Community Council Election Affirmed by Beis Din, Election to be Held Before Shavuos

Preparations have continued to advance towards the first election for Directors of the Vaad Hakahal and Crown Heights Jewish Community Council in 14 years. In response to a question presented by the Bylaws Committee formed at the last meeting of Shul Representatives, the Beis Din of Crown Heights has issued a ruling that “We agree that the election should not be further delayed,” and that the committees “should conduct an election as soon as possible.”

The Shul Representative have indicated that the elections will be held on Sunday June 2nd – 25 Iyar, 5784.

The second meeting of representatives of Crown Heights Shuls planning for community elections took place on Wednesday night, 5 Adar I, in Getzel’s Shul. The buzz of excitement was clearly visible as the representatives conducted a respectful but lively discussion with regard to the details of the upcoming election.

Between the meetings and the various committees, almost 50 shuls have been represented so far in this effort, with about 30 present at the most recent meeting.

Rabbi Menachem Yusevitz, of Anshei Moshe delivered a dvar torah about the lesson to be learned from the fact that the Menorah was beaten from one piece of gold.

Phivel Caplan, from Frankel’s Shul presented the report from the Bylaws Committee, which has been working on the framework of the election.

Naftali Berkowitz of Beis Binyamin delivered a presentation of the election schedule and the roles of the various committees needed to conduct the election. It was pointed out by some of the participants that the proposed date is too close to Shavuos and many community residents may be out of town for a long weekend. After consideration, the group decided on 25 Iyar – June 2 as the date of the election.

Volunteers are still needed for the Nominations Committee, Election Committee and other important functions.

The following updated Election Schedule has been announced:

Next meeting  & Nominating Committee Formed               10 Adar II            Wednesday March 20

Official Election Announcement  & Petitions Available      21 Adar II            Sunday March 31

Submission of Nominations                                       24 Nisan              Thursday May 2              

Final Candidate List Published      30 Nisan              Wednesday May 8

Candidates Forum                                                         12 Iyar  Monday May 20

Election Day                                                    25 Iyar Sunday June 2

As on the prior occasion, the entire meeting was conducted in a spirit of unity and cooperation, and the hope was expressed that this peaceful and forward-looking approach will continue throughout the entire process until the election and beyond.

The next meeting of the Shul Representatives will be this Wednesday 10 Adar II  to arrange 1) Formation of Nominations Committee. 2) Call for Candidates. 3) Publication of Notice of Election in every Shul. 4) Schedule of election dates. They will be preparing an election package that will go out to every Shul and be available online.