The By-Laws of Manetto Hill Jewish Center

BYLAWS OF MANETTO HILL JEWISH CENTER (5/31/26)

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this Congregation shall be MANETTO HILL JEWISH CENTER

ARTICLE II: THE CONGREGATION’S MISSION

Manetto Hill Jewish Center is a conservative, egalitarian synagogue that creates a warm and inviting home to secure the lifelong spiritual, educational and fellowship needs of our members and the community at large, dedicated to the greater Jewish community and the State of Israel. We embrace the entirety of Klal Yisrael (the Community of Israel). As such we seek to serve the entirety of Klal Yisrael regardless of their personal religious practice or sexual orientation. Interfaith families are an integral and welcome part of our community.

ARTICLE III: AFFILIATION

Manetto Hill Jewish Center shall be affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. A decision to terminate affiliation with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at a congregational meeting.

The auxiliaries and organizations of the congregation may only affiliate with the appropriate groups of the Conservative Movement. All other affiliations require the approval of the Executive Board.

Regardless of whether the congregation is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the congregation shall follow the Standards for Congregational Practice published by the United Synagogue as adopted in 1957 and amended in 2017.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Qualification for Membership

Jewish persons from the age of 18 years or older shall be eligible for membership. A person born of a Jewish mother or who has been converted to Judaism according to halakhic requirements as determined by the Rabbi of the congregation in accordance with the standards and practices of the Conservative movement is a Jew. The parent or spouse of a Jewish person shall be eligible for membership in accordance with the parameters established by the Conservative Movement and the Board of Directors.

A member shall be considered in good standing only if their financial contributions are current with the fiscal year, defined as a paid percentage of their annual bill that is at least equal to the percentage of the year elapsed, unless arrangements have been made with the Special Committee. In accordance with these bylaws, any use of the term dues as set forth in these bylaws shall be defined as annual sustaining pledge.

Section 2: Types of Membership

The Board of Directors shall establish all categories of membership.

Section 3: Application for Membership

Applications for membership shall be made in writing to the Membership Committee, which shall report to the Board of Directors for appropriate action.

Section 4: Election to Membership

A majority of the Board of Directors present and voting shall be required to elect an applicant to membership.

Section 5: Suspension of Membership

Any membership entity which is in arrears of dues, tuition, or assessments for more than nine (9) months shall receive written notice from the Financial Secretary.

If any membership entity is in arrears of dues, tuition, or assessments for more than twelve (12) months, a motion may be brought up to the Executive Board to suspend such membership.

Section 6: Procedure for Suspension or Expulsion

A member may be suspended or expelled for conduct which brings disgrace upon this congregation, according to the following procedures:

The affected parties shall present their views to the Executive Board with the Rabbi present.
If 2/3 of the Executive Board, with the Rabbi voting, shall concur with the complainant, then the matter shall be brought to the Board of Directors at the next regular or special meeting called for that Purpose.
A vote of 2/3 of the Board of Directors shall be required to suspend or to expel the accused member.
A member suspended or expelled in accordance with Sections 5 or 6 may appeal to the membership at the next regular or special Congregational meeting. A 2/3 vote of the members voting is required to overrule the Board of Directors.

Section 7: Resignation of Membership

The membership committee shall review all resignations with the Rabbi prior to forwarding same to the Board of Directors. Resignations shall be noted in the Board minutes.

ARTICLE V: FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Section 1: Dues and Assessments

Each membership entity shall pay annual assessments, if any, and annual dues.

Section 2: Special Assessments

Special assessments shall be levied upon this Congregation by a 2/3 vote of the members of the Board of Directors present and voting, and approved by a majority vote of the General Membership present and voting at a special meeting called for such purpose.

Section 3: Honorary Members

The Rabbi and other honorary members of this Congregation, as defined by the Board of Directors, and their respective spouses shall not be required to pay dues or assessments as a condition of membership.

Section 4: Administrative Year

The fiscal and administrative year shall be from July 1st through June 30th.

ARTICLE VI: PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP

Members in good standing shall enjoy these privileges, among others, subject to halakha as interpreted by the mara d’atra and the parameters established by the Conservative Movement:

To participate in tefillah and Talmud Torah (religious services and study) conducted or sponsored by the synagogue, subject to rules and regulations which may be established by the Board of Trustees, or its designated committee.
To enroll children in the early childhood programs, religious school and youth activities of the congregation, subject to rules and regulations which may be established by the Board of Trustees.
To celebrate the Bar/Bat Mitzvah of a child subject to meeting the guidelines as set forth by the Education Committee.
To secure seating for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
To participate in the educational, cultural and social programs of the congregation.
To attend meetings of the congregation and to have a voice and a vote at such meetings.
To call on the klei kodesh (rabbi and cantor) and professional staff for Jewish needs and Jewish life cycle events.
To secure a location in the synagogue’s Beit Olam (cemetery).
To hold an office in the congregation, when eligible.

ARTICLE VII: CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

Section 1: Annual Meeting

An annual meeting of this Congregation shall be held during the month of May or June on such day as the President may designate. Notice of the meeting shall be given through appropriate means as defined by the Board of Directors and sent not less than seven (7) days prior to such meeting.

The purpose of the annual meeting shall include, but not be limited to, the election of officers and trustees for the upcoming administrative year and the approval of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The approval of a line item budget for any committee shall enable that committee to spend monies during the course of that fiscal year up to and including the amount approved for such line without any further need for an authorization by the Congregation at the time of such expenditure, regardless of the amount of such expenditure.

Section 2: Calling of Special Meetings

Special meetings of this Congregation may be called by the President whenever, in the President’s discretion, the President deems it necessary, and must be called by the President at the written request of fifteen (15) members of this Congregation, in good standing, or of five (5) members of the Board of Directors. A suspended or expelled member, in accordance with ARTICLE IV Section 6, has the right to call for a special meeting for the purpose of appealing the decision of the Board of Directors. 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 3: Notice and Agenda of Special Meeting

No business shall be transacted at a special meeting, except for the purpose stated in the call. Notice of such special meeting shall be given through appropriate means and sent not less than seven (7) nor more than twenty (20) days prior to such meeting. In the event that the Executive Board, by a 2/3 vote thereof, declares the existence of an emergency, such special meeting may be called upon three (3) days’ notice.

Section 4: Quorum

At all meetings of the Congregation, regular and special, a quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of twenty – five (25) members or 25% of the Congregation, whichever is less, including officers present. In the absence of a quorum the meeting shall be adjourned to a time, not less than six (6) nor more than forty-five (45) days from the date thereof, and notice of such adjourned meeting shall be given to the congregation through appropriate means and sent not less than three (3) days prior to such meeting.

ARTICLE VIII: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: Administration of the Congregation

The management and administration of the affairs of this Congregation shall be vested in a Board of Directors, consisting of the Trustees, the Officers of the Congregation, the Presidents of Men’s Club and Sisterhood and the past Presidents of the Congregation. In order to serve on the Board of Directors, one must be a member in good standing. No one may hold more than one seat on the Board of Directors. With the exception of the current President(s) of the Congregation, each person who sits on the Board of Directors shall have a vote on the Board.

Section 2: Clergy Participation

The Rabbi shall be an ex officio member of the Board of Directors without voting rights.

Section 3: Congregational Funds and Property

The Board of Directors shall be charged with and assume control of all of the property of the congregation; shall approve the bank or banks wherein the funds of the Congregation shall be deposited; and shall be responsible for all expenditures and disposal of congregational funds and property. Congregational funds shall be invested only in instruments which are legal. All movement of funds other than transfers from one synagogue account to another shall require the authorizations of two of the following officers: President, and/or First Vice-President, and/or Treasurer.

A clergy discretionary fund shall be maintained in the name of the synagogue, administered by the Rabbi and shall be subject to the guidelines outlined by United Synagogue and Rabbinical Assembly.

It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to establish and approve the dues structure.

Section 4: Schedule of Meetings and Quorum

The Board of Directors shall meet a minimum of ten (10) months per fiscal year. Special meetings shall not count toward this minimum. The President may call additional meetings as they feels is necessary. Meetings may be in-person, hybrid or fully virtual. A quorum for any meeting shall consist of at least twelve (12) members of the Board of Directors, at least eight (8) of which cannot be executive board members.

Section 5: Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President at the President’s discretion or at the written request of five (5) 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 officer may issue such a call, and upon their failure to do so, any member of the Board of Directors may issue such a call. Meetings may be in-person, hybrid or fully virtual.

Section 6: Trustees

A) The Trustees shall consist of a minimum of sixteen (16) members and a maximum of twenty-four (24) members of the Congregation in good standing. The specific number shall be left to the discretion of the nominating committee after consultation with the President. The term of office of each Trustee shall be for three (3) years for overlapping terms in such manner that each year the terms of one-third of the members shall expire.

B) In the event of the death, resignation or removal of a Trustee, a successor shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Board of Directors to fill the office for the unexpired term.

C) Duties of Trustees:

1) Trustees shall take an active part in reviewing and approving the synagogue budget as well as in monitoring the budget throughout the fiscal year.

2) Trustees shall attend Board of Directors meetings. A Trustee who does not attend three (3) consecutive regular board meetings or any three (3) regular board meetings within a consecutive six month period may be expelled from the board by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

3) Trustees shall be active in at least one committee and shall be required to attend two-thirds of that committee’s meetings. Trustees shall attend a minimum of four (4) Shabbat services per year. Trustees are strongly encouraged to take a leadership role in their committees. A Trustee who does not meet their obligations may be expelled from the board by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

D) Trustees shall have a term limit of three (3)

Section 7: Motions

In order for a motion from a committee to be brought to the floor of the Board of Directors, a copy of the motion voted upon at the committee meeting, along with the results of that vote must be submitted to the Recording Secretary prior to the start of the Board of Directors meeting. Failure to do so will disallow such motions. A similar motion may not be accepted by the chairs as a means to circumvent the above stated requirement.

ARTICLE IX: EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: Composition

The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of the Congregation as defined in Section 5 herein, the immediate past president(s) of the Congregation, and the presidents of Sisterhood and Men’s Club. In order to be eligible to become an officer, one must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for three years. The three-year provision may be waived by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The presidents of Sisterhood and Men’s Club shall have full voting rights on the Executive Board. Co-Presidents of these organizations shall share one vote between them whenever they are eligible to vote.

In order to have a vote on the Executive Board, the following conditions must be met:

The Sisterhood and Men’s Club President or Co-President must be elected by only MHJC members that are members of that organization.
The Sisterhood and Men’s Club President’s or Co-Presidents’ name(s) will be included on the slate sent out to the congregation (with wording on the cover letter indicating that this position is NOT eligible for a floor nomination).
The Sisterhood and Men’s Club President or Co-President must be a member in good standing and have been a member of MHJC for three years.

Section 2: Clergy Participation

The Rabbi shall be an ex officio member of the Executive Board without voting rights.

Section 3: Administration

The Executive Board shall report and recommend to the Board of Directors upon any matters affecting the welfare of this Congregation. The Executive Board shall be apprised of all matters that will be brought to the Board of Directors by the standing committees and auxiliary organizations. The Executive Board shall have the sole authority to hire, evaluate, terminate or change the job status or conditions of employment of all employees, except the Rabbi. The Executive Board may delegate this authority as it sees fit.

Section 4: Schedule of Meetings and Quorum

The Executive Board shall meet a minimum of ten (10) months per fiscal year. Meetings may be in-person, hybrid or fully virtual. A quorum for any meeting shall consist of at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting members of the Executive Board.

Section 5: Officers of the Congregation

The officers of the congregation shall be:

a President – There shall be up to two Presidents who will share one vote between them whenever the President is eligible to vote.

b First Vice-President

c Second Vice-President

d Third Vice-President

e Treasurer – There shall be up to two Treasurers who will share one vote between them whenever the Treasurer is eligible to vote.

f Financial Secretary – There shall be up to two Financial Secretaries who will share one vote between them whenever the Financial Secretary is eligible to vote.

g Communications Secretary

h Recording Secretary

Administrative Secretary

Section 6: Duties of the President

It shall be the function of the President to preside at all meetings of the Congregation, of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Board of which the President shall be chairperson; to call all membership meetings of the Congregation and the Board of Directors; to sign all agreements, contracts, deeds, and other documents of the Congregation, pursuant to appropriate resolutions by the Congregation or the Board of Directors; to countersign all checks, vouchers, and notes together with the Treasurer or First Vice-President, if the Treasurer is not available, as may be directed by the Congregation or the Board of Directors; and to arrange for an annual financial inspection of the books and records by a third party who meets the qualifications for such engagement and who is not a member of the Executive Board. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee. The President shall not have the right to vote at Executive Board and Board of Directors meetings where the vote is not done via secret ballot, except to make or break a tie as well as to vote for Member of the Year.

Section 7: Duties of the First Vice-President

The First Vice-President shall be deemed to be the President-Elect. The First Vice-President shall assist the President in the discharge of the President’s duties, and in case of the absence or disability of the President, shall discharge the duties of that office; shall be an ex-officio member of all committees assigned to the First Vice-President by the President and shall oversee and select the chairpersons of those committees; and may countersign all checks with either the President or Treasurer.

Section 8: Duties of the Second and Third Vice-Presidents

The Second and Third Vice-Presidents shall, upon the absence or disability of the President and First Vice-President, respectively, discharge the duties of the President and each shall be an ex-officio member of all committees assigned to them by the President and shall oversee and select the chairpersons of those committees.

Section 9: Duties of the Treasurer

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. These records shall be open for inspection by the Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee. The Treasurer shall make authorized withdrawals in accordance with the by-laws. The Treasurer shall render a written report of the finances of the Congregation at all meetings of the Board of Directors, at the Congregational budget meeting and at such other meetings as the Treasurer may be directed to do so. Said report shall be affixed to the minutes of the meeting at which the same is presented. The Treasurer shall participate in creating the budget.

Section 10: Duties of the Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall notify all members of the congregation of their obligations and pledges; shall oversee a collection effort as appropriate; receive all monies which shall be payable to the congregation, and cause the same to be deposited or invested in the congregation’s name, as directed by the Board of Directors.

Section 11: Duties of the Communications Secretary

The Communications Secretary shall issue all notices for Executive Board, Board of Directors and Congregational meetings; carry on correspondence of the organization and the Board of Directors; and shall be an ex-officio member of the Marketing Committee and all other committees assigned to the Communications Secretary by the President; and shall oversee and select the chairpersons of those committees. The Communications Secretary shall coordinate communications of the Manetto Hill Jewish Center, including but not limited to, Facebook, e-mails, website, and the marquee board on Manetto Hill Road.

Section 12: Duties of the Recording Secretary

The Recording Secretary shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings at General Membership meetings, Board of Directors meetings, and Executive Board meetings; sign such instruments or documents as may be necessary to effectuate the proper directions of the organization or of the Board of Directors; shall timely distribute the minutes of those meetings or make them available to be read at the next such meeting; and shall keep an attendance log of all such meetings and report deficiencies of attendance as needed, shall maintain attendance forms of all committees and all minutes of all open committees at the MHJC office, and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees assigned to the Recording Secretary by the President and shall oversee and select the chairpersons of those committees.

Section 13: Duties of the Administrative Secretary

The Administrative Secretary shall maintain the official calendar of events for this Congregation, shall oversee the office and the day to day operations of the office staff, shall be in charge of all administrative duties shall be charged with the task of assigning seating for the High Holidays and shall oversee all committees assigned by the President. The Administrative Secretary shall be privy to only those financial records of the membership which are necessary to accomplish the task of the High Holiday seat assignments.

Section 14: Term

Officers shall be elected by the Congregation for a term of two years. The President may not serve more than two consecutive full terms.

Section 15: Death, Resignation or Incapacity

In the event of a permanent vacancy in any office whose term has not yet expired, except for the President, the Nominating Committee shall recommend a successor to the Board of Directors within thirty days of such vacancy. The Board of Directors shall vote on such candidate, along with any candidate nominated from the floor at its next meeting. In the event of a permanent vacancy in the office of President, the First Vice-President shall assume that office.

ARTICLE X: THE RABBI

Section 1: Candidates for Election

The Rabbi of the Congregation should be duly ordained and should profess to observe the tenets of Conservative Judaism.

Section 2: Election

The Rabbi shall be chosen by the members of the Congregation upon the recommendation of the board of Directors at a Special Meeting called for that purpose within a reasonable time prior to the expiration of existing contract. The Congregation shall approve the monetary terms and tenure of the office of the Rabbi.

ARTICLE XI: EXPENDITURES

Section 1: Budgeted Expenditures

Other than expenditures made in the normal course of business, chairpersons, with the approval of the appropriate Executive Board officer, shall have the authority to approve budgeted expenditures for their respective committees in an amount not to exceed $500. The Administrative Secretary shall have the authority to approve budgeted administrative expenditures in an amount not to exceed $500. The overseeing Executive Board officers shall have the authority to approve budgeted expenditures in an amount not to exceed $1,500. Budgeted expenditures over the amount of $1,500 must be approved by the Executive Board.

Section 2: Non-Budgeted Expenditures

New budget expense lines may be added to a committee’s budget based upon the approval of that committee provided that such expenses do not exceed the committee’s total budget. A committee may also create an income and expense line and can expend those monies provided that the expense does not exceed the income for that line and such expenditures shall not be deemed an increase to the budget. Any expenditures which exceed the budget must be approved by the Executive Board. Any such expenditures which exceed $3,500 must be approved by the Board of Directors and expenditures which exceed $5,000 must be approved by the Congregation.

Section 3: Emergency Expenditures

In the event of an emergency requiring an immediate expenditure of funds in order to preserve the assets of the synagogue, the Executive Board by a unanimous vote of available members (of at least 5 voting members) can authorize an emergency expenditure even if such expenditure exceeds the budget or has not been allocated in the budget.

Section 4: Reallocation of Budget Lines

A committee may re-allocate budget lines from one line of that committee’s budget to another line; except that they may only reallocate the budget line for salaries with the approval of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE XII: AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1: Establishment

The Congregation shall establish auxiliary organizations as shall from time to time be authorized and constituted by the Board of Directors.

Section 2: By-laws

The auxiliary organizations shall be required to establish their own by-laws upon organization. Copies of these by-laws and any amendments thereto, as well as the financial records of the auxiliary organizations, shall be available for inspection by the Executive Board upon request. The by-laws and other regulations of auxiliary organizations shall be consistent with the by-laws of the Congregation. Subject to this provision, these organizations shall conduct their own affairs and elect their own officers and governing bodies in a manner consistent with the policies of this Congregation and the Board of Directors.

Section 3: Presidents

All Presidents of auxiliary organizations nominated after the effective date of these by-laws must be members in good standing of the Congregation.

Section 4: Standards of Practice

The activities of auxiliary groups shall always be conducted in accordance with the Standards for Congregational Practice of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism as adopted in 1957 and amended in 2017 and in the best interests of the synagogue and Conservative Judaism.

ARTICLE XIII: COMMITTEES

Section 1: Appointment

Each year the respective Vice-Presidents and Secretaries, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall select the chairpersons of the committees to which they are assigned. Each chairperson shall be a member in good standing of the Congregation. Only members of the Congregation may serve on committees. When necessary, the Vice President and Secretaries may remove a chairperson with the approval of the Executive Board.

Section 2: Composition

Committees shall be comprised of no less than three members of the Congregation, not including ex officio members. No vote may be taken unless at least three members of the committee are present, excluding ex officio members. In the case of an emergency as determined by the Vice President of the committee, or the President in the Vice President’s absence, the matter may be referred for resolution to three available officers of the Congregation.

Section 3: Meetings and Voting Rights

Meetings may be in-person, hybrid or fully virtual. Upon attending two of three committee meetings, a member shall obtain voting rights in that committee. In order to maintain voting rights, a member must attend more than fifty percent of the committee’s monthly meetings.

Section 4: Duties

Agendas shall be established for each committee meeting, minutes of meetings shall be recorded, and committees shall keep track of receipts and expenditures and, if applicable, propose a budget for submission to the finance committee for the Synagogue budgetary process. Attendance of all meetings and minutes of all open meetings shall be submitted to the Recording Secretary.

Section 5: Standing (Established) Committees

The standing (established) committees of this Congregation shall be defined as follows and shall meet as deemed necessary by the committee chair or member of Executive Board which is responsible for the particular committee:

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Committee – shall be responsible for coordinating and facilitating the Bar/Bar Mitzvah process.

Education Committee – shall recommend the hiring and continuation of the education director to the Executive Board. It shall review the education director’s recommendations to hire faculty, shall review the curriculum developed by the education director under the guidance of the Rabbi and shall determine the policy and formulate rules and regulations for the administration of the Religious School as well as formulate the requirements for a child to be B’nai Mitzvahed by the synagogue, subject to the approval of the Rabbi as to halakhic issues and the review of the Executive Board on all other issues.

2a. Adult Education Committee – shall be responsible for developing a program of adult education for the Congregation. It shall also determine policy and formulate rules and regulations for the administration of such a program, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

2b. Youth Committee – shall recommend the hiring and continuation of the youth director to the Executive Board. It shall review the programs of youth activities developed by the staff, shall determine the policies and formulate the rules and regulations for the administration of such activities including Kadima (pre-teen), USY (teens) and Koach (college age), and shall be responsible for the retention of existing youth group members and the solicitation of new youth group members. The president(s) of our youth organization(s) shall be (a) non-voting member(s) of the Youth Committee.

Fundraising Committee – shall be in charge of raising money through events and projects and shall oversee all fundraising endeavors.

House Committee – shall formulate and enforce rules governing the use of the premises by other organizations or persons; shall supervise the maintenance of the synagogue properties and equipment; shall investigate and report to the Board of Directors any repairs, additions, renovations or equipment needed to maintain the buildings most efficiently; and shall be responsible for facility rentals. It shall further recommend changes as needed for fees, procedures, and regulations for use of Congregant facilities for approval by the Board of Directors; shall recommend capital improvements, and applications for grants pertaining to capital improvements; and shall oversee and schedule building security as needed.

4a. Catering Committee – shall be responsible for coordinating food services and related facilities and recommend catering fees to members, nonmembers, and organizations.

Israeli, Jewish and Community Affairs Committee – shall be responsible for developing and maintaining liaison with other Jewish and Israeli organizations; shall educate and advocate with respect to Israel and Jewish issues on both a local and global level and shall develop programming with respect to such issues.

5a. Social Action and Community Relations Committee – shall be responsible for developing and maintaining liaison with other organizations in in the community. It shall have the responsibility of studying community problems which may arise from time to time and shall develop projects in consonance with the principles of tikun olam [improving the world], darchei shalom [creating paths for peace] and tzedek u’mishpat [justice and righteousness].

Membership Committee – shall be responsible for the retention of existing members and the solicitation of new members, shall develop programs and incentives to encourage membership with the Congregation, shall investigate resignations and report findings to the President and Rabbi, shall call all appropriate committees to assist in membership retention and shall present prospective new members to the Board of Directors for approval.

6a. Marketing Committee – shall be responsible for developing campaigns which support the activities of committees and the synagogue as a whole. The members of this committee shall be appointed by the President and/or the Communications Secretary.

Ritual Committee – shall be in charge of all religious services subject to the authority of the Rabbi as the mara d’atra of the congregation. It shall formulate rules and regulations for religious practice subject to the approval of the rabbi as to halakhic issues and the Board of Directors as to all other issues. It shall offer to the Rabbi advice and guidance regarding the character and mode of the various services. The committee shall also be in charge of all aspects of services during the High Holidays, the festivals, Shabbat services and all holiday observances. The committee shall have the responsibility of appointing gabbaim for religious services.

7a. Interfaith/Keruv/Engagement Committee – shall be responsible for developing support programs and opportunities for intermarried couples, interfaith families and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer) individuals and families to draw closer to the Congregation.

Section 6: Presidential Committees

The presidential committees of this Congregation shall be established by the president as follows and shall meet as deemed necessary by the committee chair or member of Executive Board which is responsible for the particular committee:

By-law Committee – shall meet at least once a year to review the by-laws. It shall propose any amendments it deems appropriate and shall maintain a book of all amendments which have been passed.

Cemetery Committee – shall be responsible for managing the synagogue’s cemetery operations including the purchase and sale of burial plots; issuing permits for internment and headstone installation; communications with the congregation, the cemetery, and funeral homes as needed; and maintaining accurate financial and other (e.g., availability and usage of plots) books and records.

Finance Committee – shall have access to the books of the Treasurer and Financial Secretary, except to that portion which pertains to members’ personal records. The committee shall present at the annual meeting of the congregation a proposed budget approved by the Executive Board and the Board of Directors for the upcoming fiscal year for the approval of the congregation, shall review the financial operations of the congregation as well, as conduct a quarterly assessment as to the expectations of attaining the budgetary goals.

Liaison Committee – shall meet with the Rabbi as is deemed necessary to facilitate communication between the Rabbi and the Congregation and assist in resolving any issues between them

Negotiating Committee – negotiate contracts with the Rabbi

Nominating Committee – shall be responsible for recommending a slate of officers and trustees annually. The committee shall send a copy of its slate to the General Membership at least 21 days prior to the general or special membership meeting at which elections are to be held. The committee shall consist of nine members. A maximum of three members shall be from the Executive Board, none of whom shall be eligible for re-election. Spouses shall not be permitted to serve on the committee simultaneously. The President, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall appoint five (5) members, one of whom shall be the chairperson. The President, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall have the option of selecting a co-chairperson. The remaining four (4) members shall be elected by the Board of Directors. A quorum shall consist of five members. The committee shall not nominate more than one candidate for each position and shall not nominate any candidate for two positions. They shall be responsible for running the election as per ARTICLE XIV, and the counting and reporting of the results. The Nominating Committee shall make no restrictions on eligibility other than those appearing in these by-laws. The members of this committee shall be appointed for a term of two years.

Special Committee – shall be comprised of the President, First Vice-President and the Financial Secretar(y)(ies). It shall be responsible for giving special financial consideration for those members unable to meet their synagogue financial obligations and its decisions shall not be subject to review.

Strategic Planning Committee – shall be responsible for “looking into the future” and recommending programs and actions that will best assure the continuity and growth of Manetto Hill Jewish Center. The recommendations will be brought forth to the respective standing committees and the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE XIV: ELECTIONS

Section 1: At least 21 days prior to the General or Special Membership meeting at which elections shall be held, the Nominating Committee shall send a copy of the slate to the membership, with instructions for nominations from members. Such nominations shall require the signature of a nominator, and two seconds, with the consent of the proposed nominee, none of whom shall be from the same immediate family. The final date for receipt of such nominations shall be seven days before the General or Special Membership meeting at which elections shall be held. Nomination forms shall be addressed to the attention of the chairperson of the Nominating Committee.

Section 2: No later than 2 days after the close of nominations from members, notice will be sent to the Congregation of any such nominations.

Section 3: No nominee shall be a candidate for more than one office. For the purpose of the election, a trustee seat shall be deemed an office.

Section 4: For each position from the slate presented by the nominating committee that is uncontested, the recording secretary shall cast one vote to approve that candidate for that position.

Section 5: In the event that a position is contested or a nomination is made by a member for an uncontested position, voting shall take place by secret ballot. In the event of a tie, a run-off election will take place seven days later, unless precluded by a Jewish holiday, in which case the election will be held the day after the holiday.

Section 6: Those elected shall assume the duties of their office on July 1st.

Section 7: If the number of trustees recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected in accordance with Article XIV is less than 24, the Nominating Committee may nominate additional members to fill trustee positions during the (next) fiscal year, provided that the total number of trustees does not exceed 24. Those nominations shall be presented to the Board of Directors for election at the next Board of Directors meeting following such nominations by the Nominating Committee.

ARTICLE XV: IMPEACHMENT

Section 1: Any officer or trustee may be impeached for good cause, pursuant to the following procedure:

A request for impeachment signed by twenty (20) members of this Congregation shall be brought to the Executive Boards, which shall then immediately notify the affected party. The request shall be reviewed at the next Executive Board meeting and shall be placed on the agenda of the following meeting of the Board of Directors. The affected party shall be notified as to the date of the Board of Directors meeting and shall be afforded the opportunity to be present at that meeting. If the affected party cannot be present for good cause shown, then the request for impeachment shall be tabled and placed on the agenda for the next Board of Directors meeting.
Upon approval of the request by three-fourths (3/4) of the entire Board of Directors, a general membership meeting shall be convened within ten (10) days.
Upon approval of the request by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Congregation, the officer or trustee shall be removed from office, and the vacancy shall forthwith be filled in accordance with these by-laws.

ARTICLE XVI: PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE: CODE OF BEHAVIOR

As Conservative Jews, ethical and moral behavior is imperative and values of derech eretz and kavod, mutual respect and honor, take precedence in guiding our discussions and deliberations. Members shall be required to speak and act accordingly at all times in order to promote shalom bayit (peace in the house). Lashon hora (evil words) shall not be permitted. Meetings shall otherwise be conducted in accordance with the then-current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, unless superseded by this document.

ARTICLE XVII: AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Proposal and Consideration

Any proposals to amend, suspend or revoke one or more articles of these by-laws, or to introduce new articles to it, which originate from the by-law committee shall be presented to the Board of Directors.

Any proposal to amend, suspend or revoke one or more of these by-laws, or to introduce new articles to it, which originates from a committee of Manetto Hill Jewish Center, other than the by-law committee, shall be submitted to the President in writing and signed by the chairperson and corresponding member of the executive board who oversees that committee (or in the case where there is no chairperson, then by the executive board member who oversees the committee), certifying in writing that the proposed amendment was presented at a committee meeting and was passed by a majority a committee members eligible to vote thereon and the amendment shall list those who voted in favor of the proposed amendment.

The by-laws committee shall meet as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than thirty (30) days after submission of the proposal to the President. The by-law committee shall review the proposal and shall contact the committee from which the proposal originated with any proposed changes. The by-laws committee shall not have the authority to amend the proposal absent unanimous consent of those who voted for the proposed amendment. The by-laws committee shall present the proposal, along with its recommendation, to the Board of Directors, no later than forty-five (45) days after the by-laws committee meeting.
Any proposal to amend, suspend or revoke one or more of these by-laws, or to introduce new articles to it, which does not originate from a committee must be signed by no less than fifteen (15) members, shall be submitted in writing to the President, who shall then call a meeting of the by-laws committee.
The by-laws committee shall meet as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than thirty (30) days after submission of the proposal to the President. The by-law committee shall review the proposal and shall contact the signees with any proposed changes. The by-law committee shall not have the authority to amend the proposal absent unanimous consent of the signees.
The by-laws committee shall present any proposal that does not originate from the bylaw committee, along with its recommendation, to the Board of Directors no later than forty-five (45) days after the by-law committee meeting.
If more than one-third (1/3) of the Board of Directors voting approve the proposal, a meeting of the Congregation shall be called to consider the vote on the proposal before the next Board of Directors meeting, unless the persons or committee submitting the proposal agree in writing that the proposal may be considered either at the next scheduled Congregational meeting or at the annual Congregational meeting. The notice of such meeting shall include a copy of the proposal.
At such meeting, a report shall be submitted on the recommendation of the Board as to action to be taken.

If two-thirds (2/3) of the vote cast by the Congregation favors the proposal, it shall be declared adopted.

Section 2: Resubmission

A proposal for amendment, suspension or revocation which does not receive the requisite number of votes for passage, may not be resubmitted unless twelve (12) months have elapsed since the time of such rejection.

ARTICLE XVIII: ADOPTION

These by-laws shall take effect immediately upon ratification.