laiN ACADEA4 100, Looking To Make Changes Local Young Israels study proposed amendments to their organization's constitution. She'll Liebman Dorfman Senior Writer A group of Young Israel syna- gogues attempting to amend their central body's constitu- tion has garnered support from the 25 percent of delegates required to propose the changes. Thirty-five of the 140 branch synagogues of the National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) have joined in the request for a special meeting of the organization's Delegate Assembly. They plan to propose three changes to the NCYI constitution, which they say will protect their affiliate synagogues and ensure that the governing body is responsive to and appropriately repre- sents their needs. Amendments would include a provision that allows a branch syna- gogue to resign from membership; the repeal of a section in the constitution that states if a branch dissolves or is expelled, its assets would become the property of the NCYI; and a provision that the NCYI may not initiate litiga- tion against a branch, former branch or representative without a two-thirds vote of the members of the Delegates Assembly. "We have contacted synagogues in many states, including Michigan, and have 35 delegates signed up, but we will not disclose the names because many shuls were concerned that they might face retribution if they were publicly supportive of these Avi Goldberg amendments',' said Avi Goldberg, president of Young Israel of Brookline, Mass., and a member of the presidium organizing support of the proposals. Locally, Young Israel of Oak Park (YIOP) and Young Israel of Southfield (YIS) are familiar with the proposals and are assessing related information. "We are aware of the issue, which we perceive to be still developing',' said Mark B. Berkman, YIOP president. "As it is being disseminated by the respec- tive sources, we have been reviewing the information so that our synagogue can stay apprised of the subject!' According to Goldberg, YIS is in the process of polling board members regarding the proposed amendments. Speaking Out About two years ago, because of con- cerns among a number of its members about these and other constitutional and policy issues, YIS established an ad hoc committee to examine its rela- tionship with NCYL "Look at the extent to which you see the participating congregations fear- ful of making public their participation in the group of 35:' said Dr. Iry Goldfein of Southfield, a member of the corn- mittee."Consider that this first initia- Dr. Iry tive is but a very Goldfein preliminary first step in bringing to the table those issues of concern. The general perception is that there will be retribution for engaging in a legal, constitutionally sanctioned process of change. Doesn't that suggest that there has been a very counterproduc- tive degradation in the relationship between some member congregations and the NCYI leadership? "That it has taken so long for those concerned members and member- shuls to speak out has been, in my view, largely a consequence of the inability of member congregations to communicate with one another directly and efficiently — until now. Because of a major grassroots effort that communication has begun to flow much more freely." Said Goldberg, "It's not relevant whether or not any specific shul is Young Israels on page 48 FRANKLIN ACADEMY • Preschool • Kindergarten • Camp ENROLL NOW Developing Healthy Minds and Bodies =Science •Swimming •Computers •Hebrew •Art •Yoga •Dance •Tennis 248.352.5437 www.FranklinClub.corn 29633 Franklin Road, Southfield, MI 48034 IONG HU", FINE CHINESE DINING 'A wonderful adventure in fine dining" — Danny Raskin Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner Catering and carryout available Gift certificates 27925 Orchard Lake Rd., North of 12 Mile, Farmington Hills 248-489-2280 www.honghuafinedining.com Keep your company top of mind with our readers. ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 248.351.5107 Visit theJECSHNEWS.com August 19 • 2010 JN 47