I Spirituality Young Israels from page 47 The fall has almost arrive at Franklin Athletic Clu Kitiss out or 1.,9oar opportanit to pry any our ametzino kids prooatnits this fed ONE FREE CLASS Please call 248 352-8000 ext. 311 to make your free class reservation Zumbatomic Basketball Aquatics Kickboxing Capoerira Tae Kwon Do On My Own Rhythms and Rhymes Romp and Roll Dance *New Participants only 29350 Northwestern Highway Southfield, Michigan 48034 248.352.8000 WWW.FRANKLINCLUB.COM 48 August 19 r 2010 involved. We just needed 25 percent of our branch synagogues — which totals 35 — to be able to propose the amendments. "Contacting our synagogues became a very viral campaign:' he said. "The more who heard about it, the more who signed on. No one has said they are against what we are doing. We have not found opposition to our mission, but some are afraid to publicly sign on." it. Prompting Change An issue that spurred the proposed changes to the constitution was a June attempt by the NCYI to expel and seize the assets of Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation in Syracuse, N.Y. Synagogue leadership there said the proposed action was being taken because the congregation elected a woman president in 2008, going against the organization's constitu- tion. The NCYI claimed it was because the congregation owed $20,000 in back dues. Synagogue members voted to leave the NCYI, but were told the organization's constitution prohibits Goldberg hopes the amendments will prevent similar situations in the future and to peacefully resolve the one with Shaarei Torah. "This is not about leaving the orga- nization," he said of the gathering of support for the proposals. "We don't plan to withdraw from Young Israel, but we don't want to be told that we don't have the right to leave. I would like to see the NCYI become an organization responsive and responsible to the needs of the delegate shuls. We are not trying to undermine them; we want to strengthen it. This is not a parent-child relationship where we feel threatened to belong; we should want to belong:' The group has requested the spe- cial meeting of the NCYI's Delegate Assembly be held no later than Sept. 30 to discuss and possibly vote on the proposed amendments. "We are sending a positive message Goldberg said. "We want to promote good gover- nance and the right of self-determina- tion among the synagogues." ❑ Adat Shalom Hosts Pre-Holiday Events Rabbis Aaron Bergman and Rachel Shere and Chazzan Daniel Gross invite the community participate in two pre High Holiday learning sessions at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills. Shere will begin the programs on Monday, Aug. 23, with a discussion that links traditional and contempo- rary, exploring "Ancient Texts To Help Solve Modern Family Issues During the High Holiday Season:' Following her presentation, Bergman will offer an original "guided meditation" titled "Approaching the Gates of Repentance" — designed to help participants "heal some of their most challenging relationships before the holidays begin:' On the following Monday, Aug. 30, Gross will offer a "sneak peak" of many of the congregational melodies that will imbue the High Holiday services. He will also provide some background information on much of the music. Both evenings begin at 7:30 p.m.; no charge. Call the synagogue office, (248) 851-5100, to RSVP. Kol Ami Slates School Offerings Temple Kol Ami Family Religious School in West Bloomfield will accept students in grades nine through 12 for the 2010-2011 school year. Enrollment is open to all Jewish teens, not merely those families that are members of Kol Ami. Temple Kol Ami Family Religious School High School provides an innovative program comprised of a variety of components includ- ing thematic, interactive learning. Classes include multi-age, intimate learning groups that are facilitated by rabbis as well as seasoned faculty as well as guest speakers on various topics to enhance the curriculum and pique student interest this year. TKAFRS High School is offered Monday evenings from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. at Temple Kol Ami. It includes dinner and time to be social before classes begin. The school year cal- endar can be found on the TKA website (www.tkolami.org ) under the education tab. For fees and other inquiries, direct questions to Andee Liberman, (248) 661-0040, or Andee@tkolami.org.