By-Laws of the Congregation

By-Laws
The Reform Jewish Congregation
of Ashland, MA., Inc.

Amended October 7, 1996
Amended Ocotber 30, 1997
Amended November 2000
Amended November 2002
Amended September 2005

Article I. Name
Article II. Purpose
Article III. National Affiliation
Article IV. Ritual and Religious Practices
Article V. Membership
Article VI. Meetings
Article VII. Officers
Article VIII. Board of Directors
Article IX. Rabbi and/or Cantor
Article X. Professional Staff
Article XI. Committees
Article XII. Nominations
Article XIII. Real Estate
Article XIV. Fiscal Year
Article XV. Amendments
Article XVI. Rules Of Order

Article I. Name
This congregation shall be known as Sha’arei Shalom, Reform Jewish Congregation of Ashland. The legal name is Reform Jewish Congregation of Ashland, Inc. The congregation may, at such other time, by a vote of the membership at a meeting called for that purpose, and upon a two thirds vote of those present and voting, amend such name.

Article II. Purpose
The purpose of this congregation is to promote the enduring and fundamental principles of Judaism and to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people to enable its adherents to develop a relationship to God through communal worship, study, and assembly and to apply the principles of Judaism to the values and conduct of the individual, family, and to the society in which we live.

Article III. National Affiliation
This congregation may affiliate itself with national organizations, that in the opinion of the Board of Directors, are in keeping with the purposes of the congregation, as stated above.

Article IV. Ritual and Religious Practices
Section 1.

The mode of worship shall be in accordance with Siddur Chadash, or such other ritual as may be adopted by this Congregation.

Section 2.

This congregation shall be guided in its religious practices by its Ritual Committee, its rabbi, if and when one is employed, and also may be guided by the interpretations of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). The Board of Directors shall have the overall approval of said practices

Article V. Membership
Section 1.

Any person of the Jewish faith, or any person wishing to worship or otherwise appropriately participate with the congregation, who is at least eighteen (18) years of age or over may be elected to membership.

Section 2.

In the case of married persons or two adult partners living together, the unit of membership shall be the family. For the purpose of this article the family shall be construed to mean one adult, or two adult partners sharing a household, and their children living at home, residing in another community while attending an educational institution, or who are not self-supporting. A non-Jewish family member shall be considered a member in good standing and welcome to share in all aspects of the congregation except as specified in Article V, Section 4. The board reserves the right to reject any membership application.

Section 3.

All adult members, in good standing, have voting privileges

Section 4.

Members of the congregation shall have all the privileges of membership, subject to the rules and regulations established from time to time by the Board of Directors, including but not limited to worship, religious school for their children, adult studies and social activities, in accordance with accepted Jewish custom and ritual. In matters of religious practices, as determined by the Board of Directors, the voting member must be Jewish by birth or conversion.

Section 5.

In the event of the death of a member, the surviving spouse may continue to be a member if the spouse so desires subject to the limitations provided for in Section 2.

Section 6.

The Board of Directors may establish special membership classifications with such provisions as it shall deem advisable.

Section 7.

Members shall be responsible for support of the congregation through payment of dues, assessments and other fees as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. All members shall be entitled to attend all worship services, adult classes and social activities. Membership dues are payable in advance of the year for which they are due, in such amounts as are established by the Board and approved by the congregation.

A member who fails to pay or fails to make arrangements satisfactory to the Board of Directors to pay any financial obligation due the congregation within 30 days after such obligation shall become due and payable, may be suspended and deprived of all privileges upon vote of the Board of Directors, after he/she has been notified of his/ her impending suspension.

The Board of Directors may waive, extend or modify any financial obligation due from a member.

Section 8.

The resignation or suspension of any member shall not relieve him/her from payment of any obligation due the congregation at the time of resignation.

Article VI. Meetings
Section 1.

The Annual Meeting of the congregation shall be convened by the president on a convenient day in the month of November or December of each year. At this meeting, reports shall be submitted by the president, the rabbi and such other officers, officials, auxiliaries and committees as may be requested to do so by the Board of Directors; a budget for the coming fiscal year shall be approved and such Directors and officers as necessary shall be elected. Every member of the congregation shall be notified least 30 days prior to the date set for the annual meeting or of any adjourned annual meeting.

Section 2.

Special meetings of the congregation may be called by the President or shall be called at the request of a majority of the Board of Directors or on written application of 15 members. The call for a special meeting shall set forth the purpose of the meeting and notice thereof shall be given to all members at least 10 days prior to the time of such meeting. No business shall be transacted at such meeting except that specified in the notice.

Section 3.

Fifteen (15) members of the congregation shall constitute a quorum at meetings.

Article VII. Officers
Section 1.

The officers of this Congregation shall consist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as are authorized by vote of the congregation, all to be elected for a term of 1 year, at the annual meeting of the congregation, from and among the nine elected and/or nominated directors of the Board of Directors. These officers shall assume office January 1st of the following year. Officers must be members in good standing in the congregation.

Section 2.

The duties of the president shall be to act as chairman at all congregational and board meetings, to appoint committees, on all of which he/she is to be an ex-officio member; to call special meetings; to sign all legal documents and to perform such other duties as are incident to the office.

Section 3.

The officers and directors, in addition to their normal duties shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to them by the president.

Section 4.

The vice president shall act for the president in the president’s absence, or at times when the president is incapacitated or is otherwise unable to discharge the responsibilities of that office. In addition the vice president shall assist the president and may, when authorized to do so, act as the agent of the president, when and as specifically directed or requested by the president.

Section 5.

The Treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds of the congregation and shall be the disbursing agent of the congregation as authorized by the Board of Directors. He or she shall report monthly to the Board of Directors, shall present a financial report to the congregation at all regular meetings. The treasurer, if called upon by the Board and the congregation shall arrange for an annual audit of the congregation’s financial records by an independent Public Accountant selected with the Board’s approval. The president, in the absence of the treasurer, shall assume the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon that office, until a successor is elected, qualified and commences to serve.

Section 6.

It shall be the duty of the secretary to serve as secretary/clerk of the congregation and of the Board of Directors. He or she shall keep the minutes of both bodies, keep a register of all the members of the congregation, send out notices of all congregational meetings and perform such other duties as are incident to the office.

Section 7.

If and when required by the congregation, and before assuming office, all officers shall be covered by a Directors and Officers Liability Insurance policy, the cost of which shall be borne by the congregation.

Section 8.

All disbursement of congregational funds shall require the signature of either the Treasurer or the President and checks of over $5,000.00 shall require two (2) officers as designated by the Board of Directors, one of whom shall be the treasurer.

Article VIII. Board of Directors
Section 1.

The Board of Directors shall consist of nine members elected by the congregation. Members of the Board must be members in good standing of the congregation, and no person shall be eligible for election to the Board unless they are Jewish by birth or by conversion. A member of the board must have been a member of the congregation for at least 60 days prior to the annual meeting.

Section 2.

The congregation shall elect Directors, as the respective terms expire, for a term of 2 years or, as applicable, for the remainder of the regular two year term of an existing vacancy. Directors may be re-elected, provided, however, that no Directors shall be elected for more than three successive two year terms.

Section 3.

The Board of Directors shall have the general management of the affairs, funds, records, and property of the congregation. The Board shall be responsible for developing and presenting an annual plan for the congregation, and providing periodic progress reports to the members, at a congregational meeting or by written communication. The Board shall act on all matters of policy, fill all vacancies on the Board until the completion of the vacating term and perform such other duties as the members of the congregation in regular or special meetings may prescribe.

Section 4.

The Board of Directors shall meet once a month and in addition, may meet at the call of the President or by petition of two-thirds of the members of the Board.

Section 5.

Five members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum, provided one of the five directors in attendance is an officer.

Section 6.

The office of any Director who is absent without adequate excuse from three successive regular meetings of the Board may be declared vacant by the Board, and such vacancy shall be filled according to the provisions of Section 11, below. If such vacancy also creates a vacancy in one of the officer’s positions, the Board may likewise fill the vacant officer’s position from among the members of the Board.

Section 7.

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to engage professional staff and other employees and to fix their duties and compensation.

Section 8.

The Board of Directors shall designate the bank, banks or trust company for deposit of congregational funds. It shall have the authority to borrow money up to a limit of ten thousand dollars and to pledge for the repayment thereof any assets of the congregation.

Section 9.

Members of the Board, as the chosen lay leaders of the congregation, shall strive to set the example to the membership by regular participation in the activities of the congregation.

Section 10.

In case of a Board-declared vacancy or the resignation, disability, or death of a director, the remaining members of the Board shall, by majority vote, appoint a member in good standing of the congregation to fill such vacancy. Such appointment shall last through the remainder of the vacant term. In the event that there is a vacancy in any office, the Board may appoint a member of the Board to fill that office until the next annual meeting.

Article IX. Rabbi and/or Cantor
Section 1

The Board of Directors shall select a special pulpit committee. That committee shall recommend to the Board of Directors the Cantor/Rabbi to be approved for hiring. Upon the approval by the Board of Directors, their recommendation shall be presented to the congregation at a regular or special meeting. A 2/3 majority vote of the members present shall be required to act upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.

In the event of an unanticipated vacancy, in the Rabbi and/or cantor position, the board shall have the authority to appoint a rabbi and/or cantor on an interim basis for up to 90 days. During said 90 days, a general membership meeting will be held wherein a 2/3 majority vote will be required to continue employment.

Section 3.

Upon the completion of the term of the Rabbi’s and/or Cantor’s initial period of service, the Board shall make a recommendation as to his continuation of services. This recommendation shall be submitted to a regular or special meeting of the congregation. A two thirds majority vote of those members present shall be required to act upon the recommendation of the Board.

Section 4.

If the Board of Directors deems it necessary to terminate the employment of the Rabbi/Cantor, the Board of Directors shall make such recommendation to the membership at a regular or special meeting. A 2/3 majority vote of those members present shall be required to act upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors.

Section 5.

Except when requested, by the Board of Directors, not to attend, Tthe Rabbi, or in absence of a rabbi, the Cantor shall have the right to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and the congregation.

Article X. Professional Staff
Upon a vote of authorization by a majority of the congregation present and voting at a meeting duly called for that purpose, the congregation can authorize the hiring of specific staff positions. The Board of Directors may then fill such professional staff positions as have been created and funded, such as administrator, school director, etc.

Article XI. Committees
Section 1.

The following standing committees shall be appointed by the president, with the consent of the Board, at the first meeting of the Board of Directors following the annual election. Chairmen of each committee shall be elected by the membership of the committee at the beginning of each fiscal year. All members of congregational committees must be members in good standing in the congregation. There may only be one, previously designated, voting member from each family membership on a given committee.

Section 2.

The House Committee shall consist of not less than two members. It shall be the House Committee’s responsibility to arrange a place for holding and coordinating activities in providing refreshments for congregational activities. At such time as the congregation becomes the lessee or owner of a building or property, the house committee will maintain and keep such property in good order and repair and will establish, with the approval of the Board of Directors, rules and regulations for the use of the congregation’s physical facilities.

Section 3.

The Membership Committee shall consist of not less than two members. The purpose of the Membership Committee shall be to maintain contact with Jewish families in the community with a view towards encouraging membership.

Section 4.

The Newsletter and Public Relations Committee shall consist of not less than two members. It shall be the duty of the Newsletter and Public Relations Committee to take charge of the publicity and publications of the congregation, to ensure that its programs, activities and goals are made known to the membership and the public at large, and to advise the Board of Directors, Rabbi/Cantor and staff, if any, on matters of communication with the membership and the community as a whole.

Section 5.

The Nominating Committee shall be formed and have responsibilities as outlined in Article XII.

Section 6.

The Ritual Committee shall consist of not less than four members. It shall be the duty of the Ritual Committee to consider the rituals and observances of the congregation. The Committee shall offer to the Rabbi and/or Cantor, if any, such advice and guidance as he/she/they may require regarding the character and mode of the various services and holiday observances. In the absence of a rabbi, the committee shall guide members of the congregation wishing to receive guidance in leading religious services and other activities such as weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and funerals.

Section 7.

The School Committee shall consist of not less than four members. It shall be the duty of the School Committee to oversee the day to day operations of the school. The committee shall offer the School Administrator such advice and guidance that he/she may require regarding the effective running of the school. The Committee and the Administrator are to work towards mutual agreement in all aspects regarding the school. In the absence of a school administrator, the chairperson of the committee shall absorb the responsibilities of the school administrator until a new administrator is procured.

Section 8

The Pulpit Committee shall consist of two board members and three non-board members of the congregation, that then make a recommendation to the Board of Directors. No two members of the same family membership may be on the Pulpit Committee.

Section 9.

The Social Action Committee shall consist of no less than two members. It shall be the duty of the Social Action Committee to analyze issues and problems of the community and nation in relation to the principles of Judaism and to sensitize the membership to their moral implications. It may consult with the Commission on Social Action for Reform Judaism and local Jewish community organizations, but shall speak in the name of the congregation only with prior approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 10.

The President, upon vote of, or with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint a Chairperson for such other Ad Hoc Committees as are deemed necessary.

Section 11.

Committee meetings shall be open to all members of the Congregation.

Section 12.

The Committees shall carry out their respective duties as described above, subject to periodic report to and approval by the Board of Directors. When the actions of any committee propose or will result in changing an existing, or creating one or more new or additional policies, procedures or practices, which may or will affect the Congregation as a whole, such change or such proposed new or additional policies, procedures, or practices shall first be reported by the committee to the Board of directors, which shall discuss the issue and shall vote to adopt, amend or reject such committee proposal(s) or action(s). Committees shall not have the power to unilaterally create policy, practice or procedure or to bind the Congregation or the Board of Directors, unless such power has been specifically granted to the particular committee, in advance, for each specific action, function, or purpose.

Section 13.

Committee meetings must have a minimum of 60% of members (including the chairperson) present for a meeting unless there is an emergency need for such a meeting. In such cases, the chairperson must notify the president of the congregation of the circumstances. Ordinarily, meetings of the various committees are called for by the chairperson. However, if the members of a committee wish to call a meeting of the committee, a minimum of at least 60% (including the chairperson) of the members of the committee must agree to such a meeting and must be present at such a meeting.

Article XII. Nominations
Section 1.

The Nomination of Directors and the nomination of officers from among the sitting and/or nominated Directors shall be made by a nominating committee appointed by the president, with the consent of a majority of the Board of Directors. The nominating committee shall consist of two members of the Board of Directors and three members of the congregation at large. The two board members must not be up for re-election. No two members of the same ‘family’ membership may be nominated to the Board of Directors. This includes a spouse, sibling, child, parent or blood relative residing in the same dwelling.

Section 2.

The committee’s slate of nominees for the positions of Director shall consist of nominees for each directorship which term expires at the close of the then current fiscal year. Congregation members will be made aware of the formation of a Nominating Committee and will have 15 days to submit their name for nomination. No nominations from the floor will be accepted at the annual meeting. The nominating committee may present more candidates than positions to be filled to the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will interview all candidates and present their findings to the Board of Directors. Of the candidates running, the Board of Directors will endorse a nominee for each vacant seat. The Board of Directors will notify the congregation who is running for election, and who they have endorsed, 15 days prior to the annual meeting. Candidates will be allowed to write a one page article of introduction and intent. The candidate information package will be distributed to the membership of the congregation 15 days prior to the annual meeting. A newly elected president must be a present or past (within 5 years) member of the Board of Directors. At the annual meeting, directors shall be elected first. Voting will continue with the remaining nominees.

Section 3

In the event of a tie in the voting for Officers of the Board of Directors, each candidate, involved in the tie, will address the congregation and take part in a question and answer forum. Each candidate’s total allotted time will be 2 minutes, followed by a re-vote. This process will be repeated until a winner is declared.

Section 4.

You must be present at the annual meeting to vote. Absentee ballots will not be accepted.

Article XIII. Real Estate
Before any contract shall be entered into for the purchase, sale, pledging or other alienation of real estate by or for the congregation, the Board of Directors shall ascertain all relevant material facts and submit these to the congregation at a regular or special meeting, called for that purpose. It shall require a vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting to authorize any such purchase, sale, or alienation of real estate.

Article XIV. Fiscal Year
The Fiscal Year of the congregation shall be from January 1 to December 31.

Article XV. Amendments
Proposed amendments to these By-Laws shall be submitted in writing, including proposed text and a description or explanation thereof, and shall be initiated by the Board of Directors or by at least 20 percent of the members of the congregation. Such proposed amendment(s) shall be filed with the secretary at least 30 days prior to the date set for the annual meeting or any special meeting called for that purpose. Copies of the proposed amendment(s) shall be sent to each member along with notice of the meeting at least 15 days prior to such meeting. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting shall be required to adopt such amendment(s).

Article XVI. Rules of Order
The rules of procedure at meetings shall be determined by the latest revised edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.