By-Laws
ARTICLE I – NAME
Section 1
This Congregation shall be known as MOUNT ZION CONGREGATION OF SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA.
Section 2
That the primary and overriding purpose of all auxiliary organizations using the Congregation name shall be the support of the Congregation.
ARTICLE II – MEMBERS
Section 1
Any person of the Jewish faith, eighteen years of age or over may be elected to membership by the Board of Directors.
Section 2
A member shall pay such annual dues as shall be assessed by the Board of Directors, based upon the financial needs of the Congregation and the member’s ability to pay. The assessing of dues shall be by the family unit. A member may appeal such assessment by personal appearance before the Board under a plea of hardship or extraordinary circumstances. Any increase in dues shall be discussed individually with the member prior to assessment.
Section 3
A member and his or her immediate family shall be entitled to all the privileges of membership. Immediate family shall be defined as the spouse and unmarried dependent children. Privilege of membership shall be defined as full use of all facilities as defined in Article X, Section 2, and participation in all Congregation activities and programs.
Section 4
The dues shall be due and payable on or before June 1 of each year, provided upon arrangements previously made, and may be paid during the fiscal year without penalty.
Section 5
Any member who is in arrears for dues for a period of twelve months shall be deprived of the rights of membership. Exceptions to this rule may be made in unusual situations by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board.
Section 6
Voting at the annual meeting shall be one vote per family unit. No proxies shall be allowed.
ARTICLE III – OFFICERS
Section 1
The officers of the Congregation shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, to be elected by ballot from the members at the annual meeting of the Congregation. Such officers shall be elected for the period of one year.
Section 2
A vacancy occurring in any office other than the President, shall by filled by appointment by the President with the consent of the Board for the unexpired term of such office. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, such vacancy shall be filled by the Vice-President.
Section 3
The duties of the President of the Congregation shall be as follows: to preside at all meetings of the Congregation and of the Board of Directors; execute all legal instruments on behalf of the Congregation upon authorization by resolution of the Board of Directors; appoint committees as hereinafter specified and such other special committees as may be necessary from time to time; and act as an ex-officio member of all such committees.
Section 4
The duties of the Vice-President of the Congregation shall be as follows: to assume, in the absence of the President, all of the duties of the President, and shall ascend to the office of President in the event that office becomes vacant.
Section 5
The duties of the Secretary of the Congregation shall be as follows: to keep and maintain a full and complete membership list; to keep full and complete written minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Congregation; issue all written notices of meetings of the Congregation and the Board of Directors; act as custodian of the seal of the Congregation and transmit same to his/her successor in office.
Section 6
The duties of the Treasurer of the Congregation shall be as follows: to keep and maintain a full and complete set of records of the finances of the Congregation, dues of membership and all other receipts and disbursements, to collect dues of the membership and render timely statements for such dues; deposit all funds of the Congregation in the name of the Congregation in a bank depository as approved and authorized for payment by the Board of Directors; furnish sufficient bond for the faithful performance of the duties of the Treasurer’s office if such bond shall be required by the Board of Directors; and deliver to his/her successor in office all money and other property of the Congregation and all books and papers belonging to the Congregation which may be in the Treasurer’s possession.
ARTICLE IV – Board of Directors
Section 1
The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers of the Congregation, the immediate past President of the Congregation, the Sisterhood Designee, and four to six elected members. The elected members of the Board of Directors shall be elected by the membership of the Congregation at the annual meeting as specified in Section 2 of this Article. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence or any other provision in these By-Laws, any officer, Sisterhood Designee, or Board Member of the Congregation shall be of the Jewish faith and a member of the Congregation.
Section 2
The elected members of the Board of Directors shall be staggered terms of three years with no more than two elected members’ terms expiring in any year. The elected members of the Board of Directors shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting that coincides with the expiration of the elected member’s respective term.
Section 3
The powers and duties of the Board of Directors shall be as follows: to pass upon applications for membership in the Congregation; approve annual dues of such membership; make such assessments of the membership as may be required; select such employees as may be necessary for the conduct of the Congregational affairs; and generally supervise Congregational affairs, including management and control over the Temple building and all contents and equipment therein.
Section 4
In the event of vacancies in the elected members of the Board of Directors, such vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the President with consent of the Board to serve until the next annual election. If the immediate past President ceases to be a member of the Congregation, this Board position shall remain unfilled.
Section 5
A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.
Section 6
Honorary members of the Board may be elected by the Congregation from among its members solely upon the recommendation of the Board at the Congregation annual meeting. Such members shall hold such office for life, but shall not be counted in determining the number for a quorum. A maximum of two such honorary members shall be authorized at any one time on the Board.
ARTICLE V – RABBI
Section 1
In the event a Rabbi is hired by the Congregation, the Rabbi shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Congregation or at a special meeting called for such purpose. The Rabbinical Committee shall recommend a Rabbi, proposed salary and conditions to the Congregation. It shall require a majority vote of those present and eligible to vote to elect the Rabbi for such salary and conditions.
Section 2
The Rabbi shall perform all duties incumbent upon his/her office.
Section 3
The Rabbi shall submit a written report of activities to the annual meeting of the Congregation.
ARTICLE VI – FISCAL YEAR
Section 1
The fiscal year of the Congregation shall be from June 1st of each year and shall terminate on May 31st of the following year.
ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS
Section 1
The annual meeting of the Congregation shall be held in the month of May each year at such time and place as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may choose to hold the annual meeting at such other time and place within or without the state of South Dakota upon such proper notice as herein specified.
Section 2
At such annual meeting the President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall each submit a written report of his/her activities for the preceding year.
Section 3
Notice of the annual meeting shall be given by mail posted at least ten days in advance thereof.
Section 4
Special meetings of the Congregation shall be called by the President or by resolution of the Board of Directors or by the Secretary upon receipt of application therefor signed by not less than ten members of the Congregation. Notice of special meetings shall recite the purpose or purposes thereof and shall be given by mail posted ten days in advance thereof.
Section 5
Twenty-five percent of the members of the Congregation shall constitute a quorum. Less than a quorum may adjourn a meeting to a future time provided that notice of such adjourned meeting is given by mail posted to the membership at least five days in advance thereof.
Section 6
Board of Directors meetings shall be held at least quarterly.
Section 7
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or one-third of the Board members upon 24 hours notice to all members.
ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES
Section 1
Following the annual meeting of the Congregation, the President shall appoint the following standing committees:
Finance and Budget Committee, consisting of at least three members and the Rabbi as an ex-officio member;
Ritual Committee, consisting of at least three members and the Rabbi as an ex-officio member;
Building Committee, consisting of at least three members;
Membership Committee, consisting of at least three members;
Religious School Committee, consisting of at least three members and the Rabbi as an ex-officio member;
Rabbinical Committee, consisting of at least three members.
Section 2
The duties of the standing committees shall be as follows:
Finance and Budget Committee: to make an estimate of the income and expenditures for the current year; audit the records and accounts of the Treasurer; devise ways and means for raising adequate finances for the proper conduct of the affairs of the Congregation.
Ritual Committee: to see that the form of worship is adhered to and to recommend to the Board of Directors any change it may deem advisable; provide suitable and adequate music for all of the religious services.
Building Committee: to keep the building and property of the Congregation in good order and repair.
Membership Committee: to obtain members and promote such activities as shall tend to increase the membership of the Congregation.
Religious School Committee: to make all regulations necessary for the government of the school, engaging of teachers and adoption of course of study.
Rabbinical Committee: in the event a Rabbi is desired to lead the Congregation, the Committee is empowered to select and thereafter negotiate with a Rabbi his/her contract as to salary and conditions and make its recommendation directly to the Congregation. To counsel with the Rabbi with regard to his/her relations with the Congregation and Board during the term of his/her contract. In the event of a Student Rabbi is desired to come into the Congregation on a periodic basis, the committee will act as the liaison between the Student Rabbi, the Board, and the Congregation. The committee will also serve to handle the arrangements and procedures involved with the Student Rabbi, including but not limited to lodging, transportation both to and from Sioux Falls and with the city, host families, meals and other such matters.
ARTICLE IX – SEATS
Section 1
Seats in the Temple shall be unassigned.
ARTICLE X – MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1
The reasonable use of Temple facilities by any bona fide Jewish organization shall be at the discretion of the Board. Donations may be accepted.
Section 2
The use of the Temple facilities for a recognized Jewish event such as, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Naming, Confirmation, Oneg Shabbats, funerals, shall be defined as a privilege of membership. The member or members using the Temple facilities for such events shall be liable for the use of Temple equipment and extraordinary Temple expenses as may be determined by the Board. Use of the sanctuary for weddings shall be at the discretion of the Board.
Section 3
The Board shall set the fees for the use of the Temple facilities and equipment for non-members.
ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS
Section 1
This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any annual meeting of the Congregation, or special meeting of the Congregation called for that purpose, by a two-thirds vote of the members present and eligible to vote thereon.. Notice of a special meeting shall contain the proposed amendments.
ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Section 1
All meetings shall be governed in parliamentary procedures by Robert’s Rules of Order (latest edition), except that these rules may be suspended by resolution of two thirds of the members present.