MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING
HEBREW ORDER OF DAVID
March 19, 2026
1. Opening and Housekeeping
Opening:
At approximately [7:00], WB Boris Gremont informally opens the
meeting.
Requests that brothers raise hands before speaking to avoid people
talking over one another.
Asked everyone to turn off cell phones to keep the meeting efficient;
he aims to finish around 7:40 pm.
Note on Roles:
Brother Stuart is downstairs with the women’s committee; Boris
chairs this meeting in his place.
HEBREW ORDER OF DAVID
March 19, 2026
1. Opening and Housekeeping
Opening:
At approximately [7:00], WB Boris Gremont informally opens the
meeting.
Requests that brothers raise hands before speaking to avoid people
talking over one another.
Asked everyone to turn off cell phones to keep the meeting efficient;
he aims to finish around 7:40 pm.
Note on Roles:
Brother Stuart is downstairs with the women’s committee; Boris
chairs this meeting in his place.
2. Adoption of Previous Minutes (February 17 Meeting)
Reference: Previous meeting minutes (February 17) have been published in
the ET (Every Thursday).
Motion:
Proposed and seconded by B Brother Robert and B Richard Berry to
adopt the minutes.
Discussion:
Question: Whether minutes should remain embedded in the ET or
be sent separately.
Suggestion (B Marty): Include a link in the ET to the minutes.
Outcome:
Reference: Previous meeting minutes (February 17) have been published in
the ET (Every Thursday).
Motion:
Proposed and seconded by B Brother Robert and B Richard Berry to
adopt the minutes.
Discussion:
Question: Whether minutes should remain embedded in the ET or
be sent separately.
Suggestion (B Marty): Include a link in the ET to the minutes.
Outcome:
No objections recorded; Boris notes the suggestion for a link in
the ET.
Minutes of February 17 are adopted.
the ET.
Minutes of February 17 are adopted.
3. Correspondence and Secretary Update
Secretary Report:
WB Boris asks whether there is any correspondence; initially “no
correspondence” is reported.
Letter of Thanks (IDF Mishloach Manot Project):
Speaker 2 / Brother Robert reports:
Lodge raised funds for Mishloach Manot for IDF soldiers.
51 baskets donated.
$918 donated to the organization.
A letter with a certificate of thanks has been received.
Boris: Requests the letter and certificate be sent to him so it can be
filed with other awards, letters, and commendations.
4. GMs System – Member Data Updates
Topic: Updating member information in GMs (central membership system).
WB Boris:
Requests all brothers to log into GMs and update their personal
details, especially cell phone numbers.
Rationale:
Needed for invitations and contacting members.
Lodge wants a single, accurate directory.
If brothers don’t know how to access GMs, they should contact
Brother Stuart for assistance.
Brother Stuart for assistance.
5. Cemetery / Graveside Project
Update from WB Boris (on behalf of B Richard Berry):
Toronto: Doing very well.
Atlanta: Doing very well.
Houston: Doing “incredibly well” on the graveside project.
Dallas Launch:
Lodge plans to get together (WB Boris, B Richard, B Jeff,
etc.) to launch the project.
Due to resistance from local synagogues, initial launch may occur in
a smaller town outside Dallas rather than Dallas proper.
6. Women’s Committee
Status:
Meeting concurrently downstairs during this lodge meeting.
Purpose of Women’s Committee:
To decide how to organize, who the leadership will be, and their
objectives.
To determine how they will participate with HOD.
Future Participation:
Once organized, the women’s group is expected to join HOD dinners,
starting tonight.
For this year, the Women’s Committee will be guests (no charge)
at HOD dinners.
If the committee becomes permanent, they will be invited to every
dinner.
dinner.
7. Event Systems: Unifying Data Sources
Current Situation:
B Jeff uses one system to send invitations.
B Les uses another database to produce ET reports.
B Stuart is working to finalize GMS.
Goal:
Get off three different systems and move to one unified repository
(GMS).
Will increase pressure on members to update info so the lodge can
rely on a single database.
8. Event Budget – Garden / General Event & Beneficiary Changes
8.1 Event Budget
WB Matt requested an event budget for a garden-related event.
Brief mention that the budget has been prepared with reasonable
assumptions and will be used as a planning basis.
8.2 International Kosher Food, Wine & Spirits Fundraiser – Beneficiary
Changes
Original Beneficiaries:
JNF (Jewish National Fund)
“07C” – Patricia Heaton’s organization
A third beneficiary (now replaced).
Changes:
JNF:
Policy only allows fundraising by JNF itself, not by third
parties using its name.
Therefore, removed as a beneficiary.
07C / Patricia Heaton’s organization:
Undergoing management reorganization and focusing on new
cities, after already multiple engagements in Dallas.
They are moving on to other markets; thus, withdrawn as a
beneficiary.
New Israeli Beneficiary:
An organization in Israel supporting children with PTSD, affected
by wars, uncertainties, including October 7.
They have approached the US lodge several times.
They are added as a new beneficiary for the upcoming event.
Video and slides have been provided to explain their work and
funding needs, to be shown at the dinner.
Clarification on Beneficiaries Present Tonight:
Two of the three beneficiaries will be present in person at the dinner
to describe:
What they do
How they do it
How funds will be used
The third (Israeli) beneficiary will present via video and slide deck.
8.3 Security and Use of Security Budget
Security Provider:
Policy only allows fundraising by JNF itself, not by third
parties using its name.
Therefore, removed as a beneficiary.
07C / Patricia Heaton’s organization:
Undergoing management reorganization and focusing on new
cities, after already multiple engagements in Dallas.
They are moving on to other markets; thus, withdrawn as a
beneficiary.
New Israeli Beneficiary:
An organization in Israel supporting children with PTSD, affected
by wars, uncertainties, including October 7.
They have approached the US lodge several times.
They are added as a new beneficiary for the upcoming event.
Video and slides have been provided to explain their work and
funding needs, to be shown at the dinner.
Clarification on Beneficiaries Present Tonight:
Two of the three beneficiaries will be present in person at the dinner
to describe:
What they do
How they do it
How funds will be used
The third (Israeli) beneficiary will present via video and slide deck.
8.3 Security and Use of Security Budget
Security Provider:
Event security to be provided by Shomer Texas, a non-profit security
organization that previously presented to the lodge.
Cost & Donation:
Security comes at no direct cost, but the event budget already
includes a security line item.
Plan being considered: Donate that budgeted amount back to
Shomer as a charitable donation, since they are voluntary and
support the community.
Member Concerns:
Some potential attendees have indicated they will attend only if
security is in place, making this a critical planning item.
organization that previously presented to the lodge.
Cost & Donation:
Security comes at no direct cost, but the event budget already
includes a security line item.
Plan being considered: Donate that budgeted amount back to
Shomer as a charitable donation, since they are voluntary and
support the community.
Member Concerns:
Some potential attendees have indicated they will attend only if
security is in place, making this a critical planning item.
9. Treasurer’s Report – B Jeff
9.1 Current Financial Position
Report Date: Balances as of February 28.
Transfers and Balances:
Transferred slightly less than $4,000 from Operating Account to
the Virtual BIM Fund.
BIM Fund balance: Now $10,000.
Unrestricted Operating Funds: $16,591.58.
Total in the Bank: $26,591.58 (Operating + BIM).
Dues Collection:
A few members are on payment plans.
$275 collected in February from payment plans.
99% of membership have paid dues; only a couple remain
outstanding.
Current Expenses:
Upcoming expenses primarily tied to the International Kosher Food,
Wine & Spirits event (supplies, event costs, etc.).
9.2 BIM Fund – Purpose and Access
Purpose:
Inspired by the lodge’s Founding Fathers approach as a “helping
hand” fund.
Intended to assist members or their families in distress, e.g.:
Mortgage difficulties
Car payments
Other serious financial hardships.
Goal: Continue to build up the fund over time.
Access & Governance:
Though the BIM Fund is a sub-account of Operating, funds are
effectively designated and require:
Board and membership decision to move money back for
other uses.
It’s not permanently locked, but “committee decision” is required for
transfers back to operations.
9.3 National Dues Structure and Lodge Strategy
North American Grand Lodge Dues:
Lodge discovered that national dues are calculated as 20% of lodge
dues received.
Since this lodge has one of the highest annual dues (~$300), it pays
a disproportionately large share.
Financial Statements:
Upcoming expenses primarily tied to the International Kosher Food,
Wine & Spirits event (supplies, event costs, etc.).
9.2 BIM Fund – Purpose and Access
Purpose:
Inspired by the lodge’s Founding Fathers approach as a “helping
hand” fund.
Intended to assist members or their families in distress, e.g.:
Mortgage difficulties
Car payments
Other serious financial hardships.
Goal: Continue to build up the fund over time.
Access & Governance:
Though the BIM Fund is a sub-account of Operating, funds are
effectively designated and require:
Board and membership decision to move money back for
other uses.
It’s not permanently locked, but “committee decision” is required for
transfers back to operations.
9.3 National Dues Structure and Lodge Strategy
North American Grand Lodge Dues:
Lodge discovered that national dues are calculated as 20% of lodge
dues received.
Since this lodge has one of the highest annual dues (~$300), it pays
a disproportionately large share.
Financial Statements:
Before authorizing payment, WB Boris and B Jeff requested and
reviewed the consolidated financials of:
UK, South Africa, Canada, US and consolidated.
They are satisfied with national’s financial position.
Financials are available to members on request.
Proposed Dues Structuring Strategy:
Reduce the portion counted as “dues” and introduce a function
fee component.
Example scenario:
$250 booked as dues
$50 as function fee
Idea is to limit the dues base used for the 20% national levy.
This change would be considered for next dues cycle (from January),
as dues for the current year are already paid.
9.4 Bank and Investment Details
Custody & Interest:
Funds held in a Merrill Lynch account under North American Grand
Lodge, with sub-accounts per lodge.
Any interest earned accrues to the master account and its sub-
accounts.
Limitations:
Lodge has control over deposits, withdrawals, and checks, but
cannot move funds to a different institution for better returns.
Some technical issues exist with QuickBooks integration (download
from Bank of America not straightforward due to account structure).
reviewed the consolidated financials of:
UK, South Africa, Canada, US and consolidated.
They are satisfied with national’s financial position.
Financials are available to members on request.
Proposed Dues Structuring Strategy:
Reduce the portion counted as “dues” and introduce a function
fee component.
Example scenario:
$250 booked as dues
$50 as function fee
Idea is to limit the dues base used for the 20% national levy.
This change would be considered for next dues cycle (from January),
as dues for the current year are already paid.
9.4 Bank and Investment Details
Custody & Interest:
Funds held in a Merrill Lynch account under North American Grand
Lodge, with sub-accounts per lodge.
Any interest earned accrues to the master account and its sub-
accounts.
Limitations:
Lodge has control over deposits, withdrawals, and checks, but
cannot move funds to a different institution for better returns.
Some technical issues exist with QuickBooks integration (download
from Bank of America not straightforward due to account structure).
A Sunday working session is planned to resolve accounting system
issues.
issues.
10. Point-of-Sale (POS) / Payments for Events
Goal: Improve capability to take credit cards at events (e.g. Food Festival).
Options Evaluated:
iPad-style POS devices connected to a card reader “gizmo”,
with cellular capability.
Estimated cost: ~$400 each.
Avoids tying up any individual’s personal cell phone for the entire
evening.
Fees:
Discount rate estimated at around 3% per transaction.
Likely provider: Square.
Timeline:
Once approved, lodge aims to order and learn the system within 30
days.
Existing Devices:
Lodge still has small portable Square readers, but they
require members’ personal phones, which is no longer considered
practical.
11. International Kosher Food, Wine & Spirits Event (May 14)
11.1 Sponsorship Structure (B Robert)
Event: International Kosher Food, Wine & Spirits Dinner.
Sponsorship Levels:
1. “Cherry on Top” – $720
Includes 2 tickets (no VIP access currently).
2. “Main Course” – $1,800
2 regular tickets + 2 VIP tickets (4 total).
3. “Top Shelf” – $3,600
8 tickets total, with 4 VIP tickets.
Clarifications:
Committee decided that $720 level does not currently include VIP.
Question raised whether $720 sponsors should also get VIP access;
Lowell suggests this should be reconsidered.
Boris states the event steering committee will re-discuss;
current printed collateral may need updating if a change is
approved.
Ticket Pricing:
General public: $120 per ticket.
**HOD members & spouse/sign
Discussion about the need for more sponsors and the importance of raising
as much money as possible for the beneficiaries.
B Jim highlights the organization and planning involved in the event,
emphasizing the need for social media and organizational outreach.
11.2 Volunteer Involvement and Event Logistics (WB Lowell Michelson)
Emphasizes the importance of volunteer involvement in the event.
Explanation of the event format, including different food stations and the
role of volunteers.
Discussion about the need for silent auction donations and the importance
of high-value items.
Includes 2 tickets (no VIP access currently).
2. “Main Course” – $1,800
2 regular tickets + 2 VIP tickets (4 total).
3. “Top Shelf” – $3,600
8 tickets total, with 4 VIP tickets.
Clarifications:
Committee decided that $720 level does not currently include VIP.
Question raised whether $720 sponsors should also get VIP access;
Lowell suggests this should be reconsidered.
Boris states the event steering committee will re-discuss;
current printed collateral may need updating if a change is
approved.
Ticket Pricing:
General public: $120 per ticket.
**HOD members & spouse/sign
Discussion about the need for more sponsors and the importance of raising
as much money as possible for the beneficiaries.
B Jim highlights the organization and planning involved in the event,
emphasizing the need for social media and organizational outreach.
11.2 Volunteer Involvement and Event Logistics (WB Lowell Michelson)
Emphasizes the importance of volunteer involvement in the event.
Explanation of the event format, including different food stations and the
role of volunteers.
Discussion about the need for silent auction donations and the importance
of high-value items.
Brother Stuart Rosenfield mentions the formation of a women’s committee
to help with various committee tasks.
12. Candle Lighting and Final Discussions
WB Boris calls for members to light candles, Jon Cohen – 3rd Candle,
Howard Flushman – 4th Candle, Jerry Redsky – 5th Candle.
Discussion about the need for better communication regarding funerals
and other important events.
WB Boris and B Stuart emphasize the importance of updating contact
information in GMs for better communication.
The meeting concludes with a reminder to pass on sponsorship and silent
auction materials to relevant members.
Signed as a true record of the meeting: Boris Gremont 041526
to help with various committee tasks.
12. Candle Lighting and Final Discussions
WB Boris calls for members to light candles, Jon Cohen – 3rd Candle,
Howard Flushman – 4th Candle, Jerry Redsky – 5th Candle.
Discussion about the need for better communication regarding funerals
and other important events.
WB Boris and B Stuart emphasize the importance of updating contact
information in GMs for better communication.
The meeting concludes with a reminder to pass on sponsorship and silent
auction materials to relevant members.
Signed as a true record of the meeting: Boris Gremont 041526