TEMPLE EMANUEL OF NORTH JERSEY CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I NAME
The name of this Congregation shall be Temple Emanuel of North Jersey.
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
The purpose of this Congregation shall be to establish, provide and maintain
a Synagogue and such religious, educational, social and recreational
activities as may help further the cause and objectives of the Synagogue and
the tenets of Conservative Judaism.
ARTICLE III AFFILIATION
This Congregation shall affiliate with the United Synagogue of Conservative
Judaism.
ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 Any person recognized as Jewish pursuant to the guidelines or opinions of
the Rabbinical Assembly, eighteen (18) years of age, or older, shall be
eligible for membership in this Congregation.
Section 2 Any person qualified for membership, except a previously resigned or
terminated member, shall become a member upon filing with the
Congregation an application for membership, and payment of any applicable
dues, fees or assessments.
Section 3 Types and Description of Memberships:
FAMILY
This membership shall be extended to married couples (as recognized by the
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism), with or without children, or
with children who are full-time students.
INDIVIDUAL
This membership shall be extended to any single adult who is eligible for
membership pursuant to Section 1 of this Article and who does not qualify
for a Family Membership.
ASSOCIATE
This membership shall extend to persons who would qualify for Family or
Individual membership, but who have taken up residence outside a 50 mile
radius of the Synagogue, or who are members in good standing of other
congregations, and who desire to become associate members of this
Congregation.
LIFE
This honorary membership may be conferred at the discretion of the Board
of Trustees. Presentation of a motion to grant this honor, and discussion of
the motion may take place at any meeting of the Board of Trustees, with any
additional discussion and a vote on the motion to take place at a subsequent
meeting. This class of membership is exempt from any dues or assessments.
PROFESSIONAL
This membership shall be conferred upon the members of the
Congregation’s professional staff (e.g., Rabbi, Cantor, Sexton, Executive
Director) and their spouses and unemancipated minor children residing with
them, as long as they remain in the employ of the Congregation. This class
of membership is exempt from any dues or assessments
Section 4 RIGHTS OF MEMBERSHIP
(A) Each Family, Individual and Life member shall have the following
rights:
1. To attend all regular and special meetings of the Congregation;
2. To comment and cast a vote upon the business conducted at all
Congregational meetings. In the case of a Family membership, each
adult member is entitled to a vote;
3. To become an officer or a trustee, if qualified;
4. To participate in the religious services, social affairs and programs
offered or sponsored by this Congregation or any arm thereof, subject
to any rule, regulation, limitation or qualification established by the
Board of Trustees;
5. To enroll his/her/their children in the religious school of the
Congregation, subject to any rules, regulations, limitations or
qualifications established by the Board of Trustees;
6. To receive the services of the Congregation’s professional staff,
without cost;
7. To purchase, from Temple Emanuel, burial ground upon such terms
and conditions as may be established by the Board of Trustees;
8. Upon death, to have his/her name inscribed in the permanent
memorial book maintained by the Congregation for this purpose;
9. To receive all publications and communications of the
Congregation and to receive a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws
of the Congregation;
10. To receive, without additional charge, tickets for seating at High
Holiday Services, subject to any rule, regulation, limitation or
qualification established by the Board of Trustees; and
11. To any other privilege which may be conferred by the Board of
Trustees.
(B) Each Associate member shall have the following rights:
1. To attend all regular and special meetings of the Congregation but
shall have no right to vote;
2. To participate in religious services, social affairs and programs
offered or sponsored by the congregation;
3. To receive all publications and communications of the
Congregation; and
4. To any other privilege which may be conferred by the Board of
Trustees.
(C) Each professional member shall have the rights listed in Section 4(A)
except the right to vote at any Congregational meeting.
Section 5 OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
Members are obligated to pay all dues, pledges and assessments promptly
after being billed therefore, to participate in the religious, social and
educational programs of, or sponsored by, the Congregation, and to render
such assistance and support as may be requested for the enhancement of any
Congregation service, function or program.
Section 6 TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF MEMBERSHIP
(A) A person’s membership may be suspended or terminated, at the
discretion of the Board of Trustees, upon two-thirds (2/3) vote of those
present at any duly called or scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees,
provided a quorum is present, for failure or refusal to pay, when due, any
dues, pledge, assessment, tuition, charge, or any other financial obligation;
or any conduct or cause which, in the good faith opinion of the Board of
Trustees, is adverse to the interests of the Congregation or the Jewish
community.
(B) The secretary shall notify the affected member(s) (adults only), by
certified mail, of the date, time and place of the meeting of the Board of
Trustees at which suspension or termination of membership privileges will
be considered and the reason(s) for consideration of suspension or
termination.
(C) The affected member(s) shall have the right to address the Board of
Trustees and to produce whatever information he/she/they feel bears on
whether or not suspension or termination of membership is appropriated,
provided, however, the affected member(s) notify the Board of Trustees in
writing, received at least three days prior to the meeting of the Board of
Trustees at which suspension or termination of membership will be
discussed, of his/her/their intention to address the Board of Trustees. At that
time, affected members must supply a written statement providing reason(s)
there should be no suspension or termination.
(D) The Board of Trustees shall specify the length of time of any period of
suspension or effective date of termination, the restrictions of the suspended
member’s rights and privileges as a member during the period of suspension,
and the conditions pursuant to which the suspension may be lifted and the
rights and privileges of membership may be restored.
(E) Upon termination of membership from the Congregation, all
membership rights and privileges existing previously shall terminate, except
the right to use previously purchased burial plots sold by the Congregation,
provided, however, that the purchase price for these burial plots and all dues
and assessments have been paid in full.
(F) The Secretary of the Congregation shall, as soon as practicable after the
event, see to the mailing, by certified mail, to each affected member (adults
only) of a notice of suspension or termination of membership. If suspended,
the member shall be advised of the terms thereof and the effective date of
suspension and if terminated, the effective date of termination.
Section 7 REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP
A suspended member shall be reinstated to his/her membership category
upon satisfactory compliance with the terms and conditions of the
suspension. A terminated member may be reinstated to his, her or their
membership category by:
1. Filing a written application for membership;
2. Satisfaction of all previously unpaid financial obligations to the
Congregation and to any of its arms, arising from or in connection with the
previous period of membership;
3. Satisfactory compliance with all terms and conditions required by the
Board of Trustees in its discretion.
Section 8 RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Any member wishing to resign from membership in the Congregation shall
give written notice of such intention to the Board of Trustees. Members who
resign from membership in the Congregation shall be obligated for all dues,
fees and assessments previously billed.
ARTICLE V DUES AND ASSESSMENT
Section 1 All members shall pay such dues, fees and assessments, for their
membership category, as may be determined at any given time by the Board
of Trustees.
Section 2 All dues and assessments are applicable to the fiscal year of the
Congregation. The fiscal year of the Congregation shall be from September
1 to August 31 of the next calendar year. All dues and assessments shall be
paid before April 1 of the fiscal year to which the dues are applicable.
Section 3 The President or the President designee shall have the authority to set and approve
terms for special financial arrangements. All such arrangements are to be
considered confidential.
ARTICLE VI MEETINGS
Section 1 All meetings of the Congregation shall be held at a facility of the
Congregation or at another place as may be determined by the Board of
Trustees.
Section 2 The Congregation shall hold a meeting annually during the month of May on
such day as the President shall designate. Notice of the Annual Meeting
shall be mailed, by first class mail, at least fourteen (14) calendar days
before the date of the meeting.
Section 3 A special meeting of the Congregation may be called at the discretion of the
President; or upon the written request of at least fifteen (15) members of the
Congregation in good standing; or upon the written request of at least five
(5) members of the Board of Trustees. All requests for a special meeting
shall specify the reason(s) for and purpose of the meeting, including the
action sought to be taken. Notice of the purpose and of the time and place of
holding of a special meeting shall be given in the same manner set forth in
Section 1 of this Article. No business may be considered other than that set
forth in the notice.
Section 4 A quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the
Congregation, regular or special, shall consist of twenty five (25) members
of the Congregation in good standing and including officers present. In the
event there is no quorum present more than one-half hour after the
scheduled start of the meeting, the presiding officer shall declare the meeting
adjourned to a date not less than fourteen (14) nor more than twenty-one
(21) calendar days. The Congregation shall be notified by first class mail of
the adjourned date, no later than three (3) calendar days after the date of
meeting originally scheduled.
Section 5 At all membership meetings, a member must be physically present to have
his or her vote counted. Voting by proxy is not permitted.
ARTICLE VII BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section 1 The management and administration of the affairs of the Congregation shall
be vested in a Board of Trustees consisting of:
1. Not less than thirty (30) nor more that forty (40) elected family or
individual members in good standing. The number shall be determined for
the next year by the Board of Trustees at its March meeting, and,
2. All former Presidents of the Congregation provided that they are members
of the Congregation in good standing; and
3. The President of the Men’s Club, Sisterhood, and Choral Society, or their
designated representatives, all of whom must be members of the
Congregation in good standing.
Section 2 (A) The Board of Trustees shall control all of the property of the
Congregation; shall designate the bank or banks wherein the funds of the
Congregation shall be deposited, shall be responsible for all expenditures
and disposal of Congregational funds and property, but shall not invest any
of the funds of the Congregation in any investments which are not legal in
the State of New Jersey, nor set aside any fund which would avoid the
necessity of the Officers signing withdrawal vouchers or checks against it.
(B) On or before the thirtieth of June of each year the Board of Trustees
shall approve an annual budget for the next fiscal year, and thereafter the
Board’s approval is necessary for any expenditure in excess of Two
Thousand Five Hundred ($2,500.00) dollars not in the said budget.
(C) The Board of Trustees shall make such rules and regulations consistent
with this Constitution as it may deem advisable for the proper conduct of its
meetings and for the furtherance of the general purpose of this
Congregation.
(D) The Board of Trustees shall meet at least once every two months. The
Board of Trustees will designate the date and time of meetings for the
upcoming year at the June meeting. The President or a Vice-President must
be present to conduct any meeting of the Board of Trustees. All matters
shall be decided by majority vote of the Trustees present except as otherwise
provided in this Constitution.
(E) Special meetings of the Board of Trustees may be called by the President
either at his/her discretion, or at the written request of three (3) members of
the Board. A written request shall specify the reason for and the purpose of
the meeting. In the event the President fails to issue a call for a special
meeting within five (5) days after receipt of a proper request, any other
Officer may direct the Executive Director or Secretary to issue a call for a
special meeting, specifying the date, time, place and subject matter of that
meeting.
(F) Any vacancy on the Board of Trustees may be filled by designation of
the President, announced at a regular meeting of the Board. Any member
appointed by the appointed by the President to the Board of Trustees to fill a
vacancy shall serve until the next annual meeting. Absence by any elected
member of the Board of Trustees from three (3) consecutive regular
meetings without notification or reasonable cause may be the basis for a
declaration of vacancy in his/her office by the President. The Executive
Director or Secretary shall send notice by certified mail to the Board
member of his/her removal from office and the reason(s) for the declaration
of vacancy.
Section 3 (A) The following are the Rules of the Board of Trustees governing its
procedure:
Opening prayer
Moment of silence for departed members
Reading of correspondence
D’var Torah
Executive Committee report
Reports of Vice Presidents
Treasurer’s Report
Old or unfinished business
New Business
Good and Welfare
(B) New Business should come before the Executive Committee for initial
consideration. New Business, however, may come from the floor.
(C) The President, at his/her discretion, may invite any member of the
Congregation or any other person to a Board Meeting. All invitees may, if
permitted by the President, participate in any discussion but in no
circumstances, shall they have vote.
ARTICLE VIII OFFICERS
Section 1 (A) The Officers of this Congregation shall be a President; four (4) Vice-
Presidents; Secretary; Financial Secretary; and Treasurer.
(B) No person may be an officer unless having served at least one year as an
elected member of the Board of Trustees and is a member in good standing at the
time of election.
(C) No person may be elected as President unless having served at least one year
as a Vice-President of the Congregation, and is a member in good standing at the
time of election.
Section 2 The President shall:
(A) call for, and preside at, all meetings of the Congregation, of the Board of
Trustees, and Executive Committee, of which he/she shall be the
Chairperson
(B) forthwith execute and discharge all resolutions adopted by the Board of
Trustees
(C) sign all agreements, contracts, deeds and other documents on behalf of
the Congregation, pursuant to appropriate resolutions by the Congregation
or the Board of Trustees
(D) appoint all committees and be an ex-officio member of all committees
(E) oversee the Liaison and Long Range Planning committees
(F) appoint and oversee all ad-hoc committees
(G) occupy a seat on the Pulpit at all Sabbath and Holiday Services or
designate another Officer or a Trustee to occupy his/her seat.
Section 3 In the event the President is unwilling or unable to continue in office, the
Board of Trustees shall choose an interim President for the unexpired term,
from the currently elected officers, the person so chosen shall have been a
member of the Board of Trustees for at least two years.
Section 4 The Vice-Presidents are as follows:
Vice-President of Administration – shall oversee the following committees:
Cemetery, Building and Grounds, Ritual, Personnel, Catering.
Vice-President of Education and Youth – shall oversee the following
committees: Religious School, Pre-School, Youth Activities, Library.
Vice-President of Activities – shall oversee the following committees: Adult
Ed, Social Events, Historical, Social Action/Community Relations.
Vice-President of Membership – shall oversee all membership publicity and
activities: Membership, Senior Services, Communications, Good and
Welfare /Hesed.
Section 5 The Secretary shall:
(A) cause to kept accurate records of all proceedings of the Congregation,
the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees;
(B) sign or attest to all instruments or documents as may be necessary to
effectuate the proper directions or business of the Congregation or the Board
of Trustees;
(C) shall affix the seal of the Congregation when required.
Section 6 The Financial Secretary shall:
(A) notify, with or by the Executive Director or Secretary, all members of the
Congregation of their financial obligations to the Congregation;
(B) receive and give proper credit for all monies and securities of, or payable to,
the Congregation, and cause all monies and securities to be delivered to the
Treasurer for deposit; and
(C) submit to the Executive Committee for recommendation to the Board of
Trustees the suspension or termination of members for delinquency in payment of
financial obligations.
Section 7 The Treasurer shall:
(A) cause to be kept accurate and correct books and records of the accounts of the
Congregation, which records, at all times, shall be open for inspection to the
Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee;
(B) receive monies and securities from the Financial Secretary;
(C) cause to be deposited all funds of the congregation in one or more Federally
Insured Depositories designated by the Board of Trustees;
(D) receive and retain a copy of the deposit slip for any deposit made;
(E) upon direction of the Board of Trustees, obtain a surety company bond
covering all officers, employees and other representatives who handle the funds or
securities of the Congregation;
(F) present a Budget for each fiscal year at the August meeting of the Executive
Committee and of the Board of Trustees; and
(G) be the Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee.
Section 8 The Treasurer is responsible for the approval and payment of all financial
obligations of the Congregation. All checks drawn on the accounts of the
Congregation must be signed by any two officers, or by any one officer and
the Executive Director.
Section 9 In the absence of the President, the following order shall be used to
determine the meeting chairperson: Vice-President of Administration, Vice-
President of Membership, Vice-President of Education and Youth, Vice-President
of Activities.
Section 10 The President is authorized to designate a qualified member of the Board of
Trustees to fill a vacancy in an officer position for the unexpired portion of
that officer’s terms.
ARTICLE IX NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1 The committee for nominations to the Board of Trustees shall be appointed
by the President at the February Board meeting; shall consist of at least one
(1) Past President and at least four (4) elected members of the Board; shall
report its nominations at the April meeting of the Board for mailing to the
Congregation as set forth in Article IX, Section 2. The committee for the
nomination of Officers shall be appointed by the President at the February
meeting of the Board; the committee shall consist of at least two (2) Past
Presidents and three (3) elected members of the Board; shall report its
nominations for Officers at the April meeting of the Board for mailing to
each member of the Board, as set forth in Article IX, Section 4.
Section 2 Nominations for the Board of Trustees shall be made in the following
manner:
(A) Written notice of nominations submitted by the Trustees Nominating
Committee shall be mailed to each member of the Congregation within
fourteen (14) days prior to the Annual Meeting of Congregation.
(B) Additional nominations may be made in writing, signed by not less than
seven (7) members of the Congregation in good standing and submitted to
the Secretary not later than three (3) days prior to the Annual Meeting of the
Congregation.
(C) No other nominations shall be permitted.
Section 3 Incumbent Trustees shall be elected by majority vote of those present at an
Annual Meeting of the Congregation for a term of three (3) years. Trustees
elected for the first time shall be elected for a term of one (1) year. In the
event there are more nominees than available Trustee positions, the
candidate(s) who receives the greatest number of votes shall be elected.
Section 4 Nomination for Officers shall be in the following manner:
(A) Written notice of nominations submitted by the Officer Nominating
Committee shall be given by mail to each member of the Board of Trustees
within fourteen (14) days prior to the June meeting of the Board of Trustees.
(B) Additional nominations may be made in writing signed by not less than
four (4) elected members of the Board of Trustees and submitted to the
Secretary not later than five (5) days prior to the June meeting of the Board
of Trustees.
(C) No other nominations shall be permitted.
Section 5 Officers shall be elected for a term of one year by majority vote of those
present at the June meeting of the Board of Trustees. The President shall not
be eligible for more than two (2) consecutive terms. The term of office shall
begin immediately upon election and shall be for one year.
ARTICLE X HONORARY TRUSTEES
Each year, by majority vote, the Board of Trustees may elect any current or
former member of the Board to the lifetime position of Honorary Trustee.
The honor and great esteem shall be bestowed on members who have served
the Congregation with special distinction and dedication. An Honorary
Trustee may participate and speak in all deliberations, and shall be eligible
to vote.
ARTICLE XI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1 There shall be an Executive Committee which shall consist of the officers,
the immediate past president of the Congregation, the Executive Director,
the Senior Rabbi, the Sisterhood President, the Men’s Club President, and not
more than two (2) additional Trustees selected by the President for such purpose.
The Executive Committee shall meet not less than once every month at such times
as the Executive Committee will designate at the July meeting. The President or a
Vice-President must be present to conduct any meeting of the Executive
Committee. A quorum of this committee shall consist of seven (7) members.
Section 2 It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to initiate new matters and
report its recommendations to the Board of Trustees; hear reports concerning
the welfare of the Congregation; and evaluate the policies and programs of
the Congregation.
Section 3 The Executive Committee has the authority to approve the expenditure of up
to Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500) for any single nonbudgeted
operating expense requested by a committee of the Congregation.
Any expenditure in excess of $2,500 must be voted on by the Executive
Committee and reported to the Board of Trustees for its action.
ARTICLE XII COMMITTEES
Section 1 Committees shall serve for a term concurrent with that of the President, or
until a successor committee is appointed.
Section 2 The standing committees of this Congregation shall be as follows: Adult
Education; Budget and Finance; Building and Grounds; Catering; Cemetery;
Communications; Endowments and Memorials; Fund Raising; Good and
Welfare/Hesed; Historical; Legal; Liaison; Library; Long Range Planning;
Membership; Personnel; Pre-School; Religious School; Ritual; Senior
Services; Social Action/Community Relations; Social Events; Youth
Activities.
Section 3 The duties of the standing committees shall be as follows:
ADULT EDUCATION
The committee shall create, maintain and promote all education and public
interest programs; may establish adult classes treating basic areas of Jewish
life; shall organize study groups.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
The Committee shall obtain from each committee or entity requesting
financial support from the Congregation a detailed estimate of the
anticipated expenses and income for the following year; shall draft a
tentative budget (balanced) for the next fiscal year allowing for
contingencies as well as reserves for building maintenance; shall maintain
close contact with the Synagogue office to keep constant check on
maintaining of Budget throughout the fiscal year; shall make periodic review
of the financial operation and closely scrutinize the collection of dues and
donations; shall use all appropriate and practical methods for collection of
dues; shall recommend to the Executive Committee any change in dues
structure; shall recommend to the Executive Committee the investment of
the Capital Funds of the Synagogue, as set forth in Article XVIII, Section 2.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
The committee shall provide for the regular maintenance and upkeep of the
Congregation’s buildings and grounds, and all real property owned by the
Congregation; shall obtain and present to the Board any estimate for repair
or improvements; shall make or see to the making of emergency repairs not
to exceed $2,500, consistent with the authority conveyed by the Board; shall
inspect all properties and present to the Budget Committee an estimate cost
for maintenance for the next year; shall draw up and present to the Executive
Committee for approval rules and regulations for the use of the physical
facilities of the Congregation’s buildings; shall maintain a current inventory
of all Congregation property.
CATERING
The committee shall act as the Congregation’s representative in dealing with
any caterer (resident or panel) that does business within the building or
grounds; shall set policy, negotiate contracts (including Synagogue
remuneration where appropriate) subject to the approval of the Board of
Trustees. The Senior Rabbi shall be consulted in all matters regarding
Kashruth and all other religious practices.
COMMUNICATIONS
The committee shall appropriately publicize the activities of the
Congregation through all available media to the Congregation, the press, and
to the community at large.
CEMETERY
The committee shall assure the availability of cemetery lots; prepare
suggested rules and regulations for the Cemetery; shall propose a schedule
of fees for purchases as well as a procedure for conveyance of grave sites;
shall formulate rules and regulations governing internment, monuments and
mausoleums; shall provide for maintenance of accurate records and maps;
shall arrange for the issuance of permits and deeds when necessary; shall
present all rules and regulations or changes for the approval to the Board of
Trustees.
ENDOWMENTS AND MEMORIALS
The committee shall formulate for Boards of Trustees consideration a set of
standards to encourage capital fund raising; shall make available, different
types of honoraria and memorials within the Temple, on its real property or
its burial grounds; shall promote, and encourage gifts and bequests to the
Congregation; and shall present all proposals to the Board of Trustees.
FUNDRAISING
The committee shall work in conjunction with the Membership and Budget
and Finance Committees to seek ways of raising funds for current
Congregational needs; shall each year evaluate the Fair Share program and
recommend changes to the Executive Committee for its consideration; shall
stress both the desirability and practicability of increasing the
Congregation’s income.
GOOD AND WELFARE / HESED
The committee shall have the responsibility to become aware of individuals
who are in a situation of special need, where the mitzvah of extending a hand
of special fellowship is called for (such as loneliness, illness, extended
confinement to home, bereavement, financial distress); to arrange for such
persons a program of visitation and other forms of aid and comfort; shall
have the responsibility of publicizing life cycle events occurring within the
Congregational family and coordinating the Congregation’s response to such
events.
HISTORICAL
The committee shall document, organize and preserve the Congregation’s
photographs and memorabilia, and shall be responsible for overseeing that
Congregational activities are photographed and memorabilia collected on an
ongoing basis; responsibility for the Congregational Book of Remembrance.
LEGAL
The committee shall advise the Board and Executive Committee on all legal
matters; shall be responsible for the preparation of all documents required by
the Congregation and its committees; shall examine all contracts; and shall
advice on parliamentary matters.
LIAISON
The committee shall act as a representative between the Congregation and
all other organizations with which the Synagogue is associated, and will
report to the Executive Committee the results of any meetings and any
correspondence and advise the Executive Committee of any decisions
affecting the Congregation; shall cooperate with the Communications
Committee in furthering interest in any programs that are an integral part of
the Synagogue or the community.
LIBRARY
The committee shall maintain, develop and promote the Congregational
libraries and their related activities.
LONG RANGE PLANNING
The committee shall seek out and identify new Congregational needs and
new areas of possible service; shall prepare a suggested scale of priorities
and a timetable for any projects that require extensive financing or unusual
expenditure of time.
MEMBERSHIP
The committee shall develop programs to increase and retain membership;
shall seek and encourage the affiliation of new residents and of other
residents who are not members of any other Congregation; shall propose
ways or means of encouraging greater involvement of members in
congregational activities; shall receive and approve applications for
membership and resignations of members; shall promote an atmosphere of
cordiality and hospitality within the Congregational community.
PERSONNEL
The committee shall oversee the interviewing and hiring of candidates for all
non-professional staff; shall negotiate all contracts of employment with the
professional staff of the Congregation; monitor the performance of all staff
and report their findings to the Executive Committee or other appropriate
committee.
PRE-SCHOOL
The committee shall have the authority to establish and maintain a preschool
program, subject to the rules and regulations approved by the Board
of Trustees in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey; shall
approve the curriculum of the Pre-School program in consultation with the
Principal; supervise all school expenditures and prepare fiscal projection for
the next year to the Budget Committee; and shall engage such personnel as
may be required, subject to the final approval of the Board of Trustees.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
The committee shall approve the curriculum of the Hebrew School program
in consultation with the Senior Rabbi; supervise all school expenditures and
prepare fiscal projection for the next year to the Budget Committee; and
shall engage such personnel as may be required, subject to the final approval
of the Board of Trustees.
RITUAL
The committee shall be responsible for regular worship services appropriate
to the needs of the Congregation for weekdays, Sabbaths, Holidays and
special occasions; shall continually strive for increased attendance and for
deepening the content of the services; shall offer to the Clergy such advice
and guidance as it may consider appropriate with respect to the character and
mode of the various services; shall present to the Executive Committee for
consideration guiding principles for religious services in the Synagogue on
the Sabbath and Holidays, and Kashruth observance on Synagogue premises
or at affairs sponsored by the Congregation; shall present to the Executive
Committee any proposals for major change in Synagogue ritual; shall
arrange and conduct interviews with candidates for positions on the
professional religious staff and present its recommendation to the Executive
Committee.
SENIOR SERVICES
The committee shall be responsible for providing transportation, special
programming and services for senior citizens.
SOCIAL ACTION / COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The committee shall sponsor and take actions representing the social
conscience of the Congregation by encouraging congregation members to
participate in community, statewide and national service activities. Any
action shall be consistent with the congregation’s status as a not-for-profit
religious organization.
SOCIAL EVENTS
The committee shall prepare and maintain a calendar of all planned
Congregational activities and activities of the arms of the Congregation. All
dates and times for proposed programs or activities must be approved by the
committee in conjunction with the Senior Rabbi and Executive Director.
Every attempt will be made to coordinate these dates with the Federation
community calendar. The committee shall initiate or suggest new programs
that will provide a well-rounded and meaningful schedule of activities; shall
work in close relationship with the Membership, Ritual and Adult Education
Committee; shall include representatives from any other committee which
presents programs as part of its function.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
The committee shall supervise, sponsor and conduct a coordinated program
of youth activities for the Congregation; shall determine policy and
formulate rules and regulations for the administration of such activities
including, but not limited to, Kadima (pre-teen), USY (teens) and KOACH
(college age).
Section 4 The President may appoint any other special or Ad Hoc committees which
he/she deems necessary or which is required by the Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE XIII SENIOR RABBI
Section 1 The Senior Rabbi of the Congregation shall be an ordained Rabbi whose
qualifications satisfy the standards of the Conservative Movement as
articulated by the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism.
Section 2 The Ritual Committee shall investigate and report to the Board of Trustees
the qualifications of possible candidates to serve the Congregation in the
capacity of Senior Rabbi. The Board of Trustees, at a properly constituted
meeting, shall approve engagement of a Senior Rabbi by a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of members present.
Section 3 Except as may be provided otherwise, or by contract, the Senior Rabbi shall
at all times enjoy the freedom of the pulpit. The Rabbi, as mara d’atra, shall
be the halakhic authority of the congregation. The Senior Rabbi shall
consult with, assist and guide the Board of Trustees and the Ritual
Committee in the furtherance of the religious and spiritual goals of the
Congregation. The Senior Rabbi shall make every effort to attend meetings
of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees and is invited to attend
the meetings of all standing committees, except Budget, Personnel and
Search Committees unless requested. The Senior Rabbi shall have the right
to participate in discussion, but shall have no right to vote.
Section 4 The Senior Rabbi will be the spiritual leader of the Congregation and as
such will be called upon to serve the religious, educational, spiritual and
pastoral needs of the Congregation. Whenever possible, where not
interfering with Congregational needs, the Senior Rabbi shall exercise
spiritual leadership in the community-at-large, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
Section 5 The Senior Rabbi shall serve as both the spiritual advisor of the
Congregation and head of the Temple religious staff.
ARTICLE XIV ASSOCIATE RABBI
Section 1 The Congregation, from time to time, may engage one or more Associate
Rabbis, the qualifications of whom shall be acceptable to the Senior Rabbi
and the Board of Trustees.
Section 2 The Ritual Committee shall investigate and report to the Board of Trustees
the qualifications of possible candidates to serve the Congregation in the
capacity of Associate Rabbi. The Board of Trustees, at a properly
constituted meeting, shall approve engagement of an Associate Rabbi by a
two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present.
Section 3 The duties of the Associate Rabbi shall be set forth by contract and
otherwise established by the Senior Rabbi.
ARTICLE XV CANTOR
Section 1 The Cantor of the Congregation shall, if at all possible, meet the
qualifications of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the
Cantor’s Assembly.
Section 2 The Ritual Committee shall investigate and report to the Board of Trustees
as to the qualifications of candidates for the position of Cantor. The Board
of Trustees, at a properly constituted meeting, shall approve engagement of a
Cantor by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present.
Section 3 Except as may be provided otherwise by contract, the Cantor shall officiate
at the religious services of the Congregation. The Cantor shall be the guide
and consultant in all matters affecting the Jewish musical activities of the
Congregation and in consultation with the Senior Rabbi, the Ritual
Committee and the Choral Society, shall approve and be responsible for all
Jewish Musical Programs of the Congregation.
ARTICLE XVI SEXTON/RITUAL DIRECTOR
Section 1 The Congregation may engage a Sexton/Ritual Director of the Congregation.
The Ritual Committee shall interview and recommend qualified candidates
for the position of Sexton/Ritual Director.
Section 2 The Board of Trustees, at a properly constituted meeting, shall approve
engagement of a Sexton/Ritual Director by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of
members present.
Section 3 The duties of the Sexton/Ritual Director shall be set forth by contract and
otherwise established by the Senior Rabbi and the Ritual Committee.
ARTICLE XVII EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Section 1 The Congregation may engage an Executive Director. The President shall
appoint a committee to interview and recommend to the Board of Trustees
candidates for the position of Executive Director. The Board of Trustees, at
a properly constituted meeting, shall approve the engagement of an
Executive Director by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present.
Section 2 The Executive Director shall faithfully carry out, discharge and execute all
policies, decisions, programs and activities of the Congregation.
Section 3 In the execution of his/her administrative tasks, the Executive Director shall
be responsible for the following major duties and responsibilities:
A. To carry out faithfully the established policies of the Congregation
B. To assist Committees and Chairperson in planning and executing their
activities
C. To supervise the day-to-day business of the Congregation.
D. To assist in the preparation of the Budget and supervise its
implementation.
E. To coordinate with the Editor of the Temple Bulletin.
F. To supervise all purchasing through proper committees.
G. To develop fund-raising projects and membership campaigns in
conjunction with standing committees.
H. To recommend and supervise office and maintenance personnel and to
supervise the maintenance of the buildings and grounds.
I. To maintain a calendar of Congregational activities and provide for its
implementation.
J. To assist Temple affiliated groups and their committees in planning and
implementing their decisions.
Section 4 In the execution of his/her administrative duties, the Executive Director will
be directly responsible to the Executive Committee and the Board of
Trustees through the President.
Section 5 The Executive Director shall be an ex-officio member of all committees of
the Congregation. As such, he/she shall have the right to participate in all
committee meetings except the Personnel and Search Committee unless
requested, but shall not have the right to vote.
ARTICLE XVIII FINANCES
Section 1 All non-specified funds of the Congregation shall be deposited to the
general accounts of the Congregation.
Section 2 Capital Funds shall include building maintenance assessments, funds
received from the sale of real estate holdings, furniture and fixtures, burial
grounds and monies or other items of value specifically donated to the
Capital Fund. All capital funds, and any interest or dividends derived from
such investments, shall be deposited into the Capital Account maintained by
the Congregation.
Section 3 The Board of Trustees may establish a Fund or Funds for the perpetuation of
the Congregation or for other purposes. All receipts for these funds shall be
deposited to the credit of an account established for that purpose.
Section 4 All other funds received by the Congregation are Current Receipts and shall
be deposited to the credit of a Current/Operating Account.
Section 5 Expenditures shall be made from the Capital Account for major repairs,
replacements and improvements to the facilities of the Congregation; for the
acquisition of real estate; for the acquisition and improvement of burial
grounds, and for any other purposes not enumerated above. All Capital
expenditures in excess of Two Thousand Five Hundred ($2,500) dollars
shall be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the Boards of
Trustees present at a properly constituted meeting, the notice for which shall
specify that a Capital Expenditure is on the Agenda.
ARTICLE XIX AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1 The Congregation shall have auxiliary organizations as may be authorized
by the Board of Trustees.
Section 2 The activities of all auxiliary organizations of this Congregation shall be
conducted in a manner which will advance the interests of the Congregation.
The auxiliary organizations shall, wherever and whenever possible, lend
assistance to the Congregation.
Section 3 The Constitution, By-Laws and conduct of each auxiliary organization shall
be consistent with the Constitution, By-Laws and policies of the
Congregation.
Section 4 The Board of Trustees shall have the power to discipline any auxiliary
organization which, in the Board’s judgment, violates the rules and
regulations established by the Board.
ARTICLE XX PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE
Section 1 In all cases of parliamentary procedures not specifically provided herein,
Robert’s Rules of Order shall be accepted as authority.
Section 2 The presiding person at any properly constituted meeting shall have full
authority to conduct the meeting to the best of his/her ability and in
accordance with his/her agenda.
ARTICLE XXI AMENDMENTS
Section 1 This Constitution, or any portion thereof, may be amended in whole or part
as follows:
(A) The proposal to amend this Constitution shall be submitted in writing to
the Secretary signed by not less than five (5) members of the Board of
Trustees or by not less than ten (10) members of the Congregation, in good
standing.
(B) The Secretary shall mail notice to each member of the Board of Trustees
of each proposed amendment at least five (5) days prior to the next meeting
of the Board of Trustees or any other meeting at which the proposal is to be
considered.
(C) Upon recommendation by the Board of Trustees, the proposed
amendment shall be submitted to the membership at the next Annual
Meeting of the Congregation or at a special meeting called for that purpose
as determined by the Board of Trustees.
(D) The Secretary shall mail written notice to each member of the
Congregation of each proposed amendment not less than ten (10) days nor
more than twenty one (21) days prior to the Annual or any Special Meeting
called for the purpose of considering any Amendment.
(E) An Amendment to this Constitution shall be adopted upon a two thirds
(2/3) vote of the members present at an Annual or Special Meeting. The
Amendment shall become effective immediately.
Section 2 In the event that the Board of Trustees shall reject or fall to recommend a
proposed amendment, then upon the written submission to the Secretary of
the proposed amendment signed by not less than twenty five (25) members
of the Congregation in good standing, the proposed amendment shall be
submitted at the next Annual Meeting of the Congregation.
Section 3 A proposed amendment which by the Congregation unless at least twelve
(12) months shall have elapsed from the date of the meeting at which the
proposed amendment was rejected.
ARTICLE XXII EFFECTIVE DATE
Section 1 This Constitution and By-Laws shall become effective immediately upon its
adoption by a majority vote of those members present at the Annual Meeting
or a Special Meeting of the Congregation called for the purpose of adopting
this Constitution. Notice of the proposed adoption of this Constitution and
By-Laws shall be given as hereinbefore provided for amendments.
Section 2 All existing actions, contracts, programs, policies, Resolutions and
Regulations of the Congregation, Board of Trustees and all Committees
thereof in effect at the time of adoption of this Constitution are hereby
ratified, confirmed and approved, and shall remain in full force and effect
unless and until specifically modified, rejected or revoked.
Section 3 The elected Officers, the Board of Trustees and all Committees of the
Congregation in office at the time of the adoption of this Constitution shall
retain and serve out the term of the respective offices to which they have
been elected or appointed.
(Constitution Amended and Adopted July 15, 2009)
SAVE THE DATE!
Temple Emanuel of North Jersey Gala
Honoring Robert and Susan Yudin
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Ajudhia Persaud will receive an award for his long service to Temple Emanuel
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