Board of Trustees

The following letter regarding the role of non-Jews at B'nai Israel was mailed on April 24, to all members of the Congregation. The letter was signed by Rabbi Alfi, Jeremy Hollis, President, and Lisa Brodkey, Chair of the RNJ Committee.

Dear Members of Congregation B’nai Israel,

For several years, our congregation has needed to address a sensitive and important topic: the role of non-Jews in congregational life. We are blessed to have so many members who, while not Jewish, have chosen to raise Jewish children, create Jewish homes, and participate actively in many facets of life at CBI. A committee was appointed last year by then-President Dale Kasler to examine the congregation’s bylaws and practices in the areas of membership, governance and religious practices; and to recommend any changes necessary to define more clearly the role that non-Jews play at B’nai Israel. Members of the Role of Non-Jews (RNJ) Committee represented a true cross-section of our membership. The group worked seriously and thoughtfully for an entire year before developing the enclosed report. 

The Board of Trustees is now asking for your help. You are now receiving the report because the BOT would like your feedback and response to the proposals included in it. To that end, you are invited to attend a “town hall” type meeting on Thursday, May 15, 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Social Hall at Congregation B’nai Israel. The purpose of this meeting is to provide a forum for questions and further explanation from the RNJ Committee and the Board, and to take comments from the congregation. You may also provide comments by emailing Committee Chair Lisa Brodkey at LisaRobGJ@aol.com or Board President Jeremy Hollis at Jeremy.Hollis@cbre.com.

It’s important to clarify that the Board of Trustees has not taken any action on these recommendations. Almost all of the recommendations in the report concern potential changes to the congregation’s by-laws; as such, they are either approved or not by vote of the membership of the congregation. The Board, however, must decide whether to place these recommendations on a ballot for your vote. That is why it is so important for the Board to hear your comments and address your questions before discussing and determining what should be put on a ballot, and when that should occur.

We have not included a copy of the actual bylaws in this mailing because of the costs, especially to the environment. If you would like to receive either a paper or electronic copy of the bylaws showing these proposed changes, please contact the office at 446-4861.

We strongly encourage you to attend the meeting on May 15 or to email your questions and comments to Lisa or Jeremy. As the committee experienced, these issues are difficult in part because they concern real people – members of our families, our dear friends, our fellow congregants. Please take the time to read the report, reflect on it, and share your thoughts.

Thank you for your participation in this important congregational project. We look forward to seeing you on May 15.

Click here to read the report of the RNJ Committee.