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Mesorah: Orthodox Judaism at Rutgers University Constitution
Mesorah: Orthodox Judaism at Rutgers University Constitution
Article I: General Information
The constitution of Mesorah: Orthodox Judaism at Rutgers Hillel was drafted on Tuesday March 21, 2006 on the 3rd Floor of Rutgers Hillel.
This constitution was lat updated on Thursday, April 28th, 2011.
Article II: Purpose
Mesorah provides Rutgers University students the opportunity to connect to an Orthodox Jewish community by nurturing a love of Torah, the Jewish people, Israel and G-d. This is enhanced through a variety of activities, including social, religious, educational, and cultural programs. Mesorah has been and will be the center for Orthodox Jewish life at Rutgers Hillel.
This organization shall abide by all applicable laws of the State of New Jersey and the United States. This organization shall abide by all applicable rules and regulations of the University and under the privileges as granted by the Office of Student Development & College Affairs, Deans, and Dean of Students where chartered. This organization shall also abide by the rules and regulations of the Board of Governors, the University, and the colleges as provided by the Board of Governors and the Deans of the Colleges.
Article III: Membership
Mesorah Members must be matriculated Rutgers University students. The organization must have at least 15 members. At least 10% of membership and at least one officer must be enrolled at Rutgers College or a Rutgers College affiliate. Membership shall be open to all Rutgers University students and must comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Membership may be attained by signing up on the Mesorah mailing list.
Article IV: Officers
Section 1: Mesorah Board
Mesorah shall be overseen by a community Board with 8 voting members who shall hold these positions from the end of the spring semester until the selection of a new board at the conclusion of the following spring semester.
Section 2: Officers of the board
The board positions are as follows:
A) President
B) Vice President
C) Education Chair
D) Social Chair
E) Shabbos Chair
F) Financial Chair
G) Communications Chair
H) Freshmen Representative
President- The President shall have general charge and supervision of the affairs, business, and property of the organization. Responsibilities include the general upkeep of the organization, ensuring the healthy existence of Orthodox life on campus, and presiding at Mesorah Board meetings. In addition, the President is responsible for keeping the Board informed of the activities relating to Mesorah and is ultimately responsible that these board members fulfill their duties. The President will also oversee the 2 Gabbaim, breakfast after daily Minyan, as well as the general upkeep of the Shul and Minyan. The President will act as a liaison to JLI, the Hillel Foundation, and the Hillel Student Board. The President must be present for 3 out of 4 Shabbatot per month. He/She is responsible for making all Shabbos announcements. All activities run under the Mesorah name must have final clearance from the President. The President must have served on Mesorah board for at least two semesters.
Vice President- The Vice President shall assist the President in all of his/her responsibilities. Should the President be unable, the Vice President assumes responsibility of his/her duties and shall serve in his/her place. He/She is responsible for all special events (such as guest speakers or trips) and special projects/campaigns. The Vice President aids in the planning of all programs and activities including Minyan and social events. He/She shall oversee outreach activities. He/She shall also be responsible for overseeing Board adherence to the Constitution.
Under circumstances of having two active Presidents, there will be no Vice President position necessary on board.
Education Chair- The Education Chairis responsible for coordinating and publicizing learning opportunities including but not limited to: Sunday Night Learning, Men’s Shiur, Women’s Shiur, the weekly Thursday night Mishmar Speakers, and Study With A Buddy. He/She is responsible for coordinating a combination of at least 2 Shabbatonim (i.e. Guest Rabbis, Roshei Yeshiva, etc.)/large size speakers and/or programs each semester, and is also the contact person for JLI (Jewish Learning Initiative) activities including Shabbat on campus and special programming. He/She must be in ongoing contact with the Hillel Education Director.
Social Chair- The Social Chair is responsible for executing at least four Mesorah social programs per semester. He/she will also work with the Freshmen Representative to implement programming specifically geared to first year students such as freshmen Shabbat lunches. The Social Chair will also work with the Shabbat Chair where applicable (i.e. onegs, Shabbatonim, etc.)
Shabbat Chair- The Shabbat Chairis responsible for creating a fun and meaningful Shabbat experience at Rutgers. He/She works with the President to implement Mesorah Onegs once per month in the student homes as well as Onegs when JLI is on campus for Shabbat. He/She will also be responsible for coordinating Divrei Torah at Friday night, Shabbat morning, and Seudah Shlishit, as well as overseeing singing at Seudah Shlishit, and publishing a bulletin for Friday night davening each week. He/She will coordinate the annual prospective student shabbaton for high school seniors during the spring semester. The Shabbat Chair will also be responsible for overseeing the purchasing of food for Kiddush and Seudah Shlishit. The Shabbos Chair will work with the president for all holiday related activities (i.e. Simchat torah/Purim).
Financial Chair- The Financial Chair shall be responsible for maintaining the Mesorah Budget and all tzedakah funds collected. He/She shall prepare all budgets for additional funding (i.e. through the Rutgers Hillel Foundation). The Financial Chair will be responsible for initiating fundraising projects to increase the available funds of the Mesorah account including but not limited to: lulavim and etrogim, simchat torah auction, mishloach manot, and flowers for holidays.
Communications Chair- The Communications Chair shall be generally responsible for information pertaining to the Mesorah community. He/She takes notes (i.e. Minutes) at each board meeting, aids in preparing weekly email announcements and community outreach (i.e. Highland Park/Edison community), and ensures the publicizing of each Mesorah activity (i.e. the creation of flyers, Facebook events, word of mouth etc.) He/She shall oversee the Mesorah Website and the Mesorah Mag Editor. He/She will also be responsible for the Mesorah and Eruv listservs and will maintain an ongoing membership list.
Freshmen Representative- The Freshmen Representative will be in charge of reaching out to all Orthodox first year students at Hillel. It will be his/her duty to plan events and activities geared towards making these students feel comfortable in their new environment on campus such as welcome events, special Shabbos activities, and social programming. He/She will also implement one Freshmen Shabbaton per semester.
Article V: Board Responsibilities
Section 1: Role Model
Mesorah Board Members must be role models for both the Orthodox Community as well as the larger Jewish community at Rutgers. All views and practices of other denominations shall be respected to the fullest degree.
Section 2: Tasks in Designated Area
Board members shall design and implement tasks in their respective areas.
Section 3: Board Meetings
Board members must attend bi-monthly Board Meetings and may only miss one per semester.
Section 4: Shabbat Attendance/Participation
All Board members must attend the majority of Shabbatot. The President, Vice President and Shabbat chair must attend 3 out of 4 Shabbatot a month. Board members must come to Hillel when on campus for Shabbat.
Section 5: Event Attendance
All Board members must attend the overwhelming majority of Mesorah events and activities.
Article VI: Miscellaneous Regulations and Policies
Section 1: Meetings
Mesorah meetings shall take place bi-monthly.
Section 2: Holding of Positions
Mesorah Board members cannot hold a position on Hillel student board. No one may hold more than one permanent Mesorah Board position at a time.
The exception to the rule is Mesorah President, which is a chair on Hillel student board.
Section 3: Outreach
The Board shall discuss ways of involving all members of the community especially those who are uninvolved.
Section 4: Additional Appointments
The Financial Chair may appoint a head of fundraising who will be responsible for initiating and organizing Mesorah fundraising efforts.
Section 5: Freshmen Rep. Selection
The Mesorah Board will choose a freshman representative or representatives in the early fall semester.
Article VII: Issues Relating to Board Members
Section 1: Empty Positions
In case of resignation or impeachment, the given position will be filled through a nominations procedure and vote by the Mesorah Board. President will have final say on all members.
Section 2: Impeachments have the right to appeal
Impeachment charges may be brought against a Mesorah Board member or position holder who fails to uphold his or her duties as stated by the Constitution or has done damage to the organization. Detailed charges must be brought in writing to the President. In order to impeach the president, the Mesorah Board must approach the Hillel student board and act accordingly. A Board Meeting shall be held as soon as possible at which point an officer or appointee may be relieved of his or her duties by a 2/3 majority of the remaining board. They do, however, have the right to appeal. In the vote to discharge the officer, the person being impeached may not vote and the entire Mesorah Board, the person who brings the charges and the person in question (unless he or she waives the right to attend) must be present for such a meeting to occur.
Article VIII: Applications for Board
Section 1: Procedure
Applications for Mesorah Board (with the exception of Mesorah President who is elected in the general Hillel Elections) shall be released in the middle of the Spring Semester.
Section 2: Application Requirements
Applicants must fill out appropriate application in entirety and attend interview to qualify for a position on Board.
Section 3: Committee
Following receipt of applications, candidates shall be interviewed by the outgoing President, incoming President, and if desired, another Mesorah Board member not running for re-election chosen by both Presidents. This committee will then vote on which candidate shall receive each office. This committee (including interviews and selections) shall be advised by the Orthodox Rabbi.
Section 4: Vacancies
If positions are not filled by the aforementioned process, the newly selected Mesorah Board shall submit nominations for appropriate candidates. Candidates will then appear at a Mesorah Board meeting and will be selected by the Mesorah Board.
Article IX: Non-Board Leadership Positions
Gabbaim
The 2 Gabbaim shall be responsible for all daily and Shabbat Minyan needs. They will coordinate the times for all minyanim, designate people responsible for leading each service, and ensure that all three minyanim function on a daily basis. They are in charge of coordinating all Torah readings and rolling the Torah. They also will work to make sure that the Orthodox Minyan has proper decorum at all services.
Webmaster
The Webmaster is in charge of the constant upkeep of the Mesorah website and will work in conjunction with the Communications Chair to ensure all activities are included in the website.
Mesorah Mag Editor
The Mesorah Mag Editor is responsible for biweekly publication which includes but is not limited to a parsha summary, calendar for the following week, and Shabbat times.
Eruv Coordinator
The Eruv Coordinator will work with the President as well as the Orthodox Rabbi to ensure the viability of the Eruv each week including all breaks.
Beit Midrash Coordinator
The Beit Midrash Coordinator shall be in charge of the general upkeep of the Beit Midrash including but not limited to overseeing the sign-out sheet, cleaning the room each week, making sure all books are in their proper place, and ordering new books.
Rosh Chodesh Coordinators
The Rosh Chodesh Coordinators are in charge of running at least two Rosh Chodesh events per semester. Responsible for meeting with the president or vice president to discuss ideas, decide budget, and plan for setting up and advertising of events.
Article X: Constitutional Amendments
Section 1: Time of Proposal
Amendments shall be proposed to the president at least 3 days prior to a general meeting.
Section 2: Vote
Amendments must be proposed at a general meeting and ratified by 2/3 of the Mesorah Board.
Article I: General Information
The constitution of Mesorah: Orthodox Judaism at Rutgers Hillel was drafted on Tuesday March 21, 2006 on the 3rd Floor of Rutgers Hillel.
This constitution was lat updated on Thursday, April 28th, 2011.
Article II: Purpose
Mesorah provides Rutgers University students the opportunity to connect to an Orthodox Jewish community by nurturing a love of Torah, the Jewish people, Israel and G-d. This is enhanced through a variety of activities, including social, religious, educational, and cultural programs. Mesorah has been and will be the center for Orthodox Jewish life at Rutgers Hillel.
This organization shall abide by all applicable laws of the State of New Jersey and the United States. This organization shall abide by all applicable rules and regulations of the University and under the privileges as granted by the Office of Student Development & College Affairs, Deans, and Dean of Students where chartered. This organization shall also abide by the rules and regulations of the Board of Governors, the University, and the colleges as provided by the Board of Governors and the Deans of the Colleges.
Article III: Membership
Mesorah Members must be matriculated Rutgers University students. The organization must have at least 15 members. At least 10% of membership and at least one officer must be enrolled at Rutgers College or a Rutgers College affiliate. Membership shall be open to all Rutgers University students and must comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Membership may be attained by signing up on the Mesorah mailing list.
Article IV: Officers
Section 1: Mesorah Board
Mesorah shall be overseen by a community Board with 8 voting members who shall hold these positions from the end of the spring semester until the selection of a new board at the conclusion of the following spring semester.
Section 2: Officers of the board
The board positions are as follows:
A) President
B) Vice President
C) Education Chair
D) Social Chair
E) Shabbos Chair
F) Financial Chair
G) Communications Chair
H) Freshmen Representative
President- The President shall have general charge and supervision of the affairs, business, and property of the organization. Responsibilities include the general upkeep of the organization, ensuring the healthy existence of Orthodox life on campus, and presiding at Mesorah Board meetings. In addition, the President is responsible for keeping the Board informed of the activities relating to Mesorah and is ultimately responsible that these board members fulfill their duties. The President will also oversee the 2 Gabbaim, breakfast after daily Minyan, as well as the general upkeep of the Shul and Minyan. The President will act as a liaison to JLI, the Hillel Foundation, and the Hillel Student Board. The President must be present for 3 out of 4 Shabbatot per month. He/She is responsible for making all Shabbos announcements. All activities run under the Mesorah name must have final clearance from the President. The President must have served on Mesorah board for at least two semesters.
Vice President- The Vice President shall assist the President in all of his/her responsibilities. Should the President be unable, the Vice President assumes responsibility of his/her duties and shall serve in his/her place. He/She is responsible for all special events (such as guest speakers or trips) and special projects/campaigns. The Vice President aids in the planning of all programs and activities including Minyan and social events. He/She shall oversee outreach activities. He/She shall also be responsible for overseeing Board adherence to the Constitution.
Under circumstances of having two active Presidents, there will be no Vice President position necessary on board.
Education Chair- The Education Chairis responsible for coordinating and publicizing learning opportunities including but not limited to: Sunday Night Learning, Men’s Shiur, Women’s Shiur, the weekly Thursday night Mishmar Speakers, and Study With A Buddy. He/She is responsible for coordinating a combination of at least 2 Shabbatonim (i.e. Guest Rabbis, Roshei Yeshiva, etc.)/large size speakers and/or programs each semester, and is also the contact person for JLI (Jewish Learning Initiative) activities including Shabbat on campus and special programming. He/She must be in ongoing contact with the Hillel Education Director.
Social Chair- The Social Chair is responsible for executing at least four Mesorah social programs per semester. He/she will also work with the Freshmen Representative to implement programming specifically geared to first year students such as freshmen Shabbat lunches. The Social Chair will also work with the Shabbat Chair where applicable (i.e. onegs, Shabbatonim, etc.)
Shabbat Chair- The Shabbat Chairis responsible for creating a fun and meaningful Shabbat experience at Rutgers. He/She works with the President to implement Mesorah Onegs once per month in the student homes as well as Onegs when JLI is on campus for Shabbat. He/She will also be responsible for coordinating Divrei Torah at Friday night, Shabbat morning, and Seudah Shlishit, as well as overseeing singing at Seudah Shlishit, and publishing a bulletin for Friday night davening each week. He/She will coordinate the annual prospective student shabbaton for high school seniors during the spring semester. The Shabbat Chair will also be responsible for overseeing the purchasing of food for Kiddush and Seudah Shlishit. The Shabbos Chair will work with the president for all holiday related activities (i.e. Simchat torah/Purim).
Financial Chair- The Financial Chair shall be responsible for maintaining the Mesorah Budget and all tzedakah funds collected. He/She shall prepare all budgets for additional funding (i.e. through the Rutgers Hillel Foundation). The Financial Chair will be responsible for initiating fundraising projects to increase the available funds of the Mesorah account including but not limited to: lulavim and etrogim, simchat torah auction, mishloach manot, and flowers for holidays.
Communications Chair- The Communications Chair shall be generally responsible for information pertaining to the Mesorah community. He/She takes notes (i.e. Minutes) at each board meeting, aids in preparing weekly email announcements and community outreach (i.e. Highland Park/Edison community), and ensures the publicizing of each Mesorah activity (i.e. the creation of flyers, Facebook events, word of mouth etc.) He/She shall oversee the Mesorah Website and the Mesorah Mag Editor. He/She will also be responsible for the Mesorah and Eruv listservs and will maintain an ongoing membership list.
Freshmen Representative- The Freshmen Representative will be in charge of reaching out to all Orthodox first year students at Hillel. It will be his/her duty to plan events and activities geared towards making these students feel comfortable in their new environment on campus such as welcome events, special Shabbos activities, and social programming. He/She will also implement one Freshmen Shabbaton per semester.
Article V: Board Responsibilities
Section 1: Role Model
Mesorah Board Members must be role models for both the Orthodox Community as well as the larger Jewish community at Rutgers. All views and practices of other denominations shall be respected to the fullest degree.
Section 2: Tasks in Designated Area
Board members shall design and implement tasks in their respective areas.
Section 3: Board Meetings
Board members must attend bi-monthly Board Meetings and may only miss one per semester.
Section 4: Shabbat Attendance/Participation
All Board members must attend the majority of Shabbatot. The President, Vice President and Shabbat chair must attend 3 out of 4 Shabbatot a month. Board members must come to Hillel when on campus for Shabbat.
Section 5: Event Attendance
All Board members must attend the overwhelming majority of Mesorah events and activities.
Article VI: Miscellaneous Regulations and Policies
Section 1: Meetings
Mesorah meetings shall take place bi-monthly.
Section 2: Holding of Positions
Mesorah Board members cannot hold a position on Hillel student board. No one may hold more than one permanent Mesorah Board position at a time.
The exception to the rule is Mesorah President, which is a chair on Hillel student board.
Section 3: Outreach
The Board shall discuss ways of involving all members of the community especially those who are uninvolved.
Section 4: Additional Appointments
The Financial Chair may appoint a head of fundraising who will be responsible for initiating and organizing Mesorah fundraising efforts.
Section 5: Freshmen Rep. Selection
The Mesorah Board will choose a freshman representative or representatives in the early fall semester.
Article VII: Issues Relating to Board Members
Section 1: Empty Positions
In case of resignation or impeachment, the given position will be filled through a nominations procedure and vote by the Mesorah Board. President will have final say on all members.
Section 2: Impeachments have the right to appeal
Impeachment charges may be brought against a Mesorah Board member or position holder who fails to uphold his or her duties as stated by the Constitution or has done damage to the organization. Detailed charges must be brought in writing to the President. In order to impeach the president, the Mesorah Board must approach the Hillel student board and act accordingly. A Board Meeting shall be held as soon as possible at which point an officer or appointee may be relieved of his or her duties by a 2/3 majority of the remaining board. They do, however, have the right to appeal. In the vote to discharge the officer, the person being impeached may not vote and the entire Mesorah Board, the person who brings the charges and the person in question (unless he or she waives the right to attend) must be present for such a meeting to occur.
Article VIII: Applications for Board
Section 1: Procedure
Applications for Mesorah Board (with the exception of Mesorah President who is elected in the general Hillel Elections) shall be released in the middle of the Spring Semester.
Section 2: Application Requirements
Applicants must fill out appropriate application in entirety and attend interview to qualify for a position on Board.
Section 3: Committee
Following receipt of applications, candidates shall be interviewed by the outgoing President, incoming President, and if desired, another Mesorah Board member not running for re-election chosen by both Presidents. This committee will then vote on which candidate shall receive each office. This committee (including interviews and selections) shall be advised by the Orthodox Rabbi.
Section 4: Vacancies
If positions are not filled by the aforementioned process, the newly selected Mesorah Board shall submit nominations for appropriate candidates. Candidates will then appear at a Mesorah Board meeting and will be selected by the Mesorah Board.
Article IX: Non-Board Leadership Positions
Gabbaim
The 2 Gabbaim shall be responsible for all daily and Shabbat Minyan needs. They will coordinate the times for all minyanim, designate people responsible for leading each service, and ensure that all three minyanim function on a daily basis. They are in charge of coordinating all Torah readings and rolling the Torah. They also will work to make sure that the Orthodox Minyan has proper decorum at all services.
Webmaster
The Webmaster is in charge of the constant upkeep of the Mesorah website and will work in conjunction with the Communications Chair to ensure all activities are included in the website.
Mesorah Mag Editor
The Mesorah Mag Editor is responsible for biweekly publication which includes but is not limited to a parsha summary, calendar for the following week, and Shabbat times.
Eruv Coordinator
The Eruv Coordinator will work with the President as well as the Orthodox Rabbi to ensure the viability of the Eruv each week including all breaks.
Beit Midrash Coordinator
The Beit Midrash Coordinator shall be in charge of the general upkeep of the Beit Midrash including but not limited to overseeing the sign-out sheet, cleaning the room each week, making sure all books are in their proper place, and ordering new books.
Rosh Chodesh Coordinators
The Rosh Chodesh Coordinators are in charge of running at least two Rosh Chodesh events per semester. Responsible for meeting with the president or vice president to discuss ideas, decide budget, and plan for setting up and advertising of events.
Article X: Constitutional Amendments
Section 1: Time of Proposal
Amendments shall be proposed to the president at least 3 days prior to a general meeting.
Section 2: Vote
Amendments must be proposed at a general meeting and ratified by 2/3 of the Mesorah Board.
