January 2024

Motion

That the congregation approve the space-sharing agreement negotiated between First Church UU and Congregation Nehar Shalom, allowing them to make this their long-term home.

History

In May 2021 the Standing Committee (now known as the Governing Board) approved the rental of space in our building to Congregation Nehar Shalom. This Jewish community had a history of cordial relationship with First Church, highlighted by the warm friendship between the late Rev. Terry Burke, and Rabbi Victor Reinstein, the founder of Congregation Nehar Shalom. For many years they met in the rabbi’s home. Following the retirement of the rabbi and in light of their growth the need for a larger space became a pressing concern. For the past 2 ½ years Nehar Shalom has rented space in our Parish Hall in which they can hold services on alternating Friday nights or Saturday mornings as well as the High Holidays in the fall.

What led us to this?

Last year, during our discussion with leaders of Nehar Shalom about the Capital Campaign, interest was expressed to us regarding the possibility of making First Church their permanent home. They have come to appreciate the warmth with which they have been welcomed, and the support of First Church members during a time of increasing fear and tension in the Jewish community. After securing the approval of the Governing Board on April 20, 2023, a team was assembled to conduct discussions with Nehar Shalom, and to negotiate the terms of a sharing agreement. This team consisted of Rev. Elizabeth, Andrea Clardy, Robert Amelio and Dennis O’Brien. Over the next seven months we met with their team, made up of Rabbi Leora, Adina Koch (President) and Howard Katz (Treasurer). Our discussions centered on our shared values, and the logistics involved in such an arrangement. We discussed what it would take for this building to feel like, and serve as their home, and how best to balance their needs with those of First Church going forward. Out of these meetings we have developed a proposal which we believe will strengthen both our communities in the years ahead. Both the Governing Board of First Church and the Board of Congregation Nehar Shalom have given their approval to this proposal.

Financial considerations

First Church needs to maintain our financial position, while Nehar Shalom would like to get away from the current “fee-for-service” structure of their agreement. In exchange for a flat rate annually for use of the building, their contribution to First Church will significantly increase. This rate will be revisited every year and adjusted to ensure that First Church remains adequately compensated for their usage.

What is changing?

• The Burke Room on the 2^nd floor would be converted to an office for Rabbi Leora, and for the exclusive use of Nehar Shalom. Impact on our rentals would be minimal as this room is rarely rented out. Before making this offer the committee sought the approval of Ellen MacGuire, Terry Burke’s widow and our long-time Music director. Given Terry’s close friendship with Rabbi Victor, and his support of the establishment of Congregation Nehar Shalom, this approval was gladly given.
• The Music Room in the basement is largely unused and has been so for many years. The proposed agreement designates up to one half of that space for storage for Nehar Shalom. Currently they store most of their supplies and materials in our sanctuary, in pews on the Eliot St. Side. This will enable them to move all of their belongings to the Music Room.
• Nehar Shalom will be authorized to use the stove in the kitchen.
• Nehar Shalom will be given permission, in consultation and agreement with First Church, to place a cabinet in either the Parish Hall or Dining Room in which to store and secure their Torah scrolls. First Church will assume no responsibility for damage to either the cabinet or the contents within.
• Nehar Shalom will be given permission, in consultation and agreement with First Church, to install signage outside the building to reflect their residence at First Church.

Dates of Agreement

• May 1 2024 through June 30 2025

Compensation

• Nehar Shalom is already one of the largest rental contributors to First Church. With this agreement their donation will more than double its present amount. This amount will be revisited yearly in the spring to ensure that it continues to adequately compensate First Church for their usage.
• Individual events such a bar-or-bat mitzvahs will continue to be rented and paid for separately.

Scheduling

• Nehar Shalom shall have first preference for the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah).
• First Church shall have preference for Good Friday, Easter, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the Holiday Craft Fair.
• First Church and Nehar Shalom shall exchange their proposed calendar requests for the coming fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) by April 1. Any conflicts will be resolved by April 30.

Insurance

• The current contract requires Nehar Shalom to carry a top-grade Commercial Liability Insurance listing First Church as an additional insured. There will be no change to this stipulation.

Ownership Status

• Nehar Shalom will have no ownership of the building. First Church will continue to be fully owned by the Trust.