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Bylaws
CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
Name
This Congregation shall be known as Sacramento Jewish Fellowship, Inc., also known as Congregation Beth Shalom.
ARTICLE II
Purpose
This Congregation has been organized to provide for its members an appropriate means for religious worship and the expression of the ideals and faith of Judaism.
ARTICLE III
National Affiliation
This Congregation will be a member in the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) and will be entitled to all services as well as privileges prescribed in the UAHC Constitution and bylaws.
ARTICLE IV
Religious practices
Section 4.1
.
Reform Judaism.
This Congregation shall interpret Judaism in the tradition of Reform Judaism.
Section 4.2
.
Location/Reservation of Seats.
Location of seats in the place of worship shall be unassigned.
It shall, however, be the duty of the Board, whenever it may be necessary on special occasions, to reserve a sufficient number of seats to accommodate the membership with special needs such as people with "mobility aids" and hearing and vision impairment, it being understood that no specific assignment to individuals shall be made within such reservations.
ARTICLE V
Membership
Section 5.1
.
Eligibility.
Any person 18 years of age, or older, who subscribes to the precepts and principles of the Jewish faith is eligible for membership.
Section 5.2
.
Admittance.
Any person 18 years of age, or older, may be admitted to membership by affirmative vote of a majority of the Board.
Section 5.3
.
Membership Categories.
There shall be two categories of full membership in the Congregation, and they shall be defined as follows:
(a)
Family membership
shall consist of all individuals living together to form a household.
At least one member of the household must qualify for membership under Section 5.1.
In the event of the death of the qualifying individual or the termination of a marriage, the remaining family members may retain their membership providing the requirements of Section 5.4 are met.
A family membership with two or more adults is entitled to two votes on any matter submitted to the membership.
A family membership with one adult is entitled to one vote on any matter submitted to the membership.
(b)
Single membership
shall consist of any person eighteen years of age or older who is not part of a family membership.
Section 5.4
.
Annual Membership Obligation.
The annual membership obligation payable to the Congregation by members shall be made by resolution of the Board.
The amount of membership obligation will be the FULL FAMILY or FULL SINGLE membership rate unless special reduced rates have been arranged with the Financial Secretary or the Vice President, Finance.
The membership obligation shall be payable beginning July 1 for the ensuing year.
The minimum amount acceptable at that time shall be 1/12 (one-twelfth) of the annual membership obligation and not less than one-twelfth of the annual membership obligation shall be due each month.
The year's total obligation shall be paid in full no later than July thirtieth following the close of the obligation year (July 1st – June 30th).
Any deviation in the payment schedule must be arranged with and approved by the Financial Secretary or the Vice President, Finance.
New members shall pay on a pro-rata basis.
A member, upon learning of the amount of the membership obligation determined by the Board, may avoid liability by resigning from membership, in writing, within 30 days.
Section 5.5
.
Arrearage.
A member's account includes the membership obligation and other fees and assessments as determined by the Board.
A member whose account is 3/12 (three-twelfths) behind or is not fully paid by July thirtieth following the close of the obligation year (July 1st – June 30th) is in arrears unless special payment arrangements or payment schedule exceptions have been made with the Financial Secretary or the Vice President, Finance.
A member who is in arrears is not in good standing and will be so notified.
A member whose account is not in good standing for six (6) months or more will inactivated and that member will have to reapply for membership.
Section 5.6
.
Membership Rights and Privileges.
A member in good standing is entitled to the rights and privileges of membership.
These rights include but are not limited to tickets to High Holy Days services; religious and Hebrew education (including complete bar/bat mitzvah training which will commence only if the member's account is in good standing); life cycle officiation by clergy of the Congregation; clergy services; use of sanctuary for life cycle ceremonies; voting eligibility at congregational meetings; and member rates and/or preferences for congregational events and facility rentals.
The educational rights and privileges may require an additional fee.
Section 5.7
.
Termination of Membership.
The Board may by Resolution adopt reasonable rules and internal due process procedures relating to termination of memberships.
Section 5.8
.
Non‑Member Affiliates.
Non Member Affiliates are not members of the Congregation and thus are not entitled to any voting rights or other privileges of membership, but shall be entitled to those benefits as may be established from time to time by Resolution of the Board.
There shall be four categories of affiliates in the Congregation, and they shall be defined as follows:
(c)
Associates
are members in good standing at another Jewish congregation who are not members at Congregation Beth Shalom, who pay an annual fee as established by the Board.
(d)
Persons who do not subscribe to the precepts and principles of the Jewish faith may, with the Board's approval and upon payment of an annual fee as may be established by the Board, become Ger Toshav Affiliates, which is a special designation that recognizes the relationship with these non‑Jews with the Congregation.
(e)
Honorary
are approved by the Board and are not obligated to pay an annual fee.
The Board, in recognition of an appropriate relationship with the congregation, will convey the honorary relationship (e.g. long time employee who is longer in the employ of the temple, employee of the temple who is a member at another congregation).
(f)
Extended Family
are people who do not want to get the benefits and assume the responsibilities of membership but want a relationship with the temple.
The board approves them, they pay as they desire, and are welcome at open temple events.
ARTICLE VI
Congregational Meetings
Section 6.1
.
Annual Meeting.
A congregational meeting shall be held each year prior to the beginning of the succeeding fiscal year, the time and place to be fixed by the Board.
At this meeting, reports shall be submitted by the President, the Rabbi, and such other officials, auxiliaries, and committees as may be requested by the Board; a budget for the coming fiscal year shall be approved, and such members of the Board (including officers) as necessary shall be elected.
Section 6.2
.
Special Meetings.
Special meetings shall be called at the request of the President, at the request of a majority of the Board, or upon the written petition of 15 percent of the voting members of the Congregation.
The call for a special meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting, and at such meeting no other business shall be transacted.
Meetings called by petition of members of the Congregation must be convened by the President (or in his/her absence or refusal to act, by the Board) within 21 days of the receipt of the petition.
Section 6.3
.
Notice.
Notice of any congregational meeting must be mailed to all members at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 6.4
.
Voting.
Members may vote in person at a meeting, or by written ballot in lieu of a meeting in accordance with the California Corporations Code Section 9413.
The decision of whether to conduct voting at a meeting, or by written ballot in lieu of a meeting, shall be made by the Board.
Section 6.5
.
Quorum.
Thirty percent (30%) of the voting power of the Congregation shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting, and for any action by written ballot.
Section 6.6
.
Member Approval Requirements.
Any matter requiring membership approval shall be approved only upon the affirmative vote of a majority of those casting votes, at a meeting or by written ballot, once a quorum has been established, except that (i) agreements for the acquisition or disposal of real estate, and (ii) agreements for the lease for more than one year of any facilities shall be approved only upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those casting votes, at a meeting or by written ballot, once a quorum has been established.
ARTICLE VII
Officers
Section 7.1
.
Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee shall consist of the Immediate Past President and the following elected officers:
President; Vice President, Operations; Vice President, Administration; Vice President, Finance; Vice President, Programming and Fundraising; Vice President, Membership; Vice President, Education; Vice President, Religious Practices; and Secretary.
Section 7.2
.
Eligibility.
All officers must be members in good standing of the Congregation.
Section 7.3
.
Terms of Office.
The President shall be elected for a term of two years, and all other officers shall be elected for a term of one year, at the annual meeting of the Congregation, and all officers shall take office at the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1.
The President shall be limited to two consecutive terms as President.
Section 7.4
.
Duties of Officers.
(a)
The President
shall act as chair at all Congregational and Board meetings and shall appoint chairs of all committees other than the Membership Obligation Review Committee and the Nominating Committee.
He/She shall be an ex officio non-voting member of all committees, except the Membership Obligation Review Committee; shall have the authority to call special meetings; shall sign all legal documents; shall appoint the Parliamentarian; shall have oversight for all other officers; and shall perform such other duties as are incident to the office.
(b)
The Vice President, Operations
shall have oversight for all standing and ad hoc committees functioning in the area of operations, including but not limited to Facilities/Building, and other committees as may be deemed by the President and Board to fall within the responsibilities of this office.
(c)
The Vice President, Administration
shall be responsible for personnel, and shall have oversight for all standing and ad hoc committees functioning in the area of administration, including but not limited to Education, Legal, Religious Practices, Music and Choir, Publications, and other committees as may be deemed by the President and Board to fall within the responsibilities of this office.
In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice‑President, Administration, shall perform all the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all of the powers of, and be subject to all of the restrictions upon, the President.
(d)
The Vice President, Finance
shall be the chief financial officer of the Congregation.
He/She shall report monthly to the Board and shall present a formal financial report at the annual meeting of the Congregation.
He/She shall arrange, with the approval of the Board, to make the Congregation's financial records available for an annual audit.
He/She will serve as chair of the Finance Committee and be an ex officio member of the Membership Obligation Review Committee.
(e)
The Vice President, Programming and Fundraising
shall be responsible for all non-membership obligation related fundraising activities of the Congregation.
This includes meeting the annual operating budget fundraising goals, capital fundraising (exclusive of assessments determined by the Board) and general programming.
He/She will serve as a member of the Finance Committee.
(f)
The Vice President, Membership
shall be responsible for membership recruitment and retention.
He/She shall be an ex officio member of the Membership Obligation Review Committee.
(g)
The Vice President, Education
shall serve as chair of the Education Committee. Working in conjunction with the Rabbis and the Director of Education, he/she shall recommend policies relating to the
Religious
School and Adult Education.
(h)
The Vice President, Religious Practices
shall serve as chair of the Religious Practices Committee. Working in conjunction with the Rabbis, he/she shall recommend policies relating to religious rituals and observances.
(i)
The Financial Secretary
shall maintain an accurate list of members and their addresses, perform billing functions and maintain an up-to-date record of membership obligations and assessments, payments, delinquencies, and uncollectibles.
He/She shall report monthly to the Board on the total paid status of the congregational membership.
The Financial Secretary shall serve as a member of the Finance Committee.
He/She shall chair the Membership Obligation Review Committee.
(j)
The Treasurer
shall be the receiving and disbursing agent of the Congregation.
He/She shall audit all bills and pay accordingly.
He/She shall be an ex officio member of the Membership Obligation Review Committee.
(k)
The Secretary
shall serve as secretary of the Congregation and the Board.
He/She shall keep minutes of both bodies; shall keep a register of all members of the Congregation; send out notices of all meetings; supervise the official correspondence of the Congregation and perform such other duties as are incident to the office.
Section 7.5
.
Fidelity Bond.
The Congregation shall maintain in effect a blanket position fidelity bond covering all officers and employees of the Congregation, the cost of which shall be borne by the Congregation.
Section 7.6
.
Disbursement of Funds.
All disbursements of congregational funds amounting to $2,500 or more shall require the signature of two of the following officers:
President; Vice President, Finance; Financial Secretary or Treasurer.
Disbursements less than $2,500 shall require the signature of one of these officers.
Section 7.7
.
Appointed Officers.
A Parliamentarian shall be appointed by the President, subject to ratification by the Board.
The Parliamentarian shall be without vote.
The Parliamentarian shall be an ex officio non-voting member of the Legal Committee.
Other officers will be appointed as necessary.
Section 7.8
.
Multiple Persons Serving as Co-Officers.
Nothing herein shall preclude any office from being filled by more than one person as co-officers, e.g., two members serving jointly as co-president, secretary, etc.
In the event of co-officers, such co-officers shall have only one vote.
ARTICLE VIII
Board of Governors
Section 8.1
.
Composition.
The Board of Governors (the "Board") shall consist of no more than twenty-two (22) members, comprised as follows:
the eleven elected officers, eight members-at-large elected by the Congregation, the Immediate Past President of the Congregation, the President of the Brotherhood, and the President of the Sisterhood, all of whom shall be voting members.
Section 8.2
.
Terms of Office of Members-At-Large.
The members-at-large of the Board shall have staggered terms.
Four members-at-large of the Board shall be elected each year for a two year term.
No individual shall serve for more than two consecutive terms as a member-at-large of the Board.
Section 8.3
.
Eligibility.
Membership on the Board shall be reserved to members in good standing of the Congregation.
Section 8.4
.
Nomination/Election to the Board.
(a)
Nomination
.
Nominations of officers and members of the Board shall be made as follows:
(i)
No later than the November Board meeting, the Executive Committee shall appoint the members of the Nominating Committee.
(ii)
No later than January 1, the Nominating Committee shall send notice to all members of the Congregation inviting them to become candidates for election to the Board.
The notice, which may be presented in the Bulletin, shall state:
(1) that interested members must contact the chair of the Nominating Committee no later than January 15 to indicate that they would like to be considered as a candidate, and (2) the address to which interested members must respond.
(iii)
The Nominating Committee shall meet to discuss and consider all potential candidates and shall determine a slate of candidates to present to the Board.
(iv)
No later than the March Board meeting, the chair of the Nominating Committee shall report the slate of candidates to the Board.
(v)
No later than April 1, the Board shall send a notice to all members of the Congregation (1) announcing the slate proposed by the Nominating Committee, and (2) advising that a member who is not on the slate may nonetheless become a candidate (and be listed on the ballot) by submitting, no later than April 15, a petition in support of such member's candidacy signed by at least 20 members in good standing.
The notice, which may be presented in the Bulletin, shall also provide the address to which such petitions must be submitted.
(vi)
No later than May 1, the Board shall distribute written ballots to all members of the Congregation.
The last day for returning written ballots shall be the day of the annual meeting of the Congregation.
(b)
Election
.
Where there is more than one candidate for a particular position, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected.
In the event there is a tie vote, the tie shall be broken by random drawing.
As to all positions that are uncontested, the slate shall be elected upon the approval of a majority of those casting votes.
Section 8.5
.
Meetings.
The Board shall meet monthly or at the request of the President or of any five members of the Board.
Section 8.6
.
Removal.
The Board may consider for removal any of its members who are absent without adequate cause for any three monthly meetings within a six-month period.
Section 8.7
.
Quorum.
A majority of the members of the Board then in office shall constitute a quorum.
Section 8.8
.
General Powers and Duties.
The Board shall be charged with the general management of the affairs, funds, records and property of the Congregation; it shall act on all matters of policy, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws; it shall fill all vacancies on the Board (including officer positions) until the term of the vacant seat expires; and it shall perform such other duties as the members of the Congregation, in regular or special meetings, may prescribe.
Section 8.9
.
Employees.
The Board shall have the authority to engage all employees and to fix their duties and compensation, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws.
Section 8.10
.
Other Contracts.
The Board shall submit to the Congregation at regular or special meetings, any recommendations to enter into contracts, other than employment, extending for more than one (1) year.
Section 8.11
.
Expenditure Limitations.
The Board shall be authorized to expend, with the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board, up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) in any fiscal year on any item not provided for in the annual budget approved by the Congregation.
Such funds may be expended on a single item, or on multiple items, so long as the aggregate expenditure on such items within the fiscal year does not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00).
Proposed expenditures on such items exceeding that amount must be approved by the Congregation, either at a meeting or by written ballot in lieu of a meeting.
Section 8.12
.
Participation in Congregation Activities.
Members of the Board, as chosen lay leaders of the Congregation, should individually and collectively set the example to the membership by regular attendance at worship services and by active participation in the life and activities of the Congregation.
ARTICLE IX
Spiritual Leaders
Section 9.1
.
Generally.
One or more spiritual leaders may be engaged to function as religious advisors of the Congregation and of each member thereof.
It is recognized that the specific duties of such spiritual leaders are dependent upon the collective wishes of the Congregation.
Section 9.2
.
Initial Selection of Rabbi.
A Rabbi shall be proposed by a special search committee.
The members of the special search committee shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board.
The committee's recommendations shall be presented to the Board and, if approved by the Board, to the Congregation at a regular or special meeting and voted upon in accordance with the voting procedures set forth in Article VI above.
A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those members in good standing voting at a meeting or by written ballot shall be required for the initial selection of a Rabbi.
The initial term of the Rabbi shall be no more than three (3) years, and a written agreement setting forth the conditions of employment shall be prepared by the Board.
Section 9.3
.
Retention of Rabbi.
At least six months prior to the expiration of the initial term, and each subsequent term, the Board shall make an evaluation with respect to the retention of the Rabbi.
The Board shall have the authority to extend the Rabbi's contract for a term not to exceed five (5) years.
Section 9.4
.
Benefits.
The Rabbi and/or other compensated spiritual leaders of the Congregation may be enrolled in the Rabbinical Pension Plan or similar pension plans and in a health and insurance plan, the Congregation defraying all or a part of the premiums.
Section 9.5
.
Assistant Rabbi.
An Assistant Rabbi shall be proposed by a special search committee.
The members of the special search committee shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board and in consultation with the principal Rabbi.
The committee's recommendation shall be presented to the Board and, if approved by the Board, to the Congregation at a regular or special meeting and voted upon in accordance with the voting procedures set forth in Article VI above.
A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those members in good standing voting at a meeting or by written ballot shall be required for the initial selection of an Assistant Rabbi.
The Assistant Rabbis shall function under the direction of the Rabbi.
Section 9.6
.
Cantor.
A Cantor shall be proposed by a special search committee.
The members of the special search committee shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board and in consultation with the principal Rabbi and any Assistant Rabbi(s).
The committee's recommendation shall be presented to the Board and, if approved by the Board, to the Congregation at a regular or special meeting, and voted upon in accordance with the voting procedures set forth in Article VI, above.
A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote
of those members in good standing voting at a meeting or by written ballot shall be required for the initial selection of a Cantor.
The Cantor shall function under the direction of the Rabbi.
Section 9.7
.
Attendance at Meetings.
Spiritual leaders shall have the right to attend all congregational meetings and regular meetings of the Board, but shall have no vote.
ARTICLE X
Professional Staff
Section 10.1
.
Cantorial Soloist.
A cantorial soloist shall be proposed only by a special search committee appointed by the President with the approval of the Board and in consultation with the principal Rabbi and any Assistant Rabbi(s).
The committee's recommendation shall be presented to the Board and, if approved by the Board, to the Congregation at a regular or special meeting and voted upon in accordance with the voting procedures set forth in Article VI above.
A fifty-one percent (51%) approval by Congregation members in good standing shall be required for approval.
The cantorial soloist shall function under the direction of the Rabbi and perform limited functions as approved by the Rabbi.
Section 10.2
.
Director of Education.
A Director of Education shall be proposed only by a special search committee appointed by the Board.
The recommendation of the committee shall be presented to the Board for approval.
The Director of Education shall work under the direction of and cooperatively with the Rabbi in developing and implementing all educational activities of the Congregation, and shall be responsible for the hiring and supervision of all teachers.
Section 10.3
.
Office Manager.
An office manager shall be proposed only by a special search committee appointed by the Board.
The recommendation of the committee shall be presented to the Board for approval.
The individual will function under the direction of the Vice President, Administration.
Section 10.4
.
Other Staff.
The Board shall have the power to hire other personnel as the Board may determine to be appropriate, with such duties as the Board may designate.
ARTICLE XI
Committees and Auxiliaries
Section 11.1
.
Standing Committees.
The following standing committees shall be established with duties as indicated:
(a)
Facilities/Building Committee
:
Shall obtain a place of worship and facilities for the Religious School, and any other facilities required by the Congregation; shall maintain in good order and repair any buildings and property used by the Congregation; shall establish, with the approval of the Board, rules and regulation for the use of the Congregation's physical facilities, including rental of the facilities.
(b)
Legal Committee
:
Shall advise the officers, Board, and the Congregation on all legal matters pertaining to the Congregation.
The Parliamentarian shall be an ex officio non-voting member of the Legal Committee.
(c)
Membership Committee
:
Shall meet with prospective members of the Congregation and seek out their areas of interest and propose them to the Board; shall determine the areas of interest of new members and orient them to the activities of the Congregation; shall endeavor to ensure personal greetings for every worshiper at services and for participants at all other Congregational functions.
It shall be the duty of the Membership Committee to encourage affiliation within the Congregation of all like-minded members of the community who are not affiliated with another congregation and to develop a program for the orientation, activation, and retention of Congregation members.
(d)
Membership Obligation Review Committee
:
Shall determine the fair membership obligation to be paid by each member of the Congregation, subject to the principle that no person shall be deprived of membership in the Congregation solely because of financial inability.
The Membership Obligation Review Committee shall consist of the Vice President, Finance; the Vice President, Membership; the Financial Secretary; and the Treasurer.
Meetings of the Membership Obligation Review Committee shall not be open to members of the Congregation, and its deliberations shall be confidential.
The Financial Secretary shall chair the Membership Obligation Review Committee.
(e)
Religious Practices Committee
:
Shall set the forms of worship and establish policies concerning rituals and observances.
In the absences of spiritual leaders, shall arrange for religious services.
The Vice President, Religious Practices shall be the chair of the Religious Practices Committee.
The committee shall work closely with the spiritual leaders of the Congregation, who shall be ex officio non-voting members of the committee.
It shall be the duty of the Religious Practices Committee, in consultation with the Rabbi, to consider the rituals an |