Board and Governance for Temple Beth Israel
Whether you're a synagogue professional or volunteer; clergy member or committee chair; veteran member or new to congregational life - these are some of the essential things to know and resources to use as you work to enrich your synagogue community.
Being a synagogue leader is a privilege as well as an obligation. We understand that it is our task to work in harmony with other leaders, whether they are clergy, professional staff or volunteers, to build, develop and maintain a well-run, spiritually fulfilling congregation where the sacred informs the practical and the practical creates the sacred.
The seven areas of interest listed below are meant to guide us as congregational leaders through some of the most basic, and essential, areas of board life and governance - of managing the sacred.GOVERNANCE
Roles and Responsibilities
As leaders, we are expected to enable your congregation to fulfil its missions by assuming any or all of the following responsibilities:
* Accepting fiduciary duties, be accountable and responsible for all financial matters
* Being a leader and Jewish role model
* Listening to the members of the congregation
* Planning effectively and realistically for the congregation's future
* Fostering respect and courtesy in all interactions
1. Requirements of the Board
Board orientations, leadership training programs and overall knowledge of the synagogue in its entirety are essential tools for being an effective leader. The following requirements are:
a. Read the constitution and bylaws of the congregation, which describe the structure of the board, the functions of its standing committees and how the congregation operates.
b. Become acquainted with all aspects of synagogue programming, including Shabbat worship and festival observances; the religious school; preschool and adult education; and youth activities.
c. Become familiar with the synagogue's financial reports and operating statements, its administrative structure and the physical premises. It must be stressed that each member is expected to understand the need of sound financial management and ongoing solvency obligations.
d. Develop an understanding of the division of responsibilities among the Board, the Rabbi and, where applicable, the professional staff, including the cantor, administrator, educator and others, as well as among the professional and volunteer leaders.
e. Obtain a copy of the Board calendar and the schedule of meetings and make a commitment to attend.
f. Learn what is expected of us as an individual director with regard to establishing the congregation's vision, mission and goals, as well as the day-to-day aspects of meetings.
g. Educate ourselves regarding Reform ideology, history and the structure of the movement.
2. Long Range Planning
The process of long-range planning helps a congregation achieve its future purpose by defining a shared vision, developing a mission and establishing realistic goals and objectives to create and maintain a strong and healthy TBI congregation.
3. Budgets & Fundraising
Building a financially viable and spiritually fulfilling congregation requires thoughtful budgeting and money management that reflects the mission and priorities of the congregation.
4. Leadership Development
Planning for the congregation's future includes continuity in leadership. Considerations include: identifying, recruiting, training and retaining volunteers as new synagogue leaders.
5. Staffing & Staff Relations
Developing, maintaining and modelling meaningful relationships between synagogue staff, clergy and volunteers is the basis for a spiritually healthy congregation. Considerations include: Articulated expectations, goals and job descriptions for staff and volunteers in the form of policy manuals and agreements; clergy transition; and managing conflict if it occurs.
6. Bylaws, Policies, & Legal Issues
Review and compare the bylaw documents that legally oversee the synagogue's operations; considerations for frequently asked legal and tax considerations; and guidelines for determining how and when to engage in advocacy on public issues.
7. Stewardship
Changing the synagogue status involves a myriad of decisions. Considerations include: Managing transition for members of the congregation; preserving the congregation's history; and legal issues such as record retention, bylaws, disposition of assets, funeral management, endowments and trusts agreements.
Prepared by Dorothy Graff, Alain Grossbard, Brian Samuel.
