On-going embroidered tallit project tallit with children s names is used during Simchat Torah. (Efforts of Razel Kessler and Dianne Meranus) *Fall and spring bazaars chaired by Leah Praskin with assistance of many Sisterhood members. (Men s Club food concession was a simultaneous activity.) *Mishloach Manot project, our largest fund-raiser, was again chaired by Razel Kessler. It netted over $14,000 for CSAIR along with a substantial donation to Neve Hanna in Israel. Thanks to Razel and her many helpers. (continued)

15 *Torah Fund Brunch was again chaired by Bernice Balter and Shoshi Talesnick Katz. This year s honorees were Abby and Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky both of whom benefitted from JTS educations and always contribute so much to CSAIR. *Sisterhood Shabbat was once again coordinated by Razel Kessler with help from Elsie Ruzal. Sisterhood members conducted services (with more and more of us reading Torah) and sponsored the Kiddush. Claire Gondelman, President of our Region of Women s League was a special guest. *Judaica Gift Shop is run by Marjory Tolub with significant help from Susanne Fruchter, Adele Serber and several others. We continue to encourage more business, providing shopping convenience for ritual objects and holiday needs. More non-judaica gift items have been stocked. We are participating in on-going discussions of proposed changes to location of Shop in connection with the Capital Campaign. *The pre-high Holiday Israeli flower sale was again coordinated by Sheila Lesser. *Liz Scheer sold and mailed personal Sisterhood greeting cards during the year, an important ongoing fund-raiser netting over $2,000 this year. *Sharon Hyman sent our greeting cards for many occasions from Sisterhood to CSAIR and community members as appropriate. *Our Bikur Cholim efforts led by Norma Finkelstein are on-going along with the Shabbat Shalom Club. *Sisterhood continues to sponsor Rabbi Katz s Tuesday morning class with very large attendance and refreshments coordinated by Elsie Ruzal. *The March Sunday afternoon field trip to the Bronx High School of Science s newly enlarged and renovated Holocaust Museum enabled all 21 of our participants to share a powerful educational experience. *Sisterhood completed refurbishment of lower floor ladies room with purchase of leather bench and attractive wall art. *The collection of used shoes to benefit people in need while serving re-cycling purposes is a continuing success. Sisterhood receives a monetary award for each pound of shoes donated. Phyllis Schulberg and Faye Lieman are now supervising this effort. For next year, we aim for more intergenerational activities, more collaborative experiences with the Adult Education Program and Hebrew School and greater participation of newer Sisterhood members. We are extremely appreciative of the guidance and support of Rabbi Barry Dov Katz, Cantor Elizabeth Stevens and Executive Director Eric Nussbaum. We also thank Education Director Mason Voit, Wilson and his maintenance staff, Bookkeeper, Nanci Brickman and Secretary Gayle Ozer. In memory of Secretary Susan Tadayon, Sisterhood dedicated a gold leaf on the upper lobby Tree of Life in a moving ceremony on January 14 th. Susan s daughter and family attended and were extremely appreciative. Dianne Meranus and Anita Nerwen, Co-Presidents

16 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CSAIR s A Place to Grow Capital Campaign continues to drive forward, and today nears the $700,000 mark. The total reflects the dedicated participation of all Board members and Campaign leaders, and an ever growing circle of CSAIR members. The range of gifts are CSAIR, representing the breadth of the shul community and the entire spectrum of capacity and deep commitment to the future of the congregation from very modest gifts to a number of families who have made pledges in the six figures. The goal of this campaign is to reach every CSAIR family enabling everyone to participate in crafting the shul s future and being vested in the continued success of the CSAIR community. As we speak, the Campaign advances on three tracks: Major Gifts with the participation and leadership of Rabbi Katz and the Campaign Leadership Team, we have obtained several commitments of $50,000 and above, with a number over $100,000. This component of the Campaign is still very much in play and there are still a number of substantial gifts that will emerge at this important level. Special Gifts this key campaign stage is led by Faye Warren and a dedicated committee and is seeking pledges and gifts between $20,000 and $50,000. This group is hard at work, setting appointments and communicating with donors and has achieved a number of very important successes. Their works continues. Congregational and Community Gifts dedicated to reaching the broad CSAIR community, this Campaign section, devoted to gifts under $20,000, is led by Alyson Spindell, Yoni Schwab, and a devoted committee. Their key short term task is the scheduling of small gatherings in the homes of CSAIR leaders where the campaign will be presented directly to members and everyone will have the chance to hear the Campaign Case, ask questions, and ultimately make informed decisions about the scope of their personal participation. Funds from the "A Place to Grow" Capital Campaign will ensure, through meaningful renovations and physical improvements, that our shul will be more beautiful, accessible, functional, and inviting to CSAIR's diverse community. These renovations will likely include: * A ramp to the Lower Lobby and opening the entrance to the plaza * A Bet Midrash that is renovated into a multi-purpose space for davening, dialogue, and other important shul functions, either in its current location or in the current (and expanded) Sukkah Room space * A more spacious and warmer Lower Lobby bathed in light, creating an inviting space for people to gather during services and other shul happenings; programs for children and adults on Shabbat and throughout the week; and a beautiful venue for simchas and lifecycle events * An elevator that will bring people from downstairs to behind the Social Hall * A more efficiently positioned Gift Shop that will add space to the the comon areas and be an attractive and enticing Judaic resource * Additional meeting space CSAIR s A Place to Grow Capital Campaign continues to function throughout the summer. If you have not yet made your commitment, please consider it. Please speak to one of the leaders mentioned above and join the many who have already stepped forward. Miriam Westheimer, Chair

17 CSAIR BUDGET Despite careful cost management, the Synagogue s cost base continues to increase (personnel, benefits, programming, electricity). This year s budget reflects careful scrutiny of every line item of income and expense. Every effort has been made to craft a budget that continues to provide the services and programs the membership has come to expect while both controlling costs and making conservative estimates with regard to expected Synagogue revenue. For we have factored in certain cost controls, including: United Synagogue dues reduction request The avoidance, to the extent possible, of discretionary expenses A re-imagining our annual Gala that creates an improved margin between revenue and expense Kiddushes look for ways to provide a substantial Kiddush (and the social opportunities that Kiddush provides) but at reduced cost to shul Not looking to make broad reductions in programming Total budgeted expenses for : $1,364,000, and increase of $78,000 (6%) from In , we will also explore new, alternative sources of income in an effort to help offset the cost of CSAIR s robust programming schedule. Included are: Expanded sponsorship opportunities Expanded sponsorship opportunities (Kiddush, but also dinners, Adult Education programs, Hebrew School programs or tuition, et al.) Contributions from all Affiliates Nominal increases to cost of HHD seats, Kiddush sponsorships, room rental fees, Shabbat dinners Recommended dues increase of 4% approved by CSAIR Board of Trustees Impact per household: $ per unit This increase brings our average dues increase over last 4 years to 3% This increase reflects our commitment to not putting the entire burden of shouldering increased costs on shul membership Bottom Line: This is a responsible, realistic, workable budget that reflects the values of the shul A summary of the Operating Budget can be found on following page.

18 CSAIR DRAFT BUDGET FISCAL YEAR INCOME DRAFT BUDGET BUDGET Dues $ 690,863 $ 660,311 HHD Seats $ 49,000 $ 53,000 Security Assesment $ 16,000 $ 18,000 Dinner Dance $ 60,000 $ 75,000 Phonathon $ 17,000 $ 19,000 Kol Nidre $ 75,000 $ 75,000 Donations-Individual $ 59,000 $ 66,500 Donations-High Holiday $ 3,500 $ 3,500 Donations-Kiddushes $ 15,300 $ 25,300 Donations-Memorials $ 20,600 $ 21,000 Sisterhood $ 15,000 $ 15,000 Other Affiliate Donations (new ) $ 9,000 Operating Income $ 165,013 $ 175,099 Education/Programming $ 100,000 $ 145,000 TOTAL INCOME $ 1,286,276 $ 1,360,710 EXPENSES DRAFT BUDGET BUDGET Administration Subtotal $ 109,550 $ 110,700 Building Expenses (Excl. Utilities) $ 60,000 $ 60,000 Utilities $ 70,000 $ 70,000 Personnel Related $ 770,361 $ 826,888 Shabbat/Holiday $ 74,200 $ 75,600 Fundraising (non Dinner Dance) $ 24,250 $ 24,400 Dinner Dance $ 25,000 $ 35,000 Youth/Adult Programs $ 43,000 $ 38,000 Hebrew School Payroll $ 73,915 $ 76,100 Hebrew Sch. Nonpayroll $ 16,000 $ 29,500 Adult Education $ 15,000 $ 15,000 Special Education Tutoring $ 5,000 $ 3,000 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,286,276 $ 1,364,188 Net Income $ - $ (3,478)

19 Main Sanctuary Holiday Seats Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale SCHEDULE OF DUES Family Membership (entitles Family to two High Holiday seats in Main Sanctuary Service) A. Holders of Permanent Pews (Rows A-E) $2,800 B. Non-Holders of Permanent Pews (Rows A-E) $2,800 C. Rows G-O $2,425 D. Rows P-End $2,245 Individual Membership (entitles Member to one High Holiday seat in Main Sanctuary Service) E. Holders of Permanent Pews (Rows A-E) $1,310 F. Non-Holders of Permanent Pews (Rows A-E) $1,310 G. Rows G-O $1,225 H. Rows P-End $1,125 Young Family Membership (both adult members of household under 30 years of age; entitles family to two seats in Main Sanctuary Service) J. Rows F- End $ 375 Parallel Service Holiday Seats K. Family Membership (entitles Family to two High Holiday seats in Parallel Service) $2,245 L. Individual Membership (entitles Member to one High Holiday seat in Parallel Service $1,125 M. Young Family Membership (both adult members of household under 30 years of age; entitles family to two seats in Parallel Service) $ 375 N. Full-Time Student Membership (18-25 years of age) $ 275 VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL DUES In order to maintain our policy that nobody will be refused membership based on inability to pay, we ask those members who are in a financial position to do so to add an additional $360 (or an amount of their choosing) to their annual dues amount. This additional payment will help us keep our doors are open to all who want to make CSAIR their spiritual home. HIGH HOLIDAY SEATS HIGH HOLIDAY TICKETS WILL NOT BE RELEASED UNTIL MEMBERSHIP IS PAID IN FULL OR OTHER ARRANGE- MENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE SYNAGOGUE OFFICE. Additional Seats are available for MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY ONLY. Seats in Main Sanctuary: Rows A-E $300 per seat Rows G-End $200 per seat Seats in Parallel Service: $200 per seat Seats for teens (13-18) and undergraduate college students in Main Service (except Rows A-E and side pews) or Parallel Service: $ 54 per seat BUILDING FUND Each new CSAIR member household is assessed a one-time charge of $1,000 which may be paid out evenly over a period of up to five years.

20 Coming Up at CSAIR Tisha b Av Monday, August 4/Tuesday, August 5 Tu b Av Sunday, August 10/Monday, August 11 Hebrew School Begins Sunday, September 17 Selihot Saturday, September 20 Erev Rosh Hashana Wednesday, September 24 Rosh Hashana I Thursday, September 25 Rosh Hashana II Friday, September 26 Kol Nidre Friday, October 3 Yom Kippur Saturday, October 4 Erev Sukkot Wednesday, October 8 Sukkot I Thursday, October 9 Sukkot II Friday, October 10 Hoshanah Rabba Wednesday, October 15 Shemini Atzeret Thursday, October 16 Simhat Torah Friday, October 17