CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR

ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this Congregation shall be CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL of BRIARCLIFF MANOR, New York.

ARTICLE II. OBJECT
The object of this Congregation shall be to establish and maintain a traditional synagogue and provide for the educational, religious, social, and recreational activities of its members.

ARTICLE III. AFFILIATION
This Congregation shall be affiliated with the United Synagogue of America.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility. Any person of the Jewish Faith, 18 years of age or older, of good moral character, shall be eligible for membership.

Section 2. Classes of Membership. There shall be three classes of membership.

(a) Family Membership: Such membership shall be extended to married couples and shall entitle husbands and wives to all membership privileges.
(b) Individual Membership: Such membership shall be extended to unmarried men and women or to the Jewish spouse of a mixed marriage and shall entitle the member to all membership privileges.
(c) Honorary Membership: Such membership shall be conferred by the Board of Trustees upon the Rabbi and Cantor of the Congregation and spouse and may be conferred on other deserving persons of the community. Such membership shall be free of dues and assessments.

Section 3. Admission. Applications for membership shall be made in writing to the Membership Committee, which shall report on each application to the Board of Trustees for appropriate action. Each application shall provide that should the application be accepted, entering upon membership shall constitute a binding commitment on the part of the member to all obligations of membership as provided for in the Constitution and By-laws.

Section 4. A majority vote of the members present at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Trustees shall be required to elect an applicant to membership.

Section 5. Privileges of Membership.

Members in good standing shall enjoy the following privileges:

a) To attend all meetings of the Congregation and the Board of Trustees.
b) To have a voice and a vote at all Congregation meetings.
c) To hold office in the Congregation.
d) To participate in divine worship at all religious services in the Synagogue.
e) To enroll their children in the Religious School of the Congregation.
f) To enroll and participate in the educational and other activities of the Congregation.
g) To burial in the Congregation plots in the CSI cemetery on Havill Street for themselves and their dependent children of the Jewish faith. The Board of Trustees shall establish appropriate fees.
h) To participate in the activities and use the facilities of the Congregation as provided by the By-laws.

Section 6. Suspension or Expulsion.
A member may be suspended or expelled by a two_thirds vote of the members of the Board of Trustees present at a regular or special meeting for any one of the following reasons: a) failure to pay dues, school fees or assessments, in accordance with the By-laws; b) adoption of a religion other than Jewish faith; c) conduct which brings discredit upon the Congregation.

A member who has been suspended forfeits all rights and privileges of membership. A member suspended for failure to comply with subdivision (a) above, may be reinstated in good standing upon payment of his defaulted account or at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE V. DUES, FEES, ASSESSMENTS
All members shall pay such dues, fees and assessments as shall be determined by the Board of Trustees, subject to the approval of the Membership.

ARTICLE VI. CONGREGATION MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Meeting

a) The annual meeting of this Congregation shall be held during the month of June each year, on such day as the President may designate. Notice of the annual meeting shall be given by the Secretary of the Congregation in writing, by mail, to all members of the Congregation, directed to their addresses as they appear on the books of the Congregation, and sent not less than seven (7) nor more than fourteen (14) days prior to such meeting.

Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the congregation may be called by the President whenever, the President deems it necessary, and a special meeting must be called at the written request of fifteen members of the Congregation, in good standing, or of five members of the Board of Trustees. Said request shall state the reason for and the purpose of the meeting. In the event that the President fails to issue a call for the special meeting within five (5) days after being requested to do so, any other officer may issue such a call.

Notice of such a special meeting shall be given by the Secretary of the Congregation, by mail, to all members of the organization, directed to their addresses as they appear on the books of the congregation sent not less than six (6) nor more than fourteen (14) days prior to such meeting.

The business to be transacted at a special meeting shall be the business stated in the call.

Section 3. Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the Congregation shall consist of twenty_five (25) members including officer. But a lesser number in the absence of a quorum may adjourn the meeting to some future time, not less than six (6) nor more than twenty (20) days from the date thereof, and Secretary shall thereupon give at least three (3) days notice, by mail, of such adjourned meeting, to the membership.

ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section 1. Administration

The management and administration of the affairs of this Congregation shall be vested in a Board of Trustees of twenty_six (26) members, including its eight officers.

Trustees other than officers shall be elected for a term of three years for overlapping terms in such a manner that each year the term of office of six members shall expire. Officers and members of the Board shall serve without compensation. The Rabbi and former Presidents of the Congregation shall be ex_officio members to the Board without the right to vote except as otherwise provided herein. Trustees other than officers shall be elected for no more than two succeeding three_year terms.

Section 2. Duties The Board of Trustees shall be charged with and assume control of all property and affairs 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 only invest the funds of the Congregation in investments which show fiduciary responsibility. The withdrawal of funds and payment of bills shall be made by the appropriate officers of the Congregation.

Section 3. Meetings The Board of Trustees shall meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month, or on such other days as the Board, by resolutions, may designate. A quorum shall consist of eleven (11) members. All matters may be decided by the Board only upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum.

Section 4. Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Board of Trustees may be called at the President's discretion, and must be called by the President at the written request of three (3) members of the Board. Said request shall state the reason for and the purpose of the meeting. In the event that the President fails to issue a call for a special meeting within five (5) days after being requested to do so, any other officer may issue such a call.

Section 5. Successors In the event of the incapacity, death or resignation of a member of the Board, a successor shall be elected by the Board of Trustees to fill the office for the unexpired term.

A trustee who fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Board shall be deemed suspended from the Board and the Board may at its discretion remove the trustee from office. On the recommendation of the President, the Board may elect a successor for the balance of the trustee's unexpired term.

ARTICLE VIII. OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers of this Congregation shall be:

a. President
b. Four Vice_Presidents
c. Immediate Past President
d. Secretary
e. Treasurer

Section 2. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Congregation and of the Board of Trustees, of which the President shall be chairperson; to call all meetings of the Congregation and of the Board of Trustees except as otherwise provided for herein; to sign all agreements, contracts, deeds and other documents for the congregation, pursuant to appropriate resolutions by the Congregation or the Board of Trustees. The President shall be an ex_officio member of all committees, without the right to vote.

Section 3. The Vice_Presidents shall assist the President in the discharge of his or her duties and, in the case of the prolonged absence, incapacity, resignation, or death of the President, the Board of Trustees shall designate a Vice_President to perform the functions of the President until the next annual meeting of the Congregation.

Section 4. The office of Immediate Past President shall carry with it all powers equal to that of a Vice_President and this Congregation including the right to vote.

Section 5. The secretary shall keep an accurate record of all the proceedings of the Congregation, and of the Board of Trustees, issue all notices for meetings; carry on all correspondence of the organization and the Board of Trustees, and sign such instruments or documents as may be necessary to effectuate the proper directions of the organization or the Board of Trustees. The secretary shall furnish the Treasurer with the names of all persons who have become members of the organization.

Section 6. The treasurer shall keep an accurate and correct record of the receipts and expenditures of the Congregation and of the accounts between the Congregation, its members and others, which records, at all times, shall be open for inspection by any member in good standing. The treasurer shall notify all members of their indebtedness for dues and other financial obligations; receive all monies payable to the Congregation, and cause the same to be deposited or invested in the Congregations's name, as directed by the Board of Trustees.

The treasurer shall authorize the disbursement of Congregation funds to meet its legal obligations and shall render a written report of the finances of the Congregation of all meetings of the Board of Trustees, and the annual meeting of the Congregation, and at such other meetings or occasions as he or she may be directed to do so by the Congregation or by the Board of Trustees. Said report shall become part of the minutes of the meeting at which the same is presented.

Section 7. Officers shall be elected for terms of two years, and may be reelected for succeeding terms.

Section 8. In the event of the death, resignation or incapacity of any officer, a successor shall be elected by the Board of Trustees to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term.

ARTICLE IX. PULPIT
Section 1. The pulpit of this Congregation shall be occupied by an ordained Rabbi approved by the Joint Commission on Rabbinic Placement of the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue of America.

Section 2 . The Rabbi shall be elected by the Congregation at an annual meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose, upon the recommendation of the Board of Trustees.

Section 3. The terms under which the Rabbi shall be elected, shall be determined by the Congregation upon recommendation of the Board of Trustees, and shall be in consonance with standards established by the USA.

Section 4. The Rabbi shall have the overall responsibility of implementing the aims and objectives of the Congregation. The Rabbi shall enjoy the freedom of the pulpit. The Rabbi's duties require that he or she seek the advice and guidance of the committee or committees which may be set up for this purpose, to determine the views of the Congregation.

Section 5. The terms under which the Cantor shall be elected shall be determined by the Congregation based upon the recommendation of the Board of Trustees and shall be in consonance with standards established by the USA.

Section 6. The Cantor shall be responsible for the musical program and activities of the Congregation and shall be guided in the performance of these duties by the Rabbi and an appropriate committee which may be appointed for this purpose by the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE X. ELECTIONS
The officers and members of the Board of Trustees shall be elected at the annual meetings of the membership and shall take office on July 1 of the year of election. Nominations for office shall be made by nominating committee of at least five members appointed by the President. The names of the candidates selected by the nominating committee shall be sent to the membership with the notice of the annual meeting when the election shall take place. Additional nominations may be made from the floor provided that the member so nominated is present and consents or prior to the meeting has given consent to the nomination in writing. This consent shall be incorporated in the minutes of the election meetings. Only members in good standing and present at the election meeting may vote and a husband and wife shall each have a vote. The nominees receiving a plurality for each office shall be declared elected.

ARTICLE XI. AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1. The Congregation shall have such auxiliary organizations as shall from time to time be authorized and constituted by the Board of Trustees.

Section 2. The activities of all auxiliary organizations of this Congregation shall always be conducted in such manner as will advance the best interests of the Congregation.

Section 3. The by-laws and other regulations of all auxiliary organizations shall be consistent with the Constitution, by-laws and policy of the Congregation.

ARTICLE XII. STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1. Appointment. The President shall appoint all the standing committees of the Congregation. The President shall designate one member of each committee as chairperson except as noted in the following sections. The standing committees of the Congregation shall be as follows:

a) Executive Committee
b) Finance Committee
c) Membership Committee
d) School Committee
e) Ritual Committee
f) House & Cemetery Committee
g) Adult Education Committee
h) Youth Activities Committee
i) Program and Social Committee
j) Special Aid Committee
k) Library Committee
l) Social Action and Community Relations Committee
m) United Synagogue Committee
n) Past Presidents Committee
o) Major Gifts Committee

Section 2. Executive Committee This committee shall consist of the President, the Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President. The President shall be chairperson, but may at his or her discretion, appoint one of the officers in his or her stead. The committee shall have charge of the routine business of the Congregation in the interim between meetings of the Board, and may refer matters brought before it to the Board or to a proper standing committee. Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum. It shall hold meetings on the call of the Chairperson of the Committee, upon such notice as shall seem feasible. In the event that the Chairperson fails to issue a call for a meeting within twenty_four (24) hours after being requested to do so by a committee member, any other member of the Committee may issue such a call. A record shall be kept of all proceedings of the Executive Committee, which shall be reported to the Board of Trustees at its next regular meetings.

Section 3. Finance Committee This committee shall assist the Treasurer in periodic reviews of the financial operations and in the collection of monies due the Congregation. It shall report to the board of Trustees at each regular monthly meeting. It shall also prepare and present to the Board of Trustees the proposed budget for the following fiscal year at the April meeting. The treasurer shall be the chairperson of this committee.

Section 4. Membership Committee This Committee shall be charged with the responsibility of keeping in touch with Jewish families in the community which are not affiliated with any Congregation, particularly with new families, with the view of inviting them to become members of the Congregation. This Committee shall also receive applications for membership and present them with their recommendation for appropriate action to the Board of Trustees. This Committee may also initiate action for the suspension or expulsion of members.

Section 5. School Committee This Committee shall supervise the school or schools of the Congregation, on the elementary and secondary levels, and shall determine policy and formulate rules and regulations for the administration of such school or schools, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees. It shall consist of at least nine (9) members, at least one of whom shall be a Trustee, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, for a term of three years, each term overlapping in such a manner that each year the terms of office of three members shall expire.

Section 6. Ritual Committee This Committee, in consultation with the Rabbi, shall be in charge of all religious services of the Congregation, including weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs and funerals, and shall formulate rules and regulations for all such services, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.

It shall recommend subject to the Board of Trustees approval, seating arrangement at services during the High Holy Days and at other times during the year, and shall have the responsibility of appointing ushers for the various services, and distributing Aliyahs and other honors.

Section 7. House and Cemetery Committee This Committee shall manage all of the properties of the Congregation including the cemetery. It shall make recommendations for the administration of the properties and rules for their use which, upon ratification by the Board of Trustees, shall become part of the by-laws of the Congregation.

The committee shall consist of six (6) members each of whom shall be appointed for a term of three years for overlapping terms in such a manner that each year the term of office of two (2) members shall expire.

The committee shall have co_chairpersons, one in charge of the synagogue building and property, and the other in charge of the cemetery.

Section 8. Adult Education Committee This Committee shall develop a program of adult education for the Congregation. It shall make recommendations and formulate rules and regulations for the administration of such programs which, upon ratification by the Board of Trustees, shall become part of the by-laws of the Congregation.

Section 9. Youth Activities Committee This Committee shall develop a program of youth activities for the Congregation. It shall make recommendations and formulate rules and regulations for the administration of such programs which, upon ratification by the Board of Trustees, shall become part of the by-laws of the Congregation. It shall consist of nine (9) members, each of whom shall be appointed for a term of three years for overlapping terms in such a manner that each year the terms of the office of three members shall expire.

Section 10. Program and Social Committee This Committee shall develop a year_round program of social activities aimed at furthering fellowship and socialities among members of the Congregation. It shall also have the responsibility for arranging appropriate programs for the various events which it may sponsor.

Section 11. Special Aid Committee This Committee shall consist of the President, who shall serve as Chairperson, and two (2) other members of the Congregation appointed by him or her. It shall consider all cases involving financial hardship and personal problems of members, and shall take any action deemed necessary to relieve such hardship, consistent with the constitution, by-laws and policy of the Congregation.

Section 12. Library Committee This Committee shall supervise the existing library and shall be responsible for the care of books now on the shelves. It shall have the authority to buy additional books with the funds allocated or contributed for that purpose. These funds shall be segregated from other Congregation monies. The Committee shall promote interest in Congregation members to avail themselves of these facilities.

Section 13. Social Action and Community Relations Committee This Committee shall have the responsibility of developing and maintaining liaison with other organizations both Jewish and non_Jewish in the community. It shall have the responsibility of studying community problems and when appropriate make recommendations for appropriate action by the Congregation, its auxiliary organizations, or its committee, to the Board of Trustees.

Section 14 United Synagogue Committee This Committee shall serve as liaison with the United Synagogue of America and shall be charged with the responsibility of keeping the Congregation informed on national and regional activities of the Conservative Movement.

Section 15. Past Presidents Committee This Committee shall consist of all past presidents of the Congregation with the immediate past president serving as Chairperson. This Committee shall meet quarterly or more often if called and shall concern itself with the good and welfare of the Congregation and as the occasion arises make recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

Section 16. Major Gifts Committee This Committee shall consist of five (5) members, including the chairperson of the House Committee. It shall develop opportunities for major gift giving, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Section 17. Successors In the event of the death, resignation or incapacity of a member of any of the above Committees or the termination of his membership, appropriate action to fill the vacancy shall be taken by the President.

ARTICLE XIII. PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE
Robert's Rules of Order shall be the standard for parliamentary procedure in this Congregation, in the absence of any other rule or law governing the procedure in a particular situation.

ARTICLE XIV. FISCAL YEAR
Fiscal year of the Congregation shall end on June 30th of each year.

ARTICLE XV. AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION
Section 1. Procedure This Constitution may be amended in the following manner:

a) The proposal to amend the Constitution shall be in writing and signed by not less than ten (10) members of the Congregation. Such proposal shall be submitted to the secretary of the Congregation who shall introduce it at the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees or at a special meeting called for that purpose.

b) No proposed amendment shall be voted on at the meeting at which it is introduced. It may, however, be debated at said meeting. It shall be voted on at the next regular or special meeting called for that purpose. For an amendment to pass a two_thirds vote of those present and qualified to vote is required. An amendment that is defeated may not be introduced in the same or substantially similar form, of which the Board of Trustees will be the sole judge, during the same fiscal year of the Congregation.

June 29, 1988



(Unanimously approved by Board of Trustees, Tuesday, June 14, 1988)

(Approved by Congregation, Wednesday, June 29, 1988)