TEMPLE BETH EL OF CITY ISLAND
POLICY FOR FACILITY USE & RENTAL

This policy, as approved by the Board of Trustees, will govern rental and use of the synagogue consistent with the Bylaws, applicable law and the synagogue’s insurance policy.

Synagogue Use by Members

This section governs synagogue use by members in good standing for uses related to the spiritual activities and purposes of the community.

1. Eligibility. Any member in good standing may apply to use the synagogue consistent with this section. The Board may give preference or special consideration to Board members and others with a significant record of responsible volunteering to support the community
2. Review. The Board may consider any facility use application. In such review, the Board will take care to ensure that the applicant will not use the synagogue, or allow others to use the synagogue, in a manner reasonably likely to (1) violate any law, (2) proselytize, (3) violate synagogue kashrut policy, or (4) violate the spirit of any Jewish observance during the period of the proposed rental.
3. Insurance and indemnification. The Board will ensure that any proposed use of the synagogue under this section complies with the synagogue’s insurance policy. The Board may require that persons using the synagogue under this section must execute a Board-approved liability waiver as a condition of Board approval.
4. Cost. Presumptively there will be no cost for synagogue use under this section. However, where the Board determines that the proposed facility use may entail any cost to the community (e.g. utilities, set-up, clean-up or security) or potential revenue, the Board may condition synagogue use on any reasonable payment agreement that the Board determines.
5. Exemption. This section will not govern synagogue use by clergy associated with his or her spiritual service to the community.

Facility Rental

This section governs use of the synagogue by non-members and for all activities not covered by section 1 of this policy.

1. Eligibility. Any person or organization, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, may apply to rent the synagogue or any part thereof.
2. Review. The Board will review any rental application. In such review, the Board will take care to ensure that the applicant will not use the synagogue, or allow others to use the synagogue, in a manner reasonably likely to (1) violate any law, (2) proselytize, (3) violate synagogue kashrut policy, or (4) violate the spirit of any Jewish observance during the period of the proposed rental.
3. Insurance and indemnification. Any applicant proposing to rent the synagogue will present to the Board proof that the applicant maintains insurance comparable in scope and coverage to the synagogue’s own insurance policy, and that such insurance coverage adequately will indemnify and hold harmless the synagogue against liability reasonably likely to arise from the proposed use associated with such rental.
4. Agreement. Any rental will be subject to a Board-approved facility rental agreement covering (1) rental cost and payment, which will include prices for any set-up and clean-up associated with the rental, (2) security, which may include the presence of a Board member to open, supervise and close the synagogue consistent with the synagogue’s security protocol, (3) insurance and indemnification, and (4) standards for facility use, including kashrut and activities suitable for the sanctuary. The agreement will provide that the synagogue rental will proceed “as-is,” and that the synagogue does not warranty its suitability or fitness for any purpose.

General Provisions

For any facility use and approval under this policy –

1. Recusal. Where a Board member or an organization in which such Board member serves as a member or officer proposes to use or rent the synagogue, such Board member will be recused from Board consideration and approval of such proposed use.
2. Delegation to the President. The Board may delegate approvals under this policy to the synagogue President. Where the President is recused under paragraph (a) of this section, a majority vote of the Board will be necessary to grant approval.
3. Kashrut Policy. The Board will approve and enforce a written kashrut policy proposed by the synagogue clergy.
4. Spiritual review. The President (or the Vice President, where the Board is recused) will review any proposed facility use with clergy to determine if such proposed use would be consistent with the synagogue’s spiritual values and the Jewish calendar.

SYNAGOGUE KASHRUT POLICY

Kashrut is Jewish dietary law and custom. Its purpose is to ensure that this community is welcoming and open to all. All persons using this building are asked to review these dietary guidelines and mindfully honor them for the benefit of all.

THIS SYNAGOGUE MAINTAINS KASHRUT UNDER RABBINIC SUPERVISION.
FOODS BROUGHT INTO SYNAGOGUE MUST COMPLY WITH THIS POLICY.

1. NO PERSONAL FOOD. The synagogue is for spiritual community use. No foods for personal use should be brought into synagogue.
2. MILCHIG (DAIRY) AND PAREVE. The synagogue is primarily a milchig (dairy) facility. No chicken or meat should be brought in.
3. FISH. Fish must have scales and fins (e.g. tuna, salmon). Shellfish (e.g. shrimp, clams, crabs) and swordfish are not allowed.
4. HECKSHERS. Kashrut symbols are preferred but not required on packaged foods, so long as contents are inherently milchig (dairy) or pareve (neutral).
5. ECO-KASHRUT. We minimize our ecological footprint. We prefer locally sourced and organic foods. Packaging should be minimized and recycled/recyclable whenever possible.
6. GLUTEN FREE. For the health of gluten-free members, we serve gluten-free items on a separate table. When taking gluten-free items, please use only the utensils on the gluten-free table.
7. CHICKEN. Chicken may be part of a catered meal with rabbinic approval. When chicken is served, no dairy is served (e.g. only non-dairy additives are suitable for dessert and beverages). If chicken is served, all plates, pots and utensils must be passed through a hot-water cycle of our dishwasher before and after use.
8. PASSOVER. Our kitchen is cleaned thoroughly for Passover, and Passover foods are catered consistent with Passover practice. No foods should be brought from home during Passover unless clearly marked Kosher for Passover.