Update as of September 6, 2012
These Bylaws have been established for the purposes of governing the operations and administration of Congregation B’nai Tikvah (CBT). The term “Bylaws” refers only to CBT Bylaws. According to the constitution, the Board of Directors shall develop, implement, and maintain a set of Bylaws for its operation as referenced herein
101 – Vice Presidents
Each Vice-President shall have the responsibility to appoint a chair of each committee under that Vice-President’s jurisdiction.
101.1 Vice-President (Administration)
The Vice-President (Administration) shall oversee the following committees: Budget and Finance, Ritual, House and Grounds, Building Use, Cemetery, Constitution, Insurance, Catering.
101.2 Vice-President (School and Youth)
The Vice-President (School and Youth) shall oversee the following committees: Religious School, Nursery School, Youth Groups, College Activities, Summer Camp, Library, Day School Liaison.
101.3 Vice-President (Activities)
The Vice-President (Activities) shall oversee the following committees: Publicity, Publications, Social Action, Adult Education, Liaison (Jewish Federation and Israel Bonds), Program, Good and Welfare.
101.4 Vice-President (Ways and Means)
The Vice-President (Ways and Means) shall oversee all fund raising committees and Capital Fund Raising.
101.5 Vice-President (Membership)
The Vice-President (Membership) shall oversee all membership publicity and activities.
102 – Standing Committees
The following additional Standing Committees, each with a scope and mission statement approved by the Board of Directors, shall be established by and shall report to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors reserves the right to review and override the decisions of any committee.
102.1 Budget & Finance
This committee shall be responsible for the preparation of the annual budget of the organization. It shall also be responsible for dealing with financial loan obligations, subject to the approval of the Board. The Chalr of this committee shall be appointed by the President and shall select the other members of the committee, except that the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall be permanent members of the committee.
102.2 School Committee
This committee, in conjunction with the Rabbi and Education Director, shall supervise the Hebrew Schools of the Congregation on the elementary and secondary levels, and shall make regulations for the administration of such schools, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
102.3 Ritual Committee
This committee shall be in charge of all religious activities and services of the Congregation. It shall formulate rules and regulations for all such services, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.It shall offer to the Rabbi advice and guidance regarding the character and makeup of the various services. It shall also be in charge of seating arrangements at services during the High Holy Days and at other times during the year and shall have the responsibility of appointing “gabbaim” and ushers for the various services.
102.4 House and Grounds Committee
This committee shall have general charge of the maintenance and upkeep of the building and grounds of the organization, and shall, when necessary, enter into maintenance contracts. It shall obtain, and present to the Board of Directors, for approval, estimates for any improvements to organizational property amounting to more than $500, and any maintenance contracts for more than $1,000.
102.5 Insurance Committee
This committee shall periodically review the adequacy and cost-effectiveness of all insurance of the organization.
102.6 Youth Activities Committee
This committee shall be responsible for providing a United Synagogue Youth (USY) program and a KADIMA (pre United Synagogue Youth) program, and for maintaining a viable Youth Lounge.
102.7 Adult Education Committee
This committee shall have the general charge of establishing and implementing classes, study-discussion groups, and other adult education programs to meet the expressed needs and wants of the membership, as well as of other members of the Jewish community.
102.8 Nursery School Committee
This committee, also known as the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) shall have the authority to establish and maintain a Nursery School program, subject to the rules and regulations it may draw up and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.
102.9 Cemetery Committee
This committee shall have the responsibility for arranging for the adequate layout, care, and upkeep of the cemetery of the organization; for maintaining an up-to-date and accurate set of maps and records of the cemetery; and for setting up and implementing a set of rules and procedures.
102.10 Constitution Committee
This committee shall review and, when desirable, recommend changes in the Constitution and Bylaws.
102.11 Publication Committee
This committee shall publish a newsletter for circulation to the members of the Congregation.
102.12 Publicity Committee
This committee shall appropriately publicize the activities of the Congregation through the public media, such as newspapaers, radio, TV, electronic mail, and social networking.
102.13 College Activities Committee
This committee shall maintain contact with and develop programs for college students whose families are members of the Congregation.
102.14 Social Action Committee
This committee shall sponsor and take action representing the social conscience of the Congregation by helping Congregation members and pursuing local community, statewide, and national goals. Any action shall be consistent with the Congregation’s status as a not-for-profit religious organization.
102.15 Good and Welfare Committee
This committee shall have the responsibility for publicizing among the Congregation and the Board of Directors lifecycle events occurring within the Congregational family, and coordinating the Congregation’s response to such events.
102.16 Liaison Committee
This committee shall act as a representative between the Synagogue and all other organizations, such as United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism and The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, with which the Synagogue is associated, and will report to the Board the results of any meetings and any correspondence and consult the Board of any decisions affecting the Synagogue.
102.17 Capital Fund Raising Committee
This committee, also known as Shomrei Tikvah shall solicit the membership for funds earmarked for the creation, maintenance, embellishment, or expansion of the Synagogue’s physical plant.
102.18 Catering Committee
This committee shall act as the Synagogue’s representative in dealing with any caterer (resident or panel) that does business within the building or grounds. The committee shall set policy, negotiate contracts (including Synagogue remuneration were appropriate), and review any building and grounds modifications proposed by a caterer.
102.19 Library Committee
This committee shall oversee the on-going operation of the Synagogue Library.
102.20 Summer Camp Committee
This committee shall monitor and facilitate the on-going operation of the Synagogue summer camp program, and shall approve all budgets and employment contracts.
102.21 Day School Liaison Committee
This committee shall facilitate the involvement in Synagogue programs of school-age children of B’nai Tikvah members who are not enrolled in the Religious School of the Congregation.
102.22 Historical Committee
This committee shall document, organize and preserve the Congregation’s (and its predecessor Congregation’s) photographs and memorabilia, and shall be responsible for overseeing that congregational activities are photographed and memorabilia collected on an ongoing basis.
103 – Amendments
103.1 An amendment to these Bylaws may be set in motion by a motion made by a member of the Board in the normal course of business.
103.2 Upon initiation of a proposal a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Board of Directors shall be necessary for an amendment to be adopted.