1 month ago

Badatz Affirms Vaad Hakohol Elections 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. 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.” • Full Story, Photos, Video

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.”

“We understand that there have been several attempts to revive and reconstitute the Netzigim but that so far these efforts have not been successful. The result is that the current members of the Vaad Hakahal have been in office for 14 years. We agree that the elections should not be further delayed.” The Beis Din stated.

“We hereby encourage the committees that have been established to continue their work and to conduct an election as soon as possible. The election procedures should adhere as closely to the bylaws as possible, but we will approve necessary changes that are required for a successful election. This answer is only with regard to the election for Crown Heights Jewish Community Council and Vaad Hakohol at this time.” The Beis Din added.

The Beis Din also called on Crown Heights Residents, “To come out and vote in the election and to help build the neighborhood of Crown Heights, כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה. We also remind everyone participating in the election, as organizers, candidates, and voters that the election should be conducted in a spirit of Ahavas and Achdus Yisrael לקדש שם שמיים.”

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 – Wednesday, 10 Adar II, March 20

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

Submission of Nominations – Thursday, 24 Nisan, May 2

Final Candidate List Published – Wednesday, 30 Nisan, May 8

Candidates Forum – Monday, 12 Iyar, May 20

Election Day – Sunday, 25 Iyar, 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 would 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.