Constitution

Section I – Name of the Organization: The name of the organization shall be "Institute for Adult Jewish Studies", hereinafter referred to as the IAJS.

Section II – Purpose:  The purpose of the IAJS shall be:

1.      To provide, as an extension of the Adult Education functions of its sponsoring synagogues, classes and lectures on topics relating to Judaism and Jewish Culture;

 

2.      To promote Judaism, without regard to movement (Conservative, Orthodox, Reform, Reconstruction, etc.) except that under no circumstances shall the tenets of Messianic Judaism be promoted.

3.      To provide education on Israel without participating in partisan Israeli politics;

 

4.      To promote general Jewish community spirit;

 

5.      Generally, to take such action as may be deemed useful or desirable concerning Judaism in the community, or the amelioration of conditions deemed detrimental or objectionable to Jewish life.

 

Section III – Governance:  An Advisory Board appointed by the presidents of associated synagogues shall govern the IAJS.  The Advisory Board shall appoint four officers of the association consisting of: Director, Financial Secretary, Secretary, and Treasurer.  Officers shall continue to serve at the pleasure of the Advisory Board and shall be elected by simple majority vote.  The conduct of all meetings of the Advisory Board shall be in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

Section IV – Membership:  Any synagogue within the geographic area served by the IAJS may become a member of the IAJS upon a simple majority vote of the current members.  Member synagogues shall be referred to as Sponsors.  Under no circumstances shall a synagogue professing the tenets of Messianic Judaism be allowed to become a member.

Section V – Officers Functions: 

1.      Director – the Director shall preside at all meetings of the Advisory Board. He/she shall have the power, subject to approval of the Advisory Board, to fill any vacancies that may occur among other officers. The Director may assign specific duties to any officers and Advisory Board member, and establish specific committees, as he/she may deem necessary.

 

2.      Secretary  – the Secretary shall keep an accurate and orderly record of the proceedings, by way of minutes. In addition, the Secretary shall be responsible for communications to the Board Members and provide assistance for other communications outside of the Board, as well as arranging to have all notices prepared and distributed. The Secretary shall also maintain a file of all incoming and outgoing correspondence.

 

3.      Treasurer – the Treasurer shall receive and disburse all monies and shall be responsible for keeping and maintaining accurate books and records of account, including checking and savings accounts. The Treasurer shall prepare and report upon the financial status of the Association, at any meeting at which such report is requested by the Director.

 

4.      Financial Secretary – The Financial Secretary shall at all times keep a complete role of Sponsors of the Association, which shall indicate the dues status of all Sponsors; shall collect and transfer all funds to the Treasurer and shall keep records of membership receivables.

Section VI – Amendment and Ratification:  This Constitution may be amended and ratified by a two thirds vote of the Advisory Board at a regular meeting of the Board and attended by a quorum of at least ten members.  The IAJS Secretary shall notify the Advisory Board of any proposed amendment and shall provide copies thereof to the members of the Advisory Board fifteen days prior to any meeting where such an amendment will be voted upon.

Section VII – Financing:  The IAJS shall be funded by a annual dues paid by the Sponsor congregations and by tuition paid by attendees of classes and lectures.

Section VIII – Dissolution:  Should the IAJS elect to cease operation, any monies remaining in its treasury after satisfying all debts shall be returned to the those sponsoring congregations that have paid dues for the previous three years in direct proportion to the total amount of dues paid to the IAJS during those three years.

Section IX – Conflict with Bylaws:  In the event that any portion of this constitution is in conflict with the bylaws of the organization, this constitution shall take precedence.