Two events occurred last month of significant interest to Temple Micah members--the monthly Board of Directors meeting and the first session of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee.

A more complete report is being prepared for mailing to all members.

Here is a brief summation of several issues acted on by the Board: a resolution was adopted, as proposed by Rabbi Zemel, to form an Environmental Task Force. It would set Temple guidelines on the use of a variety of products, such as coffee cups (e.g., avoiding styrofoam) and all paper products, encouraging the use of recycled paper.

The Board also discussed a report and recommendations from the High Holy Days Committee. It was presented by Sheri Blotner on behalf of her co-chairs, Lorri Manasse and Ilene Shaw.

As you know, this committee works hard throughout the year to help make our High Holy Day servicesrun so smoothly and successfully. With growth and success, there are the inevitable issues. While there is complete satisfaction with the present site, and our relationship with the Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, we are beginning to reach maximum capacity.

The committee offered a thorough review of the statistics and recommendations to handle the growth. More on this matter later as the Board absorbs the recommendations.

The Board also briefly discussed the role and qualifications of an assistant rabbi. To clarify, Rabbi Zemel has recommended the hiring of a part-time assistant rabbi, beginning July 05, and to defer the hiring of a full-time assistant rabbi until 07 or 08. The needs are clear: similar to the need to expand our building, there is significant growth in membership, educational and outreach programs, and b'nai mitzvah. Also, there is the matter of Rabbi Zemel's sabbatical leave in 06. We plan to discuss this issue at a forthcoming membership meeting.

Finally, the first meeting of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee was very busy and productive. It was well attended on a very rainy night (see story, this page). Our consultant, Andrea Glazer, laid out a plan for various committees now being formed--Communications, Education, Donor Recognition (compatible with our culture), and Financial Management.

If you would like to help, email Jonah Gitlitz. More on this and our timetable in my letter.