I Roundup

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Vote Postponed

P hoto by Jerry Zol

CSZ leadership and members still discussing fate of B'nai Israel building.

Shelli Liebman Dorfman

Senior Writer

A

June 15 meeting of the
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
(CSZ) board that would
have included a vote to determine the
future of its B'nai Israel Center in West
Bloomfield has been postponed.
The board meeting has been resched-
uled to Wednesday, July 7. The board has
not announced whether a vote will be
taken at that time.
Synagogue members had requested
that the vote not take place on June 15 to
allow for further discussions with leader-
ship and for a committee of members to
investigate possible options.
The closing of the B'nai Israel build-
ing and the consolidation of programs
and services into the congregation's
Southfield facility was suggested among
board members as a way to reduce the
synagogue's operating deficit of hun-

10

June 17 • 2010

dreds of thousands of dollars and elimi-
nate the need for extensive improvement
and repair costs to B'nai Israel.
At a June 7 meeting at B'nai Israel,
members of the committee presented an
overview of discussions and meetings
they held with CSZ board members.
Committee member Frank Ellias of
Farmington Hills spoke to the 175 con-
gregants who attended the meeting. He
reaffirmed the hope of CSZ members
who regularly participate in services
at B'nai Israel to remain a part of CSZ.
Ellias said the CSZ board and the CSZ
B'nai Israel committee have been dis-
cussing ways to increase finances and to
bridge a gap between those who frequent
each of the synagogue's two buildings,
the other being in Southfield.
The hope of the committee, said
Ellias, is that CSZ retains ownership of
the B'nai Israel building for one year to
allow time for fundraising and to work
on cross-participation of events within

both campuses.
A Statement of Principles was distribut-
ed to those in attendance on June 7 as well
as e-mailed to 346 individuals. The state-
ment acknowledges the sentiment of CSZ
members who participate in services at
B'nai Israel in keeping it a part of CSZ and
retaining the opportunities and resources
each building provides.
Signers commit to an endeavor to pay
dues, make donations where possible,
promote congregation-wide programming
at both campuses and help reduce costs
by operating without a synagogue rabbi,
except for lifecycle events, until July 2011.
There were 149 signatures on the state-
ment the first day it was presented and
a total of 180 within one week.
"The statement is a message to the
CSZ board evidencing the good faith
and commitment of those who regularly
pray at B'nai Israel to the ideals and
future of Congregation Shaarey Zedek,"
Ellias said. "While we recognize that

there is much work to be done, con-
structive dialogue is taking place and
we are optimistic that we will be able to
find a solution.
"Overcoming these obstacles will
make our congregation stronger:'
The committee will hold a 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 17, meeting at B'nai
Israel to share information with CSZ
members.
"While the board is keenly focused
on resolving the outstanding issue of
the West Bloomfield campus, synagogue
leadership is encouraged by the amount
of engagement of all of its members that
has arisen from these discussions," CSZ
President Brian Hermelin said.
"CSZ is a wonderful institution, with
innovative programming, standing-
room-only concerts and amazing edu-
cation options. We look forward to our
membership celebrating the synagogue's
150th anniversary next year with enthu-
siasm and committment."

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