exchange of conversation. The meet-
ings provide additional means for
people to have a voice and to demon-
strate we hear them. There is still a
lot of pain for some.
"The results of the conversations
are discussed at the board level
where concerns can be addressed
and initiatives can be implemented,
always with an eye to improving.
"I think the town hall,
Congregational Conversations and
one-on-one contacts between lead-
ership and congregants have truly
driven us to stability.
"I'm excited to move forward in
the most positive way, and we are
certainly looking ahead to being
more open:'
The Aug. 13 letter to the congrega-
tion outlines these changes:
• Two petitioner representatives
will be appointed to serve positions
on the board, the Rabbinic Search
Committee and the Nominating
Committee (for elections at the 2015
annual meeting).
• Two petitioner representatives
will be appointed to a new task force
to review current bylaws and recom-
mend changes.
• Quarterly meetings of the execu-
tive board will be open to all to dis-
cuss issues concerning the operation
of the synagogue.
An SOS leader said these propos-
als were rejected by SOS leadership
because their goal was recall of the
executive board.
These concessions are considered
"meager; the source said.
Knoll concluded the letter: "We
appreciate your patience and under-
standing as we navigate these dif-
ficult issues. We assure you that our
congregation, with its 1,300 families
and endowment, remains strong and
will continue to thrive for the benefit
of future generations ... We welcome
and encourage your input and par-
ticipation:'
Berry, a third-generation Shaarey
Zedek president, says he consented
to lead and get involved in SOS
because "you have to take a stand for
what you think is right whether you
prevail or not
"I have no ill will," he said. "The
board made a bad decision and
executed it worse — that's what I
objected to. They are not the devil
incarnate.
"Those not satisfied will organize
themselves in anticipation of the
April meeting. I will not be involved
in that. rye done what I can do.
There's a Yiddish quote that says
something like 'The more shul, the
less Torah: I will devote myself to
more Torah:'

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M. Manuel Merzon

Member

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September 4 • 2014

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