Dear Congregants and friends of Beth Israel, Peterborough

We are heartbroken to learn of the murder of Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30, in Washington DC on May 21, 2025, outside of a diner for young diplomats, in what appears to be an act of political violence. At a time of tremendous turmoil, in which many are anxious about the safety of Jews in North America, this event has the potential to exacerbate these fears. While the Beth Israel Congregation contains diverse perspectives on the political situation in the Middle East, we all stand behind the principle of pikuach nefesh, the sanctity of human life, and deplore violence against civilians for political ends. We will continue to work within our congregation, within our community, and through our relationship with the land of Israel to promote a more peaceful world.

— The Beth Israel Board of Directors

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING,

Amendment to Current Bylaws and Special Resolution Required

Dear Beth Israel Congregation Members,

Your presence is requested for the Annual General Meeting for Beth Israel Congregation on June 24 from 6:30-8 pm at the synagogue. Please RSVP now (click the link) and plan to attend – 30% of all voting members are required for quorum. If you cannot attend, please complete the proxy form attached and send it with your proxy to the AGM.

Agenda to follow.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Please see below for the Notice of Special Resolution and Proposed Amendment of the Beth Israel Congregation By-laws (2016) for Approval by Beth Israel Congregation Membership.

1) Special Resolution

Ontario Non for profit Corporations Act (ONCA) “statement of waiver” requirement to be approved:

In keeping with the rules and regulations regarding Audits and Engagement Reviews for not for profit organization and charities for the Province of Ontario, be it therefore resolved that Beth Israel Congregation members agree to waive the requirement and costs associated with both an Engagement Review and Audit for the fiscal year.

2) 2016 Beth Israel Congregation Bylaws amendment to composition of the Board of Directors

Current:

Board of Directors: The affairs of the Congregation/Corporation shall be governed by a Board of Directors (referred to in the Letters Patent of the Corporation dated May 28, 1953 as “the Committee of Management”), which Board shall be composed of eight (8) Voting Members. In addition, the immediate Past-President, if not re-elected as a Director, may act as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board for a term of one (1) year.

Proposed:

Board of Directors: The affairs of the Congregation/Corporation shall be governed by a Board of Directors (referred to in the Letters Patent of the Corporation dated May 28, 1953 as “the Committee of Management”), which Board shall be composed of nine to fifteen (9-15) Voting Members. The Board shall have the discretion to select the number of Directors within the range annually. In addition, the immediate Past-President, if not re-elected as a Director, may act as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board for a term of one (1) year.

For the complete Beth Israel bylaws, see, click here.

Mark Siegel, President

Beth Israel Congregation Board of Directors

Come out and join in the celebration for another successful synagogue year!