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MEETING OF KST VAAD July 15, 2025, 4:30Attendees: Sam Kapustin, Kal Feinberg, Marty Weisberg, Gerry Zahtz, Marilyn Mack, Shelley Helfand, and Rabbi Goldin by phone. D’var Torah given by Sam:.Sometimes there is a need for a “kana'i” (zealot) and a radical act. . Often the established authority just wants to “go withthe flow”. Can we say that starting KST, breaking away, was an act of kana'ut? If needed, one should be ready to act “out of the box.”1. Calendar: In the past we joined with Yael to create and print the calendar. Yael has stopped doing theirs, so it’s no longer practical for us to use that model. Instead Jerry Isenberg will do it, using the program with additions. There is a feeling that it’s nice to have a hard copy in hand.2. Yamim Nora'im: Gerry will take over from Jack Martell and handle membership forms. Dues remain the same: 500 NIS per couple and 250 for singles. Membership renewal information will be forthcoming, and payment can be made bycash, check, or preferably, bank transfer. Rabbi Goldin stressed the need for members to let us know when they will not be using seats that they have reserved.Ba'alei tefilah: Plans are being made for the yamim nora’im ba’alei tefilah. Once that has been settled, members will be informed of the various participants. There is a need for a ba'al tokei'ah this year since Kal Feinberg has decided to retire.Davening will be upstairs, as in the past. Can anyone recommend a reliable cleaning person who could serve as a guard?3. Location for Shabbat minyan: Discussion concerning a change of location to the upstairs room on Shabbat. Many women do not feel connected to the minyan when we are downstairs, because of the configuration in the lobby. However, davening upstairs requires moving heavy tables on a weekly basis and acquiring mechitza panels, as well as hiring a guard. Sima would also have to agree to such a change.Kal addressed the complaints about temperature in the lobby area. Curtains have been suggested to make the downstairs ezrat nashim warmer by keeping the heat from escaping. Installing a rod for curtains that can be pushed aside is not difficult. Sam will talk to Sima about doing this. 4. Activities: Sam suggested one-off programs such as a movie for Yom Ha-Shoah.5. Finances: Rent has been raised from 750 to 1000 NIS monthly, which is reasonable.6. Tzedakah issues: Currently tzedakah money from the daily pushka is given to the Yael Chesed Committee for appropriate disbursement. They have a proven and effective system.Sima would like some of our tzedakah funds to go to BF. As in the past, we can make a Yizkor announcement suggesting that members consider a donation to BF. In addition, KST itself might make such a donation.7. Welfare: A suggestion was made in the community that our shul also provide food for needy non-members. After discussion, a motion was made that the KST Chesed Committee service members only. Motion was seconded by Marty Weisberg and passed unanimously.Meeting adjourned at 5:30. Recorded and transcribed by Shelley Helfand