CONSTITUTION and BY-LAWS
Beacon Hebrew Alliance
Updated June 2011
Article I Name .. 2
Article II Purpose .. 2
Article III Fiscal Year 2
Article IV Duration 2
Article V Membership .. 3
Article VI Dues .. 3
Article VII Privileges of Membership 4
Article VIII Membership Meetings . 4
Article IX Executive Committee 5
Article X Nomination, Election and Qualifications of
Executive Committee 6
Article XI Pulpit . 7
Article XII - Standing Committees 8
Article XIII- Order of Business 10
Article XIV- Parliamentary Practice . 11
Article XV - Amendments 11
The name of this Congregation is The Beacon Hebrew Alliance. It is referred to as "BHA" throughout this document.
ARTICLE II
The following are the purposes of BHA:
To maintain a Synagogue for worship and religious observance according to the practice of Judaism, as set forth by the Conservative Movement
To provide instruction in religious Judaism and develop Jewish Culture
To encourage social service, religious observances, and to develop the moral, mental, and physical welfare of its members
To maintain a center for the cultivation of Jewish thought, action, and community
To own, operate and maintain cemetery property for persons of the Jewish faith, all pursuant to the rules and regulations of this organization
THE FISCAL YEAR of BHA is from September 1 through August 31.
As long as there are ten (10) members in good standing, BHA cannot be dissolved.
Should there be less than ten (10) members in good standing, the remaining members may elect to dissolve BHA. Should BHA be dissolved, following the satisfaction of all outstanding debts and obligations, the remaining assets of BHA shall be distributed to one (1) or more not-for-profit Jewish religious and/or educational organizations as identified by the membership at the time of dissolution.
Section 1: Any person of the Jewish Faith, of good moral character, is eligible for membership.
Section 2: There are three types of membership:
a. Family Membership, which is extended to married couples, entitles husbands and wives to all membership privileges, and each couple has two votes.
b. Individual Membership, which is extended to men and women.
c. Honorary Membership, which can be conferred upon the Rabbi of BHA and the Rabbi's spouse, and other deserving persons of the community. Honorary membership confers all benefits and privileges of BHA, except for voting.
Section 3: Membership in BHA includes the unmarried dependent children of a member. These children are entitled to all membership benefits, except that they cannot hold office or vote.
Section 4: Application for membership is made in writing to the Financial Secretary, who reports on each application to the Executive Committee for appropriate action. A majority vote of the Executive Committee is required to elect an applicant to membership. All applications shall be accompanied by a minimum of 25% of one year's dues.
Section 5: A member may be suspended or expelled by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee present at any regular of special meeting, for any of the following reasons:
a. Failure to pay dues or assessments for a period of two years or more.
b. Conduct that brings discredit upon the Congregation.
Section 1: The annual membership dues are fixed by the Executive Committee at the beginning of each fiscal year, after allowing the congregation 60 days to respond to any proposed changes. The Executive Committee is authorized to decrease the amount of said minimum dues only in the event of the proven financial hardship of a member.
Section 2: Newly elected members are credited in the fiscal year following their election with the prorated amount of dues.
Section 3: Assessments can be made by the Executive Committee.
Section 4: Members who fail to meet their financial obligations within one year from the due date are considered delinquent and not in good standing. They are suspended from all rights and privileges of membership including the right to attend meetings or act as an officer. This suspension becomes effective after a 15 day period following written notice sent by registered mail, advising the member of such delinquency. Upon paying all delinquencies, such member will be restored to good standing.
Members in good standing have the following privileges:
1. To attend all meetings and functions of BHA
2. To have a voice and a vote at membership meetings
3. To hold office in BHA.
4. To participate in worship at all religious services in the Synagogue, subject to "Minhag Ha- Makom", the customs and practices of BHA.
5. To have use of the BHA Cemetery, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the BHA Cemetery Association.
Section 1: The membership meeting for the purpose of election of officers is held during the month of June, every two years.
Section 2: Annual and regular meetings of the membership are called by the President to conduct BHA business.
Section 3: Members are sent written notice at least fourteen (14) days before BHA annual and regular meetings.
Section 4: Special meetings of the BHA membership are called:
a. at the President's discretion
b. or, by the president, if requested in writing by ten (10) members who are not also members of the Executive Committee.
The written request must state the reason for and the purpose of the meeting. If the president fails to issue a call for the special meeting within three (3) days after being requested to do so, any other elected officer may issue the call.
Section 5: No business is to be transacted at a special meeting, except for the stated purpose. Notice of such special meeting is to be given by the Corresponding Secretary, by mail, to all members of the organization, directed to their addresses as they appear on the books of the Congregation, sent not less than five (5) days prior to such meeting.
Section 6. At all meetings of BHA, regular and special, a quorum for the transaction of business consists of fifteen (15) members, including officers present. A fewer number can adjourn the meeting to some future time, not less than six (6) nor more than twenty (20) days from the date of adjournment. The Corresponding Secretary sends notice at least five (5) days before the rescheduled meeting date.
Section 1: The Executive Committee of this congregation consists of:
a. President
b. First Vice-President
c. Second Vice-President
d. Recording Secretary
e. Corresponding Secretary
f. Treasurer
g. Financial Secretary Section
Section 2: THE PRESIDENT
Presides at all meetings of BHA and of the Executive Committee, and is the chairperson;
Calls all meetings of BHA and of the Executive Committee;
Signs all agreements, contracts, deeds, and other documents for BHA, pursuant to appropriate resolutions by BHA or the Executive Committee;
Countersigns all checks, vouchers and notes, together with the Treasurer, as may be directed by BHA or the Executive Committee;
Appoints all committees;
Is an ex-officio member of all such committees, without the right to vote.
Section 3: THE FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT - The first Vice-President assists the President. In case of absence, resignation, disability or death of the President, the First Vice-President assumes the duties of the President. The First Vice-President directs the committees, as designated by the President.
Section 4: THE SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT - The Second Vice-president assists the President. In case of absence, resignation, disability, or death of the First Vice-President, the Second Vice-President assumes the duties of the First Vice-President. The Second Vice-President directs the committees, as designated by the President.
Section 5: THE RECORDING SECRETARY - The recording secretary keeps official records of the meetings of BHA.
Section 6: THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY - The Corresponding Secretary sends notices for all meetings, and writes letters as directed by the President and/or the Executive Committee.
Section 7: THE TREASURER - The treasurer keeps a record of the receipts and expenditures of BHA. Records are available at all times for inspection by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer cosigns all checks and withdrawals along with the President. The Treasurer submits a written report of the finances of BHA at all meetings.
Section 8: THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY - The Financial Secretary keeps a record of the member's accounts and notifies the members of their financial obligations. The Financial Secretary receives all money payable to BHA.
Section 9: Officers are elected for a term of two (2) years. The President will not be eligible for reelection to the same office for a period of two (2) years after serving two terms.
Section 10: In the event of the death, resignation, or incapacity of any officer, the President appoints a successor to fill the office until the next annual meeting of BHA, at which time a successor will be elected for the balance of the term.
The terms of office of the Executive Committee will coincide with the Fiscal Year of BHA, each term being comprised of two (2) Fiscal Years.
Section 1: At a membership meeting held at least forty (40) days prior to the meeting of the membership for officer elections, a nominating committee will be appointed to select a list of nominees for officers. The nominating committee consists of three (3) members in good standing to be selected by the President and approved by a majority vote by those in attendance. They need not be present at the meeting if they have previously agreed in writing to serve on the committee.
Section 2: The nominating committee nominates officer candidates to be elected at a meeting of the membership for said purpose. The list of nominees will be presented to the President at least twenty (20) days before the election meeting of the membership with the assurance that the candidates are willing and able to accept the nomination.
Section 3: The list of nominees will be sent to each member of BHA together with the notice of the membership meeting for officer elections. Additional nominations for any office may be made in writing at least five (5) days before the election meeting to the President or Corresponding Secretary of BHA. These additional nominations must include the assurance that the nominee is willing and able to serve. No nominations from the floor shall be made at the annual meeting unless:
there are no nominees for a particular office
a candidate is unable to serve.
Section 4: The vote for all elective offices is by secret ballot. Each member will be present at the membership meeting to qualify to vote. (For exceptions, see amendment 1 of this article.)
Section 5: All nominees will be members in good standing for at least one (1) year prior to the annual meeting. Nominees for President will be members in good standing for at least two (2) full years.
Section 1: Absentee ballots will be mailed along with the list of nominees to all members in good standing prior to the election.
Section 2: Those members in good standing, who cannot be present to vote in person for an officer at the general meeting, may submit absentee ballots.
Section 3: All absentee ballots must be signed and dated. The printed name of the voter must also appear on the ballot near the signature.
Section 4: Each absentee ballot must be returned to a member of the nominating committee in a sealed envelope prior to the time voting begins.
Section 1: The pulpit of BHA is occupied by an ordained rabbi or a student enrolled in a rabbinic studies program affiliated with the Conservative Movement.
Section 2. The rabbi is appointed by BHA at its annual meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose.
Section 3. The rabbi is responsible for implementing the religious objectives of BHA. The rabbi enjoys freedom of the pulpit. When appropriate, the rabbi consults with the Executive Committee or any special committee or committees for advice and guidance. The rabbi is the Mara D'atra of the congregation, assuming final responsibility for Halakhic responsibilities. A non-ordained rabbi must seek the Halakhic counsel of the seminary.
Section 1: The President solicits and appoints the chairpersons of all the standing committees of BHA as soon as possible after the officer election meeting, but not later than September 1.
Section 2: Chairpersons of committees will submit names of their volunteers to the supervising officer of the said committee as soon as possible, but not later than October 1.
Section 3: The chairpersons of each committee will keep a general record of activities and progress within their committee and present a report to the congregation at subsequent congregational meetings, at least once during the year.
Section 4: The standing committees of BHA and their duties are:
a. Youth Education Committee
Works with Talmud Torah and Hebrew School teachers of BHA to suggest policy and standards for the classes
Assists in curriculum development and implementation
Serves as liaison between parents and teachers
Assists in establishing standards for bar/bat mitzvah training
b. Ritual Committee
Works closely with the rabbi on setting ritual standards for the synagogue
Researches and studies halakhic issues and offers results of such research to the membership through the newsletter or other means
Makes recommendations for honors during the High Holy days services to the Executive Committee
c. Membership Committee
Develops outreach programs to attract new members
Is responsible for annual open house at BHA (date to be determined over the summer)
Develops ways to integrate new members into the life of the BHA community
d. Communications Committee
Establishes and maintains contact with local media to announce BHA events
Insures listing in Jewish and secular newspapers of all bar/bat mitzvahs, life cycle announcements and services
Works to enhance the image of BHA in the community
Receives periodic updated lists of all members of BHA with phone numbers
Calls congregation with any weather-related closings and/or cancellations of programs
Phones congregation in the event of a death in the congregation
Publishes the BHA newsletter
e. Cemetery Committee
· Is responsible for the maintenance of the Beacon Hebrew Alliance Cemetery, and for the sale and distribution of plots and reservations
· Sets rules pertaining to the use and maintenance of the cemetery.
· Obtains the approval of the Rabbi and the Ritual Committee for any rule changes involving halachic issues
· Ensures that the synagogue membership is made aware of changes in rules including changes in fees
· Is composed of individuals who are members in good standing of Beacon Hebrew Alliance
· The Beacon Hebrew Alliance Treasurer will keep records of the receipts and expenditures of the Cemetery Committee. Financial records are available at all times for inspection by the Executive Committee and the Cemetery Committee. The Treasurer cosigns all checks and withdrawals along with the President for the Cemetery Committee. The Treasurer submits a written report of the finances of the BHA Cemetery Committee as needed. The funds of the Cemetery Committee will be recorded and maintained as a separate restricted account.
f. Youth Activities Committee
Offers guidance to the youth group
Helps to implement youth group programs and activities including supervision
g. Maintenance Committee
Is responsible for supervising the upkeep of the building and grounds of BHA
Provides maintenance schedule for the BHA custodian
Determines need for supplies and provides written lists for such purchases on a regular basis
h. Bikkur Cholim Committee
Maintains contact through phone, hospital and/or home visits with members and associates of BHA who are ill, injured, or bereaved
Communicates with the rabbi, Executive Committee, and membership as appropriate
i. Holiday/Special Events Committee
Is responsible for special setup at the synagogue for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
Coordinates the building of the Sukkah
Coordinates the Chanukah party
Coordinates the Passover model seder
Organizes the sale and distribution of yellow candles for Yom Hashoah
Coordinates the annual Purim project of Mishloach Manot
Coordinates other special events at the synagogue
j. Social Action Committee
Is responsible for coordinating activities such as annual blood drives, clothing drives, and Operation Isaiah food drives
Is responsible for submitting information to the newsletter editor on other social action opportunities and needs in the community
Helps to establish links between social action projects and bar or bat mitzvah families
k. Adult Education Committee
Provides guidance to the rabbi on course of study or annual teaching series
Organizes possible lecture series for synagogue members during the year
l. Fundraising Committee
Is responsible for developing programs to secure additional funds through various fundraising methods and events
m. Oneg Committee
Is responsible for planning weekly Oneg Shabbat through solicitations of the membership
Maintains a calendar of participants and provides guidelines in order to conform with the standards established by the ritual committee
Section 1: The order of business at all BHA meetings is as follows, unless suspended by a vote of the majority present.
1. Reading of minutes
2. Special business, if any, for which the meeting is convened
3. Reports of officers
4. Reports of standing committees
5. Reports of special committees
6. Old business
7. New business
Robert's Rules of Order are the standard for parliamentary procedure in BHA in the absence of any other rules governing this type of procedure.
Section 1: The constitution, or any portion thereof, may be amended in the following manner:
a. The proposal to amend or suspend one or more articles of this constitution, or to introduce new articles to it, will be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee, signed by not less than ten (10) members in good standing of BHA. The proposal shall be read at the next meeting of the membership.
b. The Executive Committee will consider such proposal at its next meeting.
c. At the subsequent regular or special meeting of BHA, the congregation will consider and vote on the proposal.
d. At such meeting, a report shall be submitted on the recommendation(s) of the Executive Committee
e. If two-thirds of the vote of the congregation present favors the proposal, it shall be declared adopted.
Section 2: A proposal for amendment or suspension which has been rejected by BHA may not be resubmitted for the consideration of BHA unless twelve (12) months have elapsed since the time of such rejection.
Section 3: This constitution, when approved by the congregation at a membership meeting, will become effective upon such approval, and the former constitution, by-laws, and amendments are repealed.