Temple Beth Shalom Policies and Procedures

Approval Process
Board of Trustees Job Descriptions
Membership Dues
Education Fees
High Holiday Tickets
Contracted Services
Employment Inquiries
B'nai Mitzvah Observances
Religious School Goals And Philosophy
Hebrew School Curriculum
Religious School Student Behavior Policy
Religious School Attendance Policy
Charitable Fund Gifts
Funds Process Flow
Use of Funds for Camp Season
Acquisition of Artwork, Judaica, and other Decorative or Ceremonial Objects

1.1 APPROVAL PROCESS:

1.1.1. All proposals for new or amended policies and procedures shall be submitted in writing to the board of trustees through the policies and procedures chair.

1.1.2. The chair shall present any written proposal to the board at its next monthly meeting, except when immediate action is necessary.

1.1.3. If either the proponent or the chair believes immediate action is necessary, the chair shall request the president to call a special board meeting. The president is not required to comply, except to the extent prescribed in Article VI, Section 4 of the Constitution.

1.1.4. The board shall discuss all policies as the board sees fit. The board may adopt, reject, or modify any policy or procedure by a majority vote of a quorum of the board.

1.1.5. The board may submit any new or existing policy or procedure to the members of the congregation as a board-initiated proposal to amend the constitution under Article XIII of the Constitution.

1.1.6. The secretary will maintain the policies and procedures. The chair will keep a second set.

1.1.7. Copies of the policies and procedures or any portion may be distributed to the membership by any person at the board's discretion.

1.1.8. If any policy or procedure conflicts with the temple constitution, the constitution will prevail.

1.1.9. The board's interpretation of the policies and procedures and the constitution shall be final.

1.2 BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOB DESCRIPTIONS:

1.2.1. Officers

PRESIDENT
Primary Responsibilities:
-preside over all meetings of the board of trustees and the congregation
-appoint committee chairs and delegate responsibilities to trustees and others
-meet w/ rabbi on regular basis
-work with treasurer during budgetary process
-coordination with TBS personnel- hiring, contracts, ongoing communications, conflict resolution
-represent TBS as appropriate at community functions
-present gifts to b'nai mitzvah
-present presidents message at services
-write monthly presidents message for Megillah
-write welcome letter to new members
Approximate time per month 20 to 30 hours

1ST VICE-PRESIDENT
Primary Responsibilities:
-assist president with any and all activities including budget-related activity
-chair any board meeting for which the president is absent
-next in line in succession for president
-ensure that all committees are functioning well
-chair any special activity where a committee has not yet been established
-FY98/99 oversee ritual committee and Megillah
Approximate time per month: 10 to 15 hours

2ND VICE-PRESIDENT
Primary Responsibilities:
-oversee fundraising activities and work with or as fundraising chair
-contribute fundraising info for budget
-work with other temple organizations which coordinate fundraising events
-develop foundation fundraising activities and procedures
-develop cemetery procedures
Approximate time per month dependent on fundraising activities

SECRETARY
Primary Responsibilities:
-record the minutes at board meetings and distribute to the board and Megillah
-send reminder postcard to each board member before each meeting
-write correspondence for board as needed
-supervise members' database of information; collect input from all
appropriate sources and distribute accordingly
-produce and distribute annually the TBS directory
Approximate time per month 15 hours

TREASURER
Primary Responsibilities:
-coordinate and publish yearly TBS budget
-present budget at annual meeting
-present budgetary analysis as necessary at monthly board meeting
-oversee activities of bookkeeping service
Approximate time per month - 20 to 30 hours

1.2.2. Trustees
Trustee (Membership)
-prospect for potential new members
-coordinate prospective and new member events
-send out new member packets
-coordinate High Holiday ticket sales
-follow up on all monies not received by High Holidays
-greet all nonmembers who attend High Holiday services
Approximate time per month
4 hours except July, August, September, and October

Trustee (Education)
-chair education committee
-act as liaison for all education matters with board
-submit education info for budget
-submit enrichment forms to JECC for reimbursement
Approximate time per month 5-8 hours

Trustee (Social Action)
-organize and publicize "social action" activities at temple
-recommend appropriate "social action" activities
Approximate time per month 2-4 hours

Trustee (Long Range Planning)
-chair long range planning committee
-develop strategies involved with land and future temple building
-interact with treasurer, education chair, and membership chair to plan
programs that benefit TBS in the long range
-plan and prioritize usage of Project Joseph and other large gift sources
-survey congregation concerning long range planning goals
Approximate time per month dependent on ongoing activities

Trustee(Policies and Procedures)
-coordinate TBS policies and procedures
-propose policies and procedures to board for approval
-document approvals in spreadsheet and provide hard copies for secretary
file
-maintain original file
Approximate time per month 10 hours

Trustee (Social)
-chair social committee
-work with membership and education chairs to coordinate multifunctional events
-submit info for budget
Approximate time per month dependent on activities scheduled

1.2.3. Other Jobs

Megillah Editor
-produce 11 editions/year including writing, editing, copying, and mailing
-solicit annual advertisements
-solicit annual Memorial Roll before Yom Kippur
Approximate time per month 20-25 hours

2.1R1 MEMBERSHIP DUES:

2.1.1. Members shall pay dues, assessments, and other fees set by the board.

2.1.2. Annual dues shall be approved by the board as part of the annual budget.

2.1.3. Dues shall be assessed based upon membership category: Family/Single/Associate

2.1.4. Annual statements will be mailed to each member by mid-July of each year.

2.1.5. If membership dues are paid in full by August 15th, a 5% discount may be taken.

2.1.6. Otherwise quarterly billing statements will be sent with due dates of October 31, January 31, and April 30.

2.1.7. Resignation of a member will not relieve payment obligation for current or delinquent dues and fees.

2.1.7.1 Pro-rated payments may be applied to transferee's new temple, as approved by the board.

2.1.7.2 Transferee's new temple shall be notified of former member's membership standing, when possible.

2.1.7.3 A former TBS member shall not be allowed to rejoin until any/all delinquent dues are paid in full or settled to the satisfaction of the Special Membership Committee.

2.1.8. No membership will be denied because of financial hardship. A "Special Membership Committee" consisting of the Treasurer, President, and one additional board member will be responsible for resolving financial hardship cases via modified fee plans. The individual member details will be kept confidential, but the number and impact will be reviewed by the Treasurer quarterly for the board.

2.1.9 A member who is delinquent on payment for three months may be suspended and deprived of all membership rights and privileges as determined by the board. A notification of impending suspension to the member copying the rabbi and the Ed. Dir. will be sent by certified mail. No membership will be denied because of financial hardship.

2.2R1 EDUCATION FEES:

2.2.1. Education fees will be established by the board for each fiscal year and be approved as part of the budget at the annual meeting of the congregation.

2.2.2. Fees will be based on number of children and services required: Sunday School Hebrew School B'nai Mitzvah Fees Confirmation Fees

2.2.3. Immediate family must have family membership at TBS in order to have children attend school.

2.2.4. Contract service personnel are exempt from education fees.

2.2.5. Tuition will be billed in August to members who have children registered.

2.2.6. B'nai mitzvah and confirmation fees will be billed separately in January.

2.2.7. Education fees must be paid in full prior to the commencement of the school year; unpaid tuitions will result in removal of religious school privileges.

2.2.8. A "Special Membership Committee", consisting of, at minimum, the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and President, will be responsible for addressing noncompliant members.

2.3: HIGH HOLIDAY TICKETS:

2.3.1. All members in good standing will be eligible to attend all services. Visiting members of other temples in good standing are also welcome; a letter of verification would be required. Donations would be appreciated.

2.3.2. Good standing members having family memberships are entitled to bring immediate family members at no additional charge.

2.3.3. Non-member families and individuals may attend TBS High Holiday Services by purchasing tickets in advance.

2.3.4. Any person purchasing tickets will be able to apply the cost towards a TBS membership within one Jewish calendar year.

2.3.5. Ticket prices will be 20% of the cost of an annual membership; individual or family.

2.4: CONTRACTED SERVICES

2.4.1. All contracted services shall be approved by the board.

2.4.2. The Rabbi, Educational Director, Cantorial Soloist, and other positions deemed necessary by the board shall be engaged by written contract.

2.4.3. Contracted service contracts shall be negotiated and approved by the board.

2.5: EMPLOYMENT INQUIRIES

2.5.1. All requests for verification of employment status or dates of employment for employees or contracted persons shall be submitted to the president for review. The president may require that a request be submitted in writing, either to the president or to the board.

2.5.2. It is the policy of Temple Beth Shalom to confirm only employment status and the dates of employment for both current and former employees or contracted persons.

2.5.3. It is the policy of Temple Beth Shalom not to disclose information on salary, benefits, or reason for separation of any current or former employee or contracted person.

2.5.4. A prospective employee or contracted person may receive information on current or proposed salary or benefits for the prospective employee's or contracted person's position, at the discretion of the board. 2.5.5. Temple Beth Shalom will provide relevant statistical information upon request to the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) or affiliated organizations as part of any congregational survey on issues such as rabbinical, cantorial, or other salaries. Information provided shall not be identified with any specific person.

3.2R3: B'NAI MITZVAH OBSERVANCES:

3.2.1. Bar and bat mitzvah students are expected to be enrolled in our religious school and expected to finish their education with confirmation class. Instead of enrolling in our religious school, bar and bat mitzvah students may be enrolled in a Jewish day school satisfactory to the rabbi and the education director.

3.2.2. New members' children nearing bar and bat mitzvah age are expected to participate in our Hebrew school at the level of their ability. All students will be required to study Hebrew for a minimum of three years, or demonstrate a similar level of proficiency, regardless of age, in order to fulfill TBS requirements.

3.2.3. The member must be in good standing including being current with their financial obligations to TBS to be eligible for the b'nai mitzvah ceremony.

3.2.4. Ceremony dates will be chosen by the Rabbi and the family through a written request process no later than late winter of the child's sixth grade year. No dates will be confirmed unless the member is considered in good standing as noted in 3.2.3.

3.2.5. During the last year before their b'nai mitzvah ceremonies, students are required to attend at least one Shabbat service monthly, accompanied by a parent or guardian. There will be an attendance roster at each service. In addition b'nai mitvah children are expected to attend and complete the curriculum for confirmation.

3.2.6. Approximately six months before the ceremony, individual lessons will be scheduled with the Rabbi and/or the b'nai mitzvah trainer on a weekly basis. In addition to knowing the prayers, each student will prepare the Torah and Haftorah portion assigned to the Shabbat of his or her ceremony. Attendance is mandatory. For students whose ceremony dates are in the Fall, summer schedules will be accommodated as best as possible.

3.2.7. The family is expected to attend and participate in the Friday night service on the eve of the b'nai mitzvah ceremony.

3.2.8. All ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday morning at 10:30 am at Temple Beth Shalom. Any requests for change of venue or time must be made in written form to the ritual chair at least six months in advance.

3.2.9. Each ceremony will reflect the individual needs and circumstances of the student and family. Family members may participate as is appropriate and within the board guidelines. The Rabbi will review these with each family. The child's religious school classmates can serve as ushers for the service.

3.2.10. Each family is expected to provide a kiddish following services; challah, wine, and grape juice are customary. Appropriate provisions should be considered as all congregants have an open invitation to the service. Special receptions are at the discretion of the family.

3.2.11. Private, additional tutoring can be arranged for students at an additional cost to the parents.

3.2.12. It is expected that during b'nai mitzvah observances there will be at least one responsible adult in the balcony for every ten children there.

4.1R1.: RELIGIOUS SCHOOL GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY:

4.1.1. The primary goal of the TBS religious school is to provide a quality Jewish education to TBS member students from pre-kindergarten through confirmation.

4.1.2. The educational program will consist of both Judaic studies and Hebrew, developing a solid knowledge and understanding of the importance of both within each student.

4.1.3. Our philosophy is to develop in our students a strong sense of Jewish identity and pride by providing a religious school program focusing on Jewish history, ethics, culture, custom, texts, religion, and belief.

4.1.4. This Program is intended to be available to all children of temple members, regardless of individual needs. Where situations arise involving students with special needs, every effort will be made to create the best education plan possible for the student, as determined by the religious school director, the education committee chair, the teaching staff, the rabbi, and the parents.

4.2: HEBREW SCHOOL CURRICULUM:

4.2.1. The goal of the Hebrew school is to prepare students to be able to read, speak, and understand Hebrew sufficiently to be able to conduct and follow a religious service in a variety of congregational settings.

4.2.2. The Hebrew school program and curriculum will be developed and maintained by the religious school director.

4.2.3. Preliminary Hebrew instruction will be included during Sunday morning religious school for Grades K, 1, and 2.

4.2.4. For Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6, advanced Hebrew instruction will be provided; currently Hebrew instruction takes place on one weekday afternoon in addition to limited exposure during Sunday morning religious school.

4.2.5. The teachers will provide a written general checklist of each student's performance vs. requirements at mid-year for the parents.

4.2.6. Beginning with Grade 3, promotion to the next grade each year is subject to meeting or exceeding all of the appropriate grade-level requirements as measured by the teacher, with assistance from the education director.

4.2.7. The requirements will be determined by the religious school director, the teaching staff, and the education committee, as approved by the board, at the beginning of each school year.

4.2.8. Students transferring into the program after Grade 3 will be subject to evaluation by the religious school director as to proficiency in Hebrew relative to grade-level requirements.

4.2.9. Tutoring can be arranged for students at an additional cost to the parents.

4.3: RELIGIOUS SCHOOL STUDENT BEHAVIOR POLICY:

4.3.1. In support of the goals for the religious school stated in Policies 4.1 and 4.2, this student behavior policy is established. The goal of this policy is to promote behavior which is conducive to Jewish education at all times.

4.3.2. Temple Beth Shalom will support student behavior which is helpful to and cooperative with others, respectful of the rights and safety of others, and helps to resolve conflict. TBS will not support behavior which is in conflict with these aims.

4.3.3. Temple Beth Shalom will not tolerate disruption, harassment, theft, or willful property damage by any student which occurs during religious school or at facilities used for religious school.

4.3.4. Disruption includes, but is not limited to the failure to follow any classroom rule, the failure to obey any directive from the education director, a teacher, or any person in authority, or any action or inaction that unreasonably interferes with the education of any student or with any class program.

4.3.5. Harassment includes, but is not limited to fighting, verbal or physical threats against any person, any physical touching or threat to touch which the offender knows to be offensive or which a reasonable person would find offensive, sexual harassment, or conduct creating or tending to create a hostile environment for any person because of race, gender, national origin, or physical ability.

4.3.6. Theft includes, but is not limited to any intentional taking of property that does not belong to the offender without the consent of the owner.

4.3.7. Willful property damage includes, but is not limited to any intentional damage to or destruction or alteration of property that does not belong to the offender without the consent of the owner.

4.3.8. Any disruption by any student will result in an immediate warning by the teacher or other person in authority. In the discretion of the teacher or other person in authority, or without exception on the second instance, the offender will be referred to the education director.

4.3.9. The educational director shall take such action as the education director believes to be appropriate under the circumstances. As a guide for parents and not as a limit on the authority of the education director, the following actions are likely to occur: On the first referral, the education director will place a telephone call to the parents. On the second referral, the parents will be required to meet with the education director. The offender will be suspended from the religious school until this meeting occurs. On the third referral, the offender will be suspended indefinitely from the religious school.

4.3.10. Any harassment, theft, or willful property destruction will result in the immediate referral of the offender to the education director. As a guide for parents and not as a limit on the authority of the education director, the offender will typically be suspended indefinitely from the religious school.

4.3.11. The parents of each student shall fully reimburse TBS for any theft or willful property damage caused by the student. The parents of any student who engages in harassment, theft, or willful property damage shall indemnify and defend TBS against any claim of any third party resulting from the harassment, theft, or willful property damage.

4.3.12. At the discretion of the educational director, parents of any student may be required to attend periodic meetings to discuss the student's behavior. This will typically occur where the student or the parent has a history of trouble. The failure of a parent to attend a meeting will result in the suspension of the student.

4.3.13. The education director will compile a list of referrals for specialized services such as mental health, special education, and counseling. This list will be available to parents upon their request. TBS will not be responsible for paying for such services but may require their satisfactory completion as a condition of a student's return to religious school. The list will indicate that TBS does not recommend, prefer, or endorse the list of providers or any specific provider listed. The list is merely informational.

4.3.14. If a student's parents fail to pay for theft or willful property damage or fail to indemnify TBS against any claim of any third party, the student will not be eligible for further religious school or b'nai mitzvah.

4.3.15. Any student suspended from religious school will be ineligible for bar or bat mitzvah unless and until the religious schooling requirements have been completed by private tutor or otherwise, to the satisfaction of the education director, rabbi, and bar and bat mitzvah trainer, and the discretion of the board.

4.4: RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY

4.4.1. In support of the goals of the TBS religious school stated in Policies 4.1 and 4.2 and particularly to provide a quality Jewish education to TBS member students, this student attendance policy is established.

4.4.2. Except where a student has been excused by the rabbi or the education director, enrollment in our religious school requires regular attendance and participation in coursework. See Policy 3.2.1 [concerning Jewish day school as an exemption to enrollment].

4.4.3. Students are expected to keep pace with the curriculum taught in the TBS religious school, regardless of any excused or unexcused absences.

4.4.4. An excused absence is a missed day or partial day from the TBS religious school which occurs with the prior written consent of the educational director. All other absences are unexcused absences, even if they are beyond the control of the student or the student's parents. In special circumstances such as extended illness, the education director at her discretion may consider otherwise unexcused absences to be excused absences.

4.4.5. A student who has three or more unexcused absences will generally be expected to perform makeup work to enable the student to keep pace with the other students in his or her grade. This makeup work may consist of extra written assignments, private tutoring at the parents' expense, or another suitable means of enhancing the student's performance. The nature and extent of makeup work to be performed will be determined at the discretion of the educational director. See Policy 4.4.3.

4.4.6. An absence resulting from the student's participation in sports will generally be considered an unexcused absence. Parents are expected to prioritize their children's religious education. See Policy 4.4.3.

4.4.7. All parties should keep in mind that the purpose of this policy is to facilitate the religious education of TBS member students by keeping them in class and on pace with the curriculum. This policy was not designed to determine fault for unexcused absences. Excessive absences are likely to interfere with a student's religious education regardless of why the absences have occurred. Absences should be avoided whenever possible.

6.1R1: CHARITABLE FUND GIFTS:

6.1.1. The board shall determine the number and utilization of funds.

6.1.2. The current TBS Funds are listed below:

6.1.2.1. Education Director's Discretionary Fund - For special projects deemed necessary by the education director and approved by the board.
6.1.2.2. Floral and Fruit Fund - To provide flowers or fruit baskets in honor of a birth or simcha or in the unfortunate case of illness or loss.
6.1.2.3. Fund for the Future - To expand services and/or purchase temple land and/or a building.
6.1.2.4. General Fund - For projects deemed necessary by the board.
6.1.2.5. Mary Krupp Fund - To fund formal and informal youth group activities, children's trips to Israel, and children's attendance in Jewish-affiliated camps for member families in need, as approved by the board.
6.1.2.6. Prayer Book Fund - To purchase various prayer books, as determined necessary by the board, or a specific prayer book which may be inscribed, "in honor (memoriam) of ____", etc. Updated costs are available from the ritual chair or the treasurer.
6.1.2.7. Rabbi's Discretionary Fund - For special projects and occasions deemed necessary by the Rabbi; funds are controlled by the Rabbi.
6.1.2.8. Evelyn Weinberger/Keren Or Fund - To purchase Jewish artwork, religious items, and furnishings for a future temple building.
6.1.2.9. Social Action Fund - To provide for social action programs, including support of Holocaust victims, and resettling Russian Jews.
6.1.2.10. Betsy Rosenwasser Caring Heart Fund - In memory of Betsy, this fund will support a committee that will serve as the "heart" of our temple. To offer strength and help our members in time of need- be it illness, death or other challenges.
6.1.2.11. Michael Rapport Memorial Fund - To provide for adult learning needs. To fund guest speakers to our congregation and support individual members, teachers, and staff as they seek to deepen their Jewish knowledge through courses and conferences.
6.1.2.12. Cyrille Y. Mass Memorial Fund - To fund well-known rabbis, cantors, and educators for special lectures or as a scholar in residence.

6.2R1: FUNDS PROCESS FLOW:

6.2.1. Charitable gifts shall be directed to Temple Beth Shalom Funds at the temple address.

6.2.2. Contributions and donations may certainly be anonymously donated.

6.2.3. For recognition in the Megillah, donors need to provide their name and address.

6.2.4. For gifts of $250 or greater, a thank you note is sent on behalf of the congregation by the secretary, the funds chair, or the president.

6.2.5. Donors should designate the appropriate fund(s) including occasion; also if a note is to be sent for a gift or memoriam, the name and address is required.

6.2.6. Charitable gift forms will be made available for all members via the quarterly dues statement and/or the Megillah.

6.2.7. The treasurer/bookkeeper will be responsible for retrieving the donation from the PO Box, applying the funds accordingly, and providing the donor information (form) to the funds chair at the next board meeting.

6.2.8. The funds chair is responsible for ensuring fund donations are provided to the Treasurer, donor's information to the Megillah (if not anonymous), a note to the recipient, and, as appropriate, a thank you note to the donor.

6.2.9. The funds chair shall achieve closure on the above-noted tasks within 30 days of the temple's receipt of the charitable gift.

6.2.10. If a gift is designated for a specific TBS fund, it shall be given to that fund. All undesignated gifts shall be given to the general fund unless the board decides otherwise.

6.3R1: USE OF FUNDS FOR CAMP SEASON:

6.3.1. Each year the board will determine whether funds will be made available for members in good standing to attend board-approved Jewish-affiliated camps.

6.3.2. Announcements will be made in the Megillah for potential funds available for members' children.

6.3.3. Applications for funds must be submitted by April 30 of the same year, or any other date determined by the board. Late applications will typically be denied because of the commitment of available funds to other members.

6.3.4. In considering applications, the board will consider the availability of TBS funds, the TBS budget, the financial need of the applicant and the applicant's family, the needs of other applicants, the applicant's ability to obtain funds from other sources, and any other factor the board wishes to consider.

6.3.5. The treasurer will review timely applications, considering the factors stated above, and present a recommendation to the board on the use of funds.

6.3.6. The board will establish the maximum per child, typically less than $1,000 for each season, depending upon the factors stated above.

6.3.7. The support dollars must not exceed 50% of the individual's expense for the camp.

6.3.8. The individuals receiving the support will receive written notification from TBS.

6.3.9. Applications will be denied if the applicant or the applicant's family is not current with dues and all other TBS obligations.

6.3.10. Payment will typically be made by check co-payable to the board and the applicant's member parent or parents.

6.3.11. Any decision by the board on the use of funds will be final.

6.4: ACQUISITION OF ARTWORK, JUDAICA, AND OTHER DECORATIVE OR CEREMONIAL OBJECTS:

Members and friends of Temple Beth Shalom who have items they wish to donate to the temple present the temple's leadership with both opportunities and challenges. Although such offers are generous and those making them must be acknowledged for their thoughtfulness, care should be used when accepting these offers. Receiving a donated object implies that certain responsibilities to that item will be met‹ that it will be properly catalogued, conserved (if needed), and stored or presented.

All potential donations should be proffered to the major gifts chair, who can then present the item(s) to a gifts committee. The committee will be composed of the gifts chair, the temple president, the rabbi, and two other board members to be chosen annually. The committee can meet as needed; the volume of past donations suggests that two meetings each year should be sufficient.

Before taking on this responsibility and the costs that may go with accepting a new object, the gifts committee should use the following criteria to determine whether to accept it.

1. The item should be relevant to the purposes and activities of Temple Beth Shalom; that is, it should have a Judaic content or function and prove useful to the temple's duties to serve its congregation and preserve Jewish heritage.

2. The item must be accompanied by valid legal title with no restrictions or conditions, except those that are deemed acceptable by the committee. The temple will retain the right to sell or dispose of those items at some future point, if it is determined to be necessary by the committee.

3. Any items accepted should be of very high quality, as determined by someone with expertise in that area. (If necessary, an outside expert can be consulted.)

4. The donor should provide an appraisal of the item's value for tax purposes. Exceptions to this rule may be made as necessary.

A written and computer record of all items in the temple's collection should be maintained. All items in the collection can be numbered in a way that will indicate both the year in which they entered the collection and the order in which they entered in that year. For example, the first item accessioned in 1999 would be assigned the number 1999:01. This number should appear somewhere on the item itself, as well as in the record.

Once accessioned, these items will be regarded as the property of Temple Beth Shalom, not of any individual member or employee. They are not to be used for anyone's private purpose, but rather, purely for the benefit of the temple and its collective membership.