History of Palmach AZA

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1GNTxP Fresh thoughts, fresh view on the subject..!
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The first elections of Palmach took place at Adam Taylor’s house.  Members who attended the elections had already agreed to volunteer to join and help begin this new Atlanta chapter.  Jon Sadow (having already been elected 77th Atlanta Council Aleph Godol [2005-2006]) presided over the election alongside Kevin Mendel (2004-2005 Exodus Godol).  Sammy ran unopposed for Godol.  The S’gan election consisted of sophomores (served as juniors) Stuart Miller, Adam Taylor, and Michael Craig, with Stuart as the victor.  The Moreh election was between sophomore Ryan Trepte and freshman Jonathan Cohen.  Trepte’s cousin Sam Gruber read his speech for him in his absence.  Jonathan won.  Adam Taylor slid to Mazkir and was victorious there, and Michael Craig slid to Shaliach where he also won.  Jason Fleet beat out Josh Kirsh for the position of Gizbor.  Ryan Trepte, though still absent, was elected as the original Aleph Sopher, yet later declined the position and it was handed to freshman David Gorvy.  The first executive board of Palmach AZA was now finalized.
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The chapter name was thought up not too long after by Jon Sadow at AC LTI 2005.  Telling the guys that the Palmach was a special-ops unit of the Israeli army in the early days of the State, the new chapter adopted the name for the purpose of the weekend.  During the weekend, Sammy ran the first ever Palmach Good and Welfare.  It went as follows:
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 +
    1st Palmach AZA #Pending Good and Welfare
 +
    Leadership Training Institute 2005
 +
    Camp Ramah Darom
 +
    April 15, 2005
 +
 
 +
Members present: Sammy Shapiro, Stuart Miller, Jonathan Cohen, Adam Taylor, Michael Craig
 +
 
 +
Purpose: Have members speak about what they would like to see happen or make happen during the course of the 2005-2006 programming year
 +
 
 +
I. Michael Craig (Aleph Shaliach)
 +
a. Talks of having a headache at the time
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b. Jokes about his seizures
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c. Did not have fun during the course of the 2004-2005 year
 +
d. Likes the new chapter board
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e. Says we need good freshmen
 +
 
 +
 
 +
II. Adam Taylor (Aleph Mazkir)
 +
a. Wants to change the overall view of what the Mazkir position is, and wants to strive to be more than just what is expected of his position
 +
 
 +
 
 +
III. Jonathan Cohen (Aleph Moreh)
 +
a. Wants to “retent the hell out of the freshmen”
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b. Wants a good relationship with the freshmen
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c. Since we can no longer have a pool party for recruitment, a luau might be a fun idea
 +
d. Wants 20+ active freshmen
 +
 
 +
 
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IV. Stuart Miller (Aleph S’gan)
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a. Wants to wipe out Exodus
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b. Wants to become better than Exodus
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c. Says that other chapters may think we suck, so let’s not
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d. Hopes to have good programs
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 +
 
 +
 
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V. Sammy Shapiro (Aleph Godol)
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a. Says that the he likes the new board
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b. Says that we are unstoppable if we use TEAMWORK
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c. Says that everyone should know what’s going on in the chapter
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d. Tells of the plan to have chapter meetings on the first Sunday of every month
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e. Wants biweekly board meetings
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f. Important relationships include the Godol/ S’gan relationship and the S’gan/ Mazkir relationship
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g. Quotes Jon Sadow in saying you can never be doing too much.
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h. Claims that the chapter has a FIRE going and we can’t let it die down
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 +
 
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However, the name was not finalized until the first official board meeting held at Jonathan Cohen’s house on May 5, 2005.  The meeting went as follows:
 +
 
 +
1st Official Business Meeting of New Chapter AZA #Pending
 +
Jonathan Cohen’s House
 +
May 5, 2005
 +
 
 +
I. Opening Rituals- Meeting officially started: 7:56 PM
 +
II. Roll Call- 8:04
 +
a. Body: 3 present, 3 voting
 +
i. Jess Johanneson, Josh Kirsch, Joe Blum
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b. Executive Board:
 +
i. Aleph Godol Sammy Shapiro- 1 present, 1 voting
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1. Interesting Fact: “I am getting braces at 16 years old”
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ii. Aleph S’gan Stuart Miller- 1 present, 1 voting
 +
1. Interesting Fact: “I have nothing interesting to say”
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iii. Aleph Moreh Jonathan Cohen- 1 present, 1 voting
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1. Interesting Fact: “I watch TV there” (points to his own television)
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iv. Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor- 1 present, 1 voting
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1. Interesting Fact: “I am Aleph Bitch”
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v. Aleph Shaliach Michael Craig- 1 present, 1 voting
 +
1. Interesting Fact: “I don’t know my cell phone number”
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vi. Aleph Gizbor Jason Fleet- 1 present, 1 voting
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1. Interesting Fact: “That tapestry is cool” (points to tapestry on the wall)
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vii. Aleph Sopher David Gorvy- 1 present, 1 voting
 +
1. Interesting Fact: “I am Jewish”
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into reading of past minutes: Jonathan Cohen
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Second: Jason Fleet
 +
Call: Body
 +
Passes at 8:09 PM
 +
 
 +
III. Reading of Past Minutes
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a. Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor talks of what was discussed at the 1st board meeting
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IV. Old Business: 8:11 PM
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a. Chapter Elections- we now have a board
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b. LTI 2005- Michael Craig talks about the convention
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
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Motion to move into New Business: Jason Fleet
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Second: Michael Craig
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Call: Body
 +
Passes at 8:12 PM
 +
 
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V. New Business: 8:14 PM
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a. Extended Board- Adam Taylor reads off extended board positions available
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b. Program Recommendations
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i. Jess and Fleet laugh at my writing
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ii. Sweet Heart Court
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iii. Outdoor Laser Tag w/ another chapter
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iv. Tradition Shpeel
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v. Spoon Jousting- involves an eating utensil and a potato
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vi. Andretti
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vii. Braves Game
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viii. Six Flags
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ix. Long term community service- we go to the ghetto
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x. Bon fire
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xi. Choco-Shabbat
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xii. Overnight rafting trips (chapter convention)
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xiii. Rabbi Silverman
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xiv. Karaoke
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xv. Miss BBYO Pageant
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xvi. Chapter Video to show freshmen
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c. Discussion of Chapter Name
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i. Palmach- elite Jews with guns
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ii. Rabbi Harry Epstein
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iii. Golanim- Israeli tank force
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d. Discussion of colors
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i. Camouflage
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ii. Blue and maize
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iii. Green and white
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iv. UNC colors
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v. FSU colors
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vi. Adam’s shoes
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e. Discussion of Mascot
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i. Thirst
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ii. Kool-aid Man
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iii. Sour Patch Kid
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iv. Alfred E. Newman
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v. Hebrew Hammer
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f. Sweetheart court
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i. Jordan Brezel
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ii. Alison Hahn
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iii. Laura Galanti
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iv. Carly Migdall
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v. Arielle Kahn
 +
vi. Stacy Light
 +
(Call them and say congratulations)
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into Special Business: Stuart Miller
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Second: David Gorvy
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Call: Body
 +
Passes: 9:03
 +
 
 +
VI. Special Business
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a. Election of Chapter Name
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 +
Choices: Palmach, Golanim
 +
 
 +
Hand vote:
 +
Palmach: 6 votes  Winner
 +
Golanim: 4 votes
 +
 
 +
b. Election of Chapter Mascot
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 +
Choices: Kool-aid Man, Hebrew Hammer
 +
 
 +
Hand vote:
 +
Kool-aid Man: 9 votes  Winner
 +
Hebrew Hammer: 1 vote
 +
 
 +
c. Election of Chapter Colors
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 +
Choices: Michigan vs. Michigan State
 +
 
 +
Hand vote:
 +
Michigan: 3 votes
 +
Michigan State (green and white): 7 votes  Winner
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into Closing Rituals: Stuart Miller
 +
Second: Adam Taylor
 +
Call: Body
 +
Passes: 9:18
 +
 
 +
VII. Closing Rituals
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 +
Meeting officially ended: 9:20 PM
 +
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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With a name, mascot, and colors chosen, the guys were (almost) officially a chapter. Once summer had ended, it was time for recruitment.  Palmach’s first ever Recruitment Party was held at East Cobb Park with Agadah BBG.  77th Atlanta Council Aleph Godol Jon Sadow and 77th Atlanta Council Aleph S’gan Josh Balser attended the party to help get the new chapter off the ground.  More recruiting was done at the 2005 New Member Convention, where AJ Shapiro (Sammy’s younger brother) was named AIT (Aleph in Training) Representative (serving as an honorary liaison between the AITs and the Council Board).  Recruitment was officially over soon afterward and the results came in: Palmach had taken in the most freshmen in East Cobb with nearly 20.  On top of that, more older members joined, skyrocketing Palmach’s numbers to around 45.   
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Now Palmach was truly a chapter, and was ready to begin its first year.  The first real program was Initiation, held at Adam Taylor’s house.  The board met a few times beforehand to discuss this program, along with new advisors Jed Selkowitz and Brian Monk.  (The two were both 31 at the time and had grown up in AZA together.  They had much knowledge of the organization and it seemed that they were going to contribute.)  The board knew that anything that they did at the first Initiation would set the precedent for all future Initiations, so they had to make this one count.  By this time in Atlanta Council history, kidnapping had been disallowed for the first program of the year.  This had gone in effect the year before, and had helped to cause Exodus’ suspension for hazing, but that’s a whole different story.  So, the Palmach board took a different approach. 
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As the kids arrived at the Taylor’s house that night, they were welcomed by the older members and served pizza and snacks.  An icebreaker was done in which the AIT’s were put into pairs and chained to one another, and there was only one way to get out.  They were forced to work together to get free.  (This idea was given to the board by Cathy Miller, Stuart’s mom, who contributed her fair share of ideas to the chapter as many a board meeting was held in her living room.)  Next came the chapter meeting and the election of the AIT board, which (Sammy and Stuart had decided) would play a bigger role than previous AIT boards in other chapters.  The meeting went as follows:
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 +
    Official Business Meeting of Palmach AZA #Pending
 +
    Adam Taylor’s House
 +
    Palmach Initiation
 +
    September 24, 2005
 +
 
 +
I. Opening Rituals- 8:35
 +
a. Jason Fleet reads part of Shotare Kotone
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i. Red of Sammy’s hat
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ii. Blue of Michael Craig’s shirt
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iii. White of your shirt (?)
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 +
II. Roll Call- 8:42
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a. Body: 20 members
 +
i. Old Members: Jason Rogers, Jess Johanneson, Sam Gruber, Josh Kirsch, Doug Halpert, Steven Rudel
 +
ii. AITs: Daniel Yaniv, Chase Fain, AJ Shapiro, Johnny Kleinman, Jeremy Sheftel, Jared King, Sam Wetstone, Justin Waxman, Matt Stein, Daniel Mendel, Josh Lansky, Shane Ward, Adam Engelhard, David Lurie
 +
b. Executive Board: 6 members
 +
i. Aleph Godol Sammy Shapiro, Aleph Moreh Jonathan Cohen, Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor, Aleph Shaliach Michael Craig, Aleph Gizbor Jason Fleet, Aleph Sopher David Gorvy
 +
 
 +
Total Votes: 26
 +
Simple Majority: 14
 +
2/3 Majority: 17
 +
 
 +
III. Reading of Past Minutes- 8:51
 +
a. Adam takes his sweet time reading off basically everything he’s ever written at a chapter meeting
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into Old Business: Shane Ward
 +
Second: Michael Craig
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
IV. Old Business- 8:56
 +
a. Board members
 +
i. Describe board positions
 +
b. Mascot/ Colors
 +
i. Told the freshmen that our mascot is the Kool-Aid Man and our colors are green and white
 +
c. What is Palmach?
 +
i. Told the AITs what Palmach means and who we represent
 +
d. Recruitment Party
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i. AIT Johnny Kleinman talks about the event held at East Cobb Park
 +
e. New Member Convention
 +
i. AIT Shane Ward speaks about the convention.  It is announced that AIT AJ Shapiro was elected the AIT Representative at the convention
 +
f. Carly Migdall is officially presented to the chapter as our sweetheart
 +
g. Junior/ Senior flag football is cancelled
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into New Business: Jason Fleet
 +
Second: AIT Jared King
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
V. New Business
 +
a. AITs- got most in East Cobb with 15
 +
b. Upcoming Chapter Meeting on October 9th
 +
c. Upcoming Council Meeting also on October 9th
 +
d. Tailgating with Exodus on October 16th
 +
e. Program Recommendations from AITs
 +
i. Roller Disco (Chase Fain)
 +
ii. Chapter Convention
 +
iii. Madden Tourney
 +
iv. Ultimate Frisbee
 +
v. Dodgeball
 +
vi. Lock-in’s (with girls?)
 +
vii. Run a service at Etz Chaim
 +
f. AIT Board
 +
i. Sammy discusses what the different positions are that are available for AIT board.  Also explains that AIT board will actually be participating in executive board affairs
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into Special Business: Jason Fleet
 +
Second: Adam Taylor
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
VI. Special Business- 9:21
 +
a. Election of the AIT Godol
 +
i. Declared Candidates: AIT’s Shane Ward, Adam Engelhard, AJ Shapiro, Justin Waxman
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into nominations (serious only): Adam Taylor
 +
Second: AIT Daniel Yaniv
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
Nominations: Daniel Mendel (declines)
 +
 
 +
Sam Gruber, Steven Rudel, and Jason Fleet leave room with candidates.
 +
Total votes: 23
 +
Simple Majority: 12
 +
2/3 Majority: 15
 +
 
 +
Sammy leaves to count votes.  Jed Selkowitz assists.
 +
We have been unsuccessful.  The new choices are: Justin Waxman, AJ Shapiro
 +
 
 +
Sammy leaves again.
 +
We have been successful.  The AIT Godol is: AJ Shapiro
 +
 
 +
Jared Cohen walks in late.
 +
 
 +
b. Election of the AIT S’gan
 +
i. Declared Candidates: Chase Fain, Shane Ward, Adam Engelhard
 +
ii. Nominated Candidates: Justin Waxman (accepts), Daniel Mendel (accepts)
 +
 
 +
Gruber, Rudel, and Fleet leave again with candidates
 +
Total votes: 24
 +
Simple Majority: 13
 +
2/3 Majority: 16
 +
 
 +
Sammy, with new assistance from AIT counterpart (and little brother) AJ, leave to count votes.  Jed assists.
 +
We have been unsuccessful.  New candidates: Chase Fain, Justin Waxman
 +
 
 +
Sammy and AJ leave again.
 +
We have been successful.  The AIT S’gan is: Chase Fain
 +
 
 +
c. Election of the AIT Moreh
 +
i. Declared Candidates: none
 +
ii. Nominated Candidates: all decline except Justin Waxman
 +
 
 +
The AIT Moreh is: Justin Waxman
 +
 
 +
d. Election of the AIT Mazkir
 +
i. Declared Candidates: none
 +
ii. Nominated Candidates: all decline except Daniel Mendel
 +
 
 +
The AIT Mazkir is: Daniel Mendel
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 +
Michael Craig leaves the room.  Majorities down 1.
 +
 
 +
e. Election of the AIT Shaliach
 +
i. Declared Candidates: none
 +
ii. Nominated Candidates: all decline
 +
Sammy asks the AIT’s if anyone would like to volunteer.  Brian Monk talks to the AIT’s about stepping up to be leaders among their peers and future leaders of the chapter.
 +
 
 +
AIT Daniel Yaniv volunteers to be AIT Shaliach.
 +
 
 +
Michael Craig reenters room.  Majorities up 1.
 +
 
 +
f. Election of the AIT Gizbor
 +
i. Declared Candidates: Shane Ward, David Lurie
 +
ii. Nominated Candidates: all decline
 +
 
 +
Gruber, Rudel, and Jess leave with candidates.
 +
Total Votes: 24
 +
Simple Majority: 13
 +
2/3 Majority: 16
 +
 
 +
Sammy and AJ leave with Jed to count votes. 
 +
We have been successful.  The AIT Gizbor is: Shane Ward
 +
 
 +
VII. Closing Rituals- 10:25
 +
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 +
 
 +
Once the meeting had ended, the older members put in the movie The Last Castle for the AIT’s as they went upstairs to further discuss the events for the rest of the evening.  At around midnight, when Stuart arrived, it was time to begin initiation.  The older members stormed the basement, turned off the movie, and had all of the freshmen get up and walk out of the house.  They were marched in silence to the neighborhood pool parking lot where a series of team-building tasks was laid before them.  These included holding up buckets of water for extended periods of time, push-ups, throwing raisons at a team member who had peanut butter on his face, and a couple others as well.  In the middle of it all, one of the neighbors had heard the commotion and came to investigate.  However, Jed and Brian told him the situation, and he left us without a complaint.  Upon completing the tasks, the AIT’s were silently marched back to the Taylor’s house where they finished to movie and went to bed. 
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Southern Region Convention was held in November that year, along with the annual Region runoffs.  The competitions held were T-shirt design, Banner, Storytelling (the topic being What Passover Would Be Like If ________ Came To My Seder), Video making, and a formal speech.  Adam Taylor took it upon himself to not only make a banner, but a plaque as well, covered in camouflage tape with the words Palmach AZA Est. 2005 on it.  This plaque would come to be known as the Palmach Spirit Stick.  Sammy and Adam wrote the storytelling, which Sammy read aloud at runoffs.  Stuart would give the speech.  The video was made on the Thursday before SRC by Sammy, AJ Shapiro, Josh Kirsch, Michael Craig, Adam Taylor, and Stuart Miller.
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The results came in Sunday of the convention.  Palmach won 2nd place in the banner, 2nd place in the video, 1st place in the storytelling (using the Pilsbury Dough Boy as the person we would invite to Seder), and 1st place overall, winning Southern Region Runoffs in its first year of existence.  This was a huge confidence boost for the newly established chapter. 
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In December of that year, Palmach would hold its first ever chapter convention, caravanning to Stuart Miller’s lake house on Lake Lanier.  Though the weather was near freezing and the house had no heating system, the boys managed to have the time of their lives as they held a Five Fold program.  Community Service was done as the guys boxed up children’s books that Stuart had collected to be donated.  Socializing was done as the guys talked and ate and enjoyed themselves.  Athletics included wrestling (in the loft covered with mattresses) and bumper pool.  Judaism was included with a Havdalleh service led by Shaliach Michael Craig (using his very own Palmach Havdallah Service booklet).  Michael would also run an Education program as he brought up different worldly issues and discussed them with the chapter.  The main event of that night, however, was the AIT Induction ceremony, run by Aleph Moreh Jonathan Cohen.
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During the course of the Atlanta AZAA basketball league in 2005-2006, Palmach's A league team lost every game of the season. However, the boys made the most of it and still managed to enjoy themselves.
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The year rolled on with many more programs including Wing Dings and East Cobb night, inwhich the chapter bowled with the other East Cobb chapters, then spent the night at Daniel Mendel's house.  Sports-a-Rama Lock-in night was a huge success as well as the guys kidnapped a few freshmen, took them to Azoni's, then spent the night at Sports-a-Rama with a few other guys' chapters.
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In the spring, Atlanta Council Spring Convention (ACSC) was held, and with it came Council Board elections.  Palmach had more members caucus for Council Board than any other chapter: Sammy Shapiro (for Godol), Stuart Miller (for Shaliach), Michael Craig (for Shaliach), and Adam Taylor (for Gizbor). Sammy lost Council Godol, sliding to S'gan, Moreh, and Mazkir, and losing them all.  Stuart and Michael ran against each other for Council Shaliach; Stuart won, making him the first member of Palmach to be elected to Council Board.  Sammy would follow suit as he slid one last time to Council Gizbor and won.  With Shaun Lee as Godol and Daniel "Spud" Schwebber as S'gan, the new Council Board was comprised of four original [[Exodus AZA (SR-AC)|Exodites]].
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 +
Not long afterward, Palmach's second chapter board elections were held.  They went as follows:
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 +
Official Business Meeting of Palmach AZA #Applied
 +
Jonathan Cohen’s House
 +
April 23, 2006
 +
 
 +
'''Minutes taken by 1st Palmach Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor'''
 +
 
 +
'''1st Palmach Aleph Godol Sammy Shapiro presiding'''
 +
 
 +
I. Opening Rituals – 5:20 P.M.
 +
a. Alex Waxman reads part of Shotare Kotone
 +
 
 +
II. Roll Call:
 +
a. Body: 10 members
 +
i. Sam Wetstone, Jeremy Sheftel, Jared King, AJ Shapiro, Daniel Mendel, Daniel Yaniv, Justin Waxman, Alex Waxman, Shane Ward, Jonathan Kleinman
 +
b. Executive Board: 5 members
 +
ii. Aleph Godol Sammy Shapiro, Aleph S’gan Stuart Miller, Aleph Moreh Jonathan Cohen, Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor, Aleph Shaliach Michael Craig
 +
c. Guests: Honorary Chapter Sweetheart Carly Migdall, 78th Atlanta Council Aleph S’gan Spud Schwebber, 78th Atlanta Council Aleph Moreh Jake Moskowitz
 +
 
 +
Total: 15 members
 +
2/3 Majority: 10
 +
Simple Majority: 8
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into Old Business: Shane Ward
 +
Second: Daniel Yaniv
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
III. Old Business – 5:35
 +
a. Sports-a-Rama Lock-in
 +
• Jared King talks about the fun night and staying up all night playing the “most basketball he’s ever played”
 +
b. East Cobb Night
 +
• Shane Ward talks about bowling with the other East Cobb chapters and ripping a hole in his pants while playing
 +
c. ACSC
 +
• Daniel Mendel talks about having fun at the convention; mentions that Sammy Shapiro and Stuart Miller have been elected to Council Board
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into New Business: Justin Waxman
 +
Second: AJ Shapiro
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
IV. New Business – 5:40
 +
a. 8th Grade Recruitment
 +
• Jonathan Cohen tells us that we should be meeting kids over the summer and treating them well so that they will want to join Palmach.  Maybe kidnap kids before school is out.
 +
b. Chapter Convention w/ Exodus April 29th
 +
• Spud talks about the program with his chapter: “It’s gonna be really fun.  It’s at my house.  Far away.  In Alpharetta.”
 +
c. Election Procedure
 +
• Sammy explains how elections are going to work and how the process is done
 +
d. Godol-S’gan Motion / Moreh Motion
 +
• Sammy explains what these motions are and how we are going to vote on them
 +
 
 +
Motion to skip Special Business and move straight into Business from the Floor made at 5:49
 +
 
 +
V. Business from the Floor: 5:51
 +
 
 +
'''Godol/ S’gan Election Motion'''
 +
 
 +
Maker: 1st Palmach Godol Sammy Shapiro
 +
Second: 1st Palmach S’gan Stuart Miller
 +
 
 +
Whereas: The positions of Palmach Godol and Palmach S’gan are important leadership roles within the chapter and need to be taken seriously,
 +
 
 +
And
 +
 
 +
Whereas: The members who caucus for these positions have met deadlines, written speeches and have proven that they are ready and understand the responsibilities of these positions,
 +
 
 +
And
 +
 
 +
Whereas: Candidates who have been nominated off the floor for the positions of Godol and S’gan don’t necessarily understand those responsibilities,
 +
 
 +
Therefore,
 +
 
 +
Let it be constitutionally amended: That the positions of Palmach Godol and Palmach S’gan be available for aspiration only to members who caucus for the positions (or slide from Godol to S’gan).
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into a Question/ Answer: Justin Waxman at 5:52
 +
Second: AJ Shapiro
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
Body moves into a 3 minute Question/ Answer on the intent of the motion.
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into a hand vote: AJ Shapiro at 5:53
 +
Second: Jared King
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
Hand Vote
 +
15 For
 +
0 Against
 +
 
 +
Motion clearly passes!
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Palmach AZA Moreh Amendment'''
 +
 
 +
Maker: 1st Palmach Godol Sammy Shapiro
 +
Second: 1st Palmach Mazkir Adam Taylor
 +
 
 +
Whereas: One of the Palmach Aleph Moreh’s major responsibilities is recruitment,
 +
 
 +
And
 +
 
 +
Whereas: The East Cobb area contains many different schools from which to recruit members, making it difficult for a single Moreh to reach out to all prospective AIT’s,
 +
 
 +
And
 +
 
 +
Whereas: Having two members at the position of Aleph Moreh would allow for a wider span of recruitment within the area,
 +
 
 +
Therefore,
 +
 
 +
Let it be constitutionally amended: That Palmach AZA shall from here on have two Alephs be elected for the position of Aleph Moreh, each one receiving a focus area/school(1) for which to recruit in, and sharing all other the responsibilities of the Moreh position.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Footnotes
 +
(1) – A focus area/school will become the area or school in which each Moreh will be recruiting in (i.e.: one Moreh will recruit for Walton, the other for Pope.)  Doing this will allow for a much easier recruitment process.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into a Question/ Answer: Stuart Miller at 5:54
 +
Second: Daniel Yaniv
 +
Call: Body
 +
Dissent: Justin Waxman asks if it is really necessary that we do a Question/ Answer.  We say Yes and that’s the end of that.
 +
 
 +
Dissent withdrawn.
 +
 
 +
Body moves into a 3 minute Question/ Answer on the intent of the motion.
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into a hand vote: Michael Craig at 5:58
 +
Second: Daniel Yaniv
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
Hand Vote: Motion clearly passes!
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Motion to move back into Special Business:
 +
Second:
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
Motion to table elections until after dinner:
 +
Second:
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
Motion to move back into Special Business: Michael Craig at 6:11
 +
Second: Jonathan Kleinman
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
VI. Special Business – 6:12
 +
a. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Godol
 +
i. Declared Candidates: Adam Taylor, AJ Shapiro, Michael Craig
 +
ii. Nominations: (No nominations due to motion)
 +
 
 +
AJ gives his speech (5 minutes to speak)
 +
Michael gives his speech (5 minutes to speak)
 +
Adam gives his speech (5 minutes to speak)
 +
 
 +
Sammy leaves to count votes.
 +
1st Cast:
 +
We have been unsuccessful.
 +
The new choices are: Adam Taylor, AJ Shapiro
 +
 
 +
2nd Cast:
 +
We have been successful.
 +
The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Godol is: Adam Taylor
 +
 
 +
Justin Waxman, Alex Waxman, and Jeremy Sheftel leave.
 +
Total: 12
 +
2/3 Majority: 8
 +
Simple Majority: 7
 +
 
 +
b. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph S’gan
 +
i. Declared Candidates: Shane Ward, Daniel Mendel
 +
ii. Nominations (sliding candidates only): AJ Shapiro (accepts), Michael Craig (accepts)
 +
 
 +
AJ talks (1 min.)
 +
Michael talks (1 min.)
 +
Shane gives speech (4 min.)
 +
Daniel gives speech (4 min.)
 +
 
 +
Sammy and Adam leave to count votes.
 +
 
 +
1st Cast
 +
We have been successful.
 +
The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph S’gan is: AJ Shapiro
 +
 
 +
c. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Morim
 +
i. Declared Candidates: Jonathan Cohen (incumbent), Jared King
 +
ii. Nominations: Michael Craig (accepts), Shane Ward (accepts), Daniel Mendel (declines)
 +
 
 +
Shane talks (1 min.)
 +
Michael talks (1 min.)
 +
Jared gives his speech (4 min.)
 +
Jonathan gives his speech (4 min.)
 +
 
 +
Sammy and Adam leave to count votes.
 +
 
 +
1st Cast
 +
We have been successful.
 +
The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Moreh(1) is: Jonathan Cohen
 +
 
 +
Shane Ward declines his candidacy.
 +
 
 +
Questions to ask for position of Moreh(2):
 +
 
 +
-What are your ideas for a recruitment party? (Stuart)
 +
-What will you be doing THIS WEEK to recruit 8th graders? (Adam)
 +
 
 +
Michael answers questions (30 sec. for each question)
 +
Jared answers questions (30 sec. for each question)
 +
2nd Cast:
 +
We have been successful.
 +
The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Moreh(2) is: Jared King
 +
 
 +
d. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Mazkir
 +
i. Declared Candidates: None
 +
ii. Nominations: Michael Craig (declines), Shane Ward (accepts), Daniel Mendel (accepts)
 +
 
 +
Shane talks (1 min.)
 +
Daniel talks (1 min.)
 +
 
 +
Sammy and Adam leave to count votes.
 +
 
 +
1st Cast
 +
We have been successful.
 +
The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Mazkir is: Daniel Mendel
 +
 
 +
e. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Shaliach
 +
i. Declared Candidates: Adam Engelhard (speech read by Stuart Miller in Engelhard’s absence)
 +
ii. Nominations: Michael Craig (incumbent) (accepts), Daniel Yaniv (declines) Shane Ward (accepts)
 +
 
 +
Michael talks (1 min.)
 +
Shane talks (1 min.)
 +
Stuart reads Adam’s speech (3 min.)
 +
 
 +
Because Stuart leaves room with other candidates, he cannot vote in Shaliach election.
 +
Voting totals down 1.
 +
 
 +
Sammy and Adam leave to count votes.
 +
 
 +
1st Cast
 +
We have been successful
 +
The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Shaliach is: Michael Craig
 +
 
 +
f. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Gizbor
 +
i. Declared Candidates: Jonathan Kleinman
 +
ii. Nominations: Shane Ward (declines), Daniel Yaniv (declines), Sam Wetstone (declines)
 +
 
 +
Call for acclamation to accept Johnny Kleinman as the 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Gizbor
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Sam Wetstone leaves
 +
Total: 11
 +
2/3 Majority: 7
 +
Simple Majority: 6
 +
 
 +
g. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Sopher
 +
i. Declared Candidates: None
 +
ii. Nominations: Shane Ward (accepts), Daniel Yaniv (declines)
 +
 
 +
Call for acclamation to accept Shane Ward as the 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Sopher
 +
 
 +
Motion to move into Closing Rituals:
 +
Second:
 +
Call: Body
 +
 
 +
VII. Closing Rituals – 8:14
 +
• Meeting officially ended at: 8:17
 +
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Current revision as of 02:33, 2 October 2011

The first elections of Palmach took place at Adam Taylor’s house. Members who attended the elections had already agreed to volunteer to join and help begin this new Atlanta chapter. Jon Sadow (having already been elected 77th Atlanta Council Aleph Godol [2005-2006]) presided over the election alongside Kevin Mendel (2004-2005 Exodus Godol). Sammy ran unopposed for Godol. The S’gan election consisted of sophomores (served as juniors) Stuart Miller, Adam Taylor, and Michael Craig, with Stuart as the victor. The Moreh election was between sophomore Ryan Trepte and freshman Jonathan Cohen. Trepte’s cousin Sam Gruber read his speech for him in his absence. Jonathan won. Adam Taylor slid to Mazkir and was victorious there, and Michael Craig slid to Shaliach where he also won. Jason Fleet beat out Josh Kirsh for the position of Gizbor. Ryan Trepte, though still absent, was elected as the original Aleph Sopher, yet later declined the position and it was handed to freshman David Gorvy. The first executive board of Palmach AZA was now finalized.

The chapter name was thought up not too long after by Jon Sadow at AC LTI 2005. Telling the guys that the Palmach was a special-ops unit of the Israeli army in the early days of the State, the new chapter adopted the name for the purpose of the weekend. During the weekend, Sammy ran the first ever Palmach Good and Welfare. It went as follows: 

   1st Palmach AZA #Pending Good and Welfare
   Leadership Training Institute 2005
   Camp Ramah Darom
   April 15, 2005

Members present: Sammy Shapiro, Stuart Miller, Jonathan Cohen, Adam Taylor, Michael Craig

Purpose: Have members speak about what they would like to see happen or make happen during the course of the 2005-2006 programming year

I. Michael Craig (Aleph Shaliach) a. Talks of having a headache at the time b. Jokes about his seizures c. Did not have fun during the course of the 2004-2005 year d. Likes the new chapter board e. Says we need good freshmen


II. Adam Taylor (Aleph Mazkir) a. Wants to change the overall view of what the Mazkir position is, and wants to strive to be more than just what is expected of his position


III. Jonathan Cohen (Aleph Moreh) a. Wants to “retent the hell out of the freshmen” b. Wants a good relationship with the freshmen c. Since we can no longer have a pool party for recruitment, a luau might be a fun idea d. Wants 20+ active freshmen


IV. Stuart Miller (Aleph S’gan) a. Wants to wipe out Exodus b. Wants to become better than Exodus c. Says that other chapters may think we suck, so let’s not d. Hopes to have good programs


V. Sammy Shapiro (Aleph Godol) a. Says that the he likes the new board b. Says that we are unstoppable if we use TEAMWORK c. Says that everyone should know what’s going on in the chapter d. Tells of the plan to have chapter meetings on the first Sunday of every month e. Wants biweekly board meetings f. Important relationships include the Godol/ S’gan relationship and the S’gan/ Mazkir relationship g. Quotes Jon Sadow in saying you can never be doing too much. h. Claims that the chapter has a FIRE going and we can’t let it die down ___________________________________________________________________________________________________


However, the name was not finalized until the first official board meeting held at Jonathan Cohen’s house on May 5, 2005. The meeting went as follows: 

1st Official Business Meeting of New Chapter AZA #Pending
Jonathan Cohen’s House
May 5, 2005

I. Opening Rituals- Meeting officially started: 7:56 PM II. Roll Call- 8:04 a. Body: 3 present, 3 voting i. Jess Johanneson, Josh Kirsch, Joe Blum b. Executive Board: i. Aleph Godol Sammy Shapiro- 1 present, 1 voting 1. Interesting Fact: “I am getting braces at 16 years old” ii. Aleph S’gan Stuart Miller- 1 present, 1 voting 1. Interesting Fact: “I have nothing interesting to say” iii. Aleph Moreh Jonathan Cohen- 1 present, 1 voting 1. Interesting Fact: “I watch TV there” (points to his own television) iv. Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor- 1 present, 1 voting 1. Interesting Fact: “I am Aleph Bitch” v. Aleph Shaliach Michael Craig- 1 present, 1 voting 1. Interesting Fact: “I don’t know my cell phone number” vi. Aleph Gizbor Jason Fleet- 1 present, 1 voting 1. Interesting Fact: “That tapestry is cool” (points to tapestry on the wall) vii. Aleph Sopher David Gorvy- 1 present, 1 voting 1. Interesting Fact: “I am Jewish”

Motion to move into reading of past minutes: Jonathan Cohen Second: Jason Fleet Call: Body Passes at 8:09 PM

III. Reading of Past Minutes a. Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor talks of what was discussed at the 1st board meeting IV. Old Business: 8:11 PM a. Chapter Elections- we now have a board b. LTI 2005- Michael Craig talks about the convention


Motion to move into New Business: Jason Fleet Second: Michael Craig Call: Body Passes at 8:12 PM

V. New Business: 8:14 PM a. Extended Board- Adam Taylor reads off extended board positions available b. Program Recommendations i. Jess and Fleet laugh at my writing ii. Sweet Heart Court iii. Outdoor Laser Tag w/ another chapter iv. Tradition Shpeel v. Spoon Jousting- involves an eating utensil and a potato vi. Andretti vii. Braves Game viii. Six Flags ix. Long term community service- we go to the ghetto x. Bon fire xi. Choco-Shabbat xii. Overnight rafting trips (chapter convention) xiii. Rabbi Silverman xiv. Karaoke xv. Miss BBYO Pageant xvi. Chapter Video to show freshmen c. Discussion of Chapter Name i. Palmach- elite Jews with guns ii. Rabbi Harry Epstein iii. Golanim- Israeli tank force d. Discussion of colors i. Camouflage ii. Blue and maize iii. Green and white iv. UNC colors v. FSU colors vi. Adam’s shoes e. Discussion of Mascot i. Thirst ii. Kool-aid Man iii. Sour Patch Kid iv. Alfred E. Newman v. Hebrew Hammer f. Sweetheart court i. Jordan Brezel ii. Alison Hahn iii. Laura Galanti iv. Carly Migdall v. Arielle Kahn vi. Stacy Light (Call them and say congratulations)


Motion to move into Special Business: Stuart Miller Second: David Gorvy Call: Body Passes: 9:03

VI. Special Business a. Election of Chapter Name

Choices: Palmach, Golanim

Hand vote: Palmach: 6 votes Winner Golanim: 4 votes

b. Election of Chapter Mascot

Choices: Kool-aid Man, Hebrew Hammer

Hand vote: Kool-aid Man: 9 votes Winner Hebrew Hammer: 1 vote

c. Election of Chapter Colors

Choices: Michigan vs. Michigan State

Hand vote: Michigan: 3 votes Michigan State (green and white): 7 votes Winner

Motion to move into Closing Rituals: Stuart Miller Second: Adam Taylor Call: Body Passes: 9:18

VII. Closing Rituals

Meeting officially ended: 9:20 PM ___________________________________________________________________________________________________


With a name, mascot, and colors chosen, the guys were (almost) officially a chapter. Once summer had ended, it was time for recruitment. Palmach’s first ever Recruitment Party was held at East Cobb Park with Agadah BBG. 77th Atlanta Council Aleph Godol Jon Sadow and 77th Atlanta Council Aleph S’gan Josh Balser attended the party to help get the new chapter off the ground. More recruiting was done at the 2005 New Member Convention, where AJ Shapiro (Sammy’s younger brother) was named AIT (Aleph in Training) Representative (serving as an honorary liaison between the AITs and the Council Board). Recruitment was officially over soon afterward and the results came in: Palmach had taken in the most freshmen in East Cobb with nearly 20. On top of that, more older members joined, skyrocketing Palmach’s numbers to around 45.

Now Palmach was truly a chapter, and was ready to begin its first year. The first real program was Initiation, held at Adam Taylor’s house. The board met a few times beforehand to discuss this program, along with new advisors Jed Selkowitz and Brian Monk. (The two were both 31 at the time and had grown up in AZA together. They had much knowledge of the organization and it seemed that they were going to contribute.) The board knew that anything that they did at the first Initiation would set the precedent for all future Initiations, so they had to make this one count. By this time in Atlanta Council history, kidnapping had been disallowed for the first program of the year. This had gone in effect the year before, and had helped to cause Exodus’ suspension for hazing, but that’s a whole different story. So, the Palmach board took a different approach.

As the kids arrived at the Taylor’s house that night, they were welcomed by the older members and served pizza and snacks. An icebreaker was done in which the AIT’s were put into pairs and chained to one another, and there was only one way to get out. They were forced to work together to get free. (This idea was given to the board by Cathy Miller, Stuart’s mom, who contributed her fair share of ideas to the chapter as many a board meeting was held in her living room.) Next came the chapter meeting and the election of the AIT board, which (Sammy and Stuart had decided) would play a bigger role than previous AIT boards in other chapters. The meeting went as follows: 


   Official Business Meeting of Palmach AZA #Pending
   Adam Taylor’s House
   Palmach Initiation 
   September 24, 2005

I. Opening Rituals- 8:35 a. Jason Fleet reads part of Shotare Kotone i. Red of Sammy’s hat ii. Blue of Michael Craig’s shirt iii. White of your shirt (?)

II. Roll Call- 8:42 a. Body: 20 members i. Old Members: Jason Rogers, Jess Johanneson, Sam Gruber, Josh Kirsch, Doug Halpert, Steven Rudel ii. AITs: Daniel Yaniv, Chase Fain, AJ Shapiro, Johnny Kleinman, Jeremy Sheftel, Jared King, Sam Wetstone, Justin Waxman, Matt Stein, Daniel Mendel, Josh Lansky, Shane Ward, Adam Engelhard, David Lurie b. Executive Board: 6 members i. Aleph Godol Sammy Shapiro, Aleph Moreh Jonathan Cohen, Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor, Aleph Shaliach Michael Craig, Aleph Gizbor Jason Fleet, Aleph Sopher David Gorvy

Total Votes: 26 Simple Majority: 14 2/3 Majority: 17

III. Reading of Past Minutes- 8:51 a. Adam takes his sweet time reading off basically everything he’s ever written at a chapter meeting

Motion to move into Old Business: Shane Ward Second: Michael Craig Call: Body

IV. Old Business- 8:56 a. Board members i. Describe board positions b. Mascot/ Colors i. Told the freshmen that our mascot is the Kool-Aid Man and our colors are green and white c. What is Palmach? i. Told the AITs what Palmach means and who we represent d. Recruitment Party i. AIT Johnny Kleinman talks about the event held at East Cobb Park e. New Member Convention i. AIT Shane Ward speaks about the convention. It is announced that AIT AJ Shapiro was elected the AIT Representative at the convention f. Carly Migdall is officially presented to the chapter as our sweetheart g. Junior/ Senior flag football is cancelled

Motion to move into New Business: Jason Fleet Second: AIT Jared King Call: Body

V. New Business a. AITs- got most in East Cobb with 15 b. Upcoming Chapter Meeting on October 9th c. Upcoming Council Meeting also on October 9th d. Tailgating with Exodus on October 16th e. Program Recommendations from AITs i. Roller Disco (Chase Fain) ii. Chapter Convention iii. Madden Tourney iv. Ultimate Frisbee v. Dodgeball vi. Lock-in’s (with girls?) vii. Run a service at Etz Chaim f. AIT Board i. Sammy discusses what the different positions are that are available for AIT board. Also explains that AIT board will actually be participating in executive board affairs

Motion to move into Special Business: Jason Fleet Second: Adam Taylor Call: Body

VI. Special Business- 9:21 a. Election of the AIT Godol i. Declared Candidates: AIT’s Shane Ward, Adam Engelhard, AJ Shapiro, Justin Waxman

Motion to move into nominations (serious only): Adam Taylor Second: AIT Daniel Yaniv Call: Body

Nominations: Daniel Mendel (declines)

Sam Gruber, Steven Rudel, and Jason Fleet leave room with candidates. Total votes: 23 Simple Majority: 12 2/3 Majority: 15

Sammy leaves to count votes. Jed Selkowitz assists. We have been unsuccessful. The new choices are: Justin Waxman, AJ Shapiro

Sammy leaves again. We have been successful. The AIT Godol is: AJ Shapiro

Jared Cohen walks in late.

b. Election of the AIT S’gan i. Declared Candidates: Chase Fain, Shane Ward, Adam Engelhard ii. Nominated Candidates: Justin Waxman (accepts), Daniel Mendel (accepts)

Gruber, Rudel, and Fleet leave again with candidates Total votes: 24 Simple Majority: 13 2/3 Majority: 16

Sammy, with new assistance from AIT counterpart (and little brother) AJ, leave to count votes. Jed assists. We have been unsuccessful. New candidates: Chase Fain, Justin Waxman

Sammy and AJ leave again. We have been successful. The AIT S’gan is: Chase Fain

c. Election of the AIT Moreh i. Declared Candidates: none ii. Nominated Candidates: all decline except Justin Waxman

The AIT Moreh is: Justin Waxman

d. Election of the AIT Mazkir i. Declared Candidates: none ii. Nominated Candidates: all decline except Daniel Mendel

The AIT Mazkir is: Daniel Mendel

Michael Craig leaves the room. Majorities down 1.

e. Election of the AIT Shaliach i. Declared Candidates: none ii. Nominated Candidates: all decline Sammy asks the AIT’s if anyone would like to volunteer. Brian Monk talks to the AIT’s about stepping up to be leaders among their peers and future leaders of the chapter.

AIT Daniel Yaniv volunteers to be AIT Shaliach.

Michael Craig reenters room. Majorities up 1.

f. Election of the AIT Gizbor i. Declared Candidates: Shane Ward, David Lurie ii. Nominated Candidates: all decline

Gruber, Rudel, and Jess leave with candidates. Total Votes: 24 Simple Majority: 13 2/3 Majority: 16

Sammy and AJ leave with Jed to count votes. We have been successful. The AIT Gizbor is: Shane Ward

VII. Closing Rituals- 10:25 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________


Once the meeting had ended, the older members put in the movie The Last Castle for the AIT’s as they went upstairs to further discuss the events for the rest of the evening. At around midnight, when Stuart arrived, it was time to begin initiation. The older members stormed the basement, turned off the movie, and had all of the freshmen get up and walk out of the house. They were marched in silence to the neighborhood pool parking lot where a series of team-building tasks was laid before them. These included holding up buckets of water for extended periods of time, push-ups, throwing raisons at a team member who had peanut butter on his face, and a couple others as well. In the middle of it all, one of the neighbors had heard the commotion and came to investigate. However, Jed and Brian told him the situation, and he left us without a complaint. Upon completing the tasks, the AIT’s were silently marched back to the Taylor’s house where they finished to movie and went to bed.

Southern Region Convention was held in November that year, along with the annual Region runoffs. The competitions held were T-shirt design, Banner, Storytelling (the topic being What Passover Would Be Like If ________ Came To My Seder), Video making, and a formal speech. Adam Taylor took it upon himself to not only make a banner, but a plaque as well, covered in camouflage tape with the words Palmach AZA Est. 2005 on it. This plaque would come to be known as the Palmach Spirit Stick. Sammy and Adam wrote the storytelling, which Sammy read aloud at runoffs. Stuart would give the speech. The video was made on the Thursday before SRC by Sammy, AJ Shapiro, Josh Kirsch, Michael Craig, Adam Taylor, and Stuart Miller.

The results came in Sunday of the convention. Palmach won 2nd place in the banner, 2nd place in the video, 1st place in the storytelling (using the Pilsbury Dough Boy as the person we would invite to Seder), and 1st place overall, winning Southern Region Runoffs in its first year of existence. This was a huge confidence boost for the newly established chapter.

In December of that year, Palmach would hold its first ever chapter convention, caravanning to Stuart Miller’s lake house on Lake Lanier. Though the weather was near freezing and the house had no heating system, the boys managed to have the time of their lives as they held a Five Fold program. Community Service was done as the guys boxed up children’s books that Stuart had collected to be donated. Socializing was done as the guys talked and ate and enjoyed themselves. Athletics included wrestling (in the loft covered with mattresses) and bumper pool. Judaism was included with a Havdalleh service led by Shaliach Michael Craig (using his very own Palmach Havdallah Service booklet). Michael would also run an Education program as he brought up different worldly issues and discussed them with the chapter. The main event of that night, however, was the AIT Induction ceremony, run by Aleph Moreh Jonathan Cohen.

During the course of the Atlanta AZAA basketball league in 2005-2006, Palmach's A league team lost every game of the season. However, the boys made the most of it and still managed to enjoy themselves.

The year rolled on with many more programs including Wing Dings and East Cobb night, inwhich the chapter bowled with the other East Cobb chapters, then spent the night at Daniel Mendel's house. Sports-a-Rama Lock-in night was a huge success as well as the guys kidnapped a few freshmen, took them to Azoni's, then spent the night at Sports-a-Rama with a few other guys' chapters.

In the spring, Atlanta Council Spring Convention (ACSC) was held, and with it came Council Board elections. Palmach had more members caucus for Council Board than any other chapter: Sammy Shapiro (for Godol), Stuart Miller (for Shaliach), Michael Craig (for Shaliach), and Adam Taylor (for Gizbor). Sammy lost Council Godol, sliding to S'gan, Moreh, and Mazkir, and losing them all. Stuart and Michael ran against each other for Council Shaliach; Stuart won, making him the first member of Palmach to be elected to Council Board. Sammy would follow suit as he slid one last time to Council Gizbor and won. With Shaun Lee as Godol and Daniel "Spud" Schwebber as S'gan, the new Council Board was comprised of four original Exodites.

Not long afterward, Palmach's second chapter board elections were held. They went as follows: 

Official Business Meeting of Palmach AZA #Applied
Jonathan Cohen’s House
April 23, 2006

Minutes taken by 1st Palmach Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor

1st Palmach Aleph Godol Sammy Shapiro presiding

I. Opening Rituals – 5:20 P.M. a. Alex Waxman reads part of Shotare Kotone

II. Roll Call: a. Body: 10 members i. Sam Wetstone, Jeremy Sheftel, Jared King, AJ Shapiro, Daniel Mendel, Daniel Yaniv, Justin Waxman, Alex Waxman, Shane Ward, Jonathan Kleinman b. Executive Board: 5 members ii. Aleph Godol Sammy Shapiro, Aleph S’gan Stuart Miller, Aleph Moreh Jonathan Cohen, Aleph Mazkir Adam Taylor, Aleph Shaliach Michael Craig c. Guests: Honorary Chapter Sweetheart Carly Migdall, 78th Atlanta Council Aleph S’gan Spud Schwebber, 78th Atlanta Council Aleph Moreh Jake Moskowitz

Total: 15 members 2/3 Majority: 10 Simple Majority: 8

Motion to move into Old Business: Shane Ward Second: Daniel Yaniv Call: Body

III. Old Business – 5:35 a. Sports-a-Rama Lock-in • Jared King talks about the fun night and staying up all night playing the “most basketball he’s ever played” b. East Cobb Night • Shane Ward talks about bowling with the other East Cobb chapters and ripping a hole in his pants while playing c. ACSC • Daniel Mendel talks about having fun at the convention; mentions that Sammy Shapiro and Stuart Miller have been elected to Council Board

Motion to move into New Business: Justin Waxman Second: AJ Shapiro Call: Body

IV. New Business – 5:40 a. 8th Grade Recruitment • Jonathan Cohen tells us that we should be meeting kids over the summer and treating them well so that they will want to join Palmach. Maybe kidnap kids before school is out. b. Chapter Convention w/ Exodus April 29th • Spud talks about the program with his chapter: “It’s gonna be really fun. It’s at my house. Far away. In Alpharetta.” c. Election Procedure • Sammy explains how elections are going to work and how the process is done d. Godol-S’gan Motion / Moreh Motion • Sammy explains what these motions are and how we are going to vote on them

Motion to skip Special Business and move straight into Business from the Floor made at 5:49

V. Business from the Floor: 5:51

Godol/ S’gan Election Motion

Maker: 1st Palmach Godol Sammy Shapiro Second: 1st Palmach S’gan Stuart Miller

Whereas: The positions of Palmach Godol and Palmach S’gan are important leadership roles within the chapter and need to be taken seriously,

And

Whereas: The members who caucus for these positions have met deadlines, written speeches and have proven that they are ready and understand the responsibilities of these positions,

And

Whereas: Candidates who have been nominated off the floor for the positions of Godol and S’gan don’t necessarily understand those responsibilities,

Therefore,

Let it be constitutionally amended: That the positions of Palmach Godol and Palmach S’gan be available for aspiration only to members who caucus for the positions (or slide from Godol to S’gan).


Motion to move into a Question/ Answer: Justin Waxman at 5:52 Second: AJ Shapiro Call: Body

Body moves into a 3 minute Question/ Answer on the intent of the motion.

Motion to move into a hand vote: AJ Shapiro at 5:53 Second: Jared King Call: Body

Hand Vote 15 For 0 Against

Motion clearly passes!


Palmach AZA Moreh Amendment

Maker: 1st Palmach Godol Sammy Shapiro Second: 1st Palmach Mazkir Adam Taylor

Whereas: One of the Palmach Aleph Moreh’s major responsibilities is recruitment,

And

Whereas: The East Cobb area contains many different schools from which to recruit members, making it difficult for a single Moreh to reach out to all prospective AIT’s,

And

Whereas: Having two members at the position of Aleph Moreh would allow for a wider span of recruitment within the area,

Therefore,

Let it be constitutionally amended: That Palmach AZA shall from here on have two Alephs be elected for the position of Aleph Moreh, each one receiving a focus area/school(1) for which to recruit in, and sharing all other the responsibilities of the Moreh position.


Footnotes (1) – A focus area/school will become the area or school in which each Moreh will be recruiting in (i.e.: one Moreh will recruit for Walton, the other for Pope.) Doing this will allow for a much easier recruitment process.


Motion to move into a Question/ Answer: Stuart Miller at 5:54 Second: Daniel Yaniv Call: Body Dissent: Justin Waxman asks if it is really necessary that we do a Question/ Answer. We say Yes and that’s the end of that.

Dissent withdrawn.

Body moves into a 3 minute Question/ Answer on the intent of the motion.

Motion to move into a hand vote: Michael Craig at 5:58 Second: Daniel Yaniv Call: Body

Hand Vote: Motion clearly passes!


Motion to move back into Special Business: Second: Call: Body

Motion to table elections until after dinner: Second: Call: Body

Motion to move back into Special Business: Michael Craig at 6:11 Second: Jonathan Kleinman Call: Body

VI. Special Business – 6:12 a. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Godol i. Declared Candidates: Adam Taylor, AJ Shapiro, Michael Craig ii. Nominations: (No nominations due to motion)

AJ gives his speech (5 minutes to speak) Michael gives his speech (5 minutes to speak) Adam gives his speech (5 minutes to speak)

Sammy leaves to count votes. 1st Cast: We have been unsuccessful. The new choices are: Adam Taylor, AJ Shapiro

2nd Cast: We have been successful. The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Godol is: Adam Taylor

Justin Waxman, Alex Waxman, and Jeremy Sheftel leave. Total: 12 2/3 Majority: 8 Simple Majority: 7

b. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph S’gan i. Declared Candidates: Shane Ward, Daniel Mendel ii. Nominations (sliding candidates only): AJ Shapiro (accepts), Michael Craig (accepts)

AJ talks (1 min.) Michael talks (1 min.) Shane gives speech (4 min.) Daniel gives speech (4 min.)

Sammy and Adam leave to count votes.

1st Cast We have been successful. The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph S’gan is: AJ Shapiro

c. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Morim i. Declared Candidates: Jonathan Cohen (incumbent), Jared King ii. Nominations: Michael Craig (accepts), Shane Ward (accepts), Daniel Mendel (declines)

Shane talks (1 min.) Michael talks (1 min.) Jared gives his speech (4 min.) Jonathan gives his speech (4 min.)

Sammy and Adam leave to count votes.

1st Cast We have been successful. The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Moreh(1) is: Jonathan Cohen

Shane Ward declines his candidacy.

Questions to ask for position of Moreh(2):

-What are your ideas for a recruitment party? (Stuart) -What will you be doing THIS WEEK to recruit 8th graders? (Adam)

Michael answers questions (30 sec. for each question) Jared answers questions (30 sec. for each question) 2nd Cast: We have been successful. The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Moreh(2) is: Jared King

d. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Mazkir i. Declared Candidates: None ii. Nominations: Michael Craig (declines), Shane Ward (accepts), Daniel Mendel (accepts)

Shane talks (1 min.) Daniel talks (1 min.)

Sammy and Adam leave to count votes.

1st Cast We have been successful. The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Mazkir is: Daniel Mendel

e. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Shaliach i. Declared Candidates: Adam Engelhard (speech read by Stuart Miller in Engelhard’s absence) ii. Nominations: Michael Craig (incumbent) (accepts), Daniel Yaniv (declines) Shane Ward (accepts)

Michael talks (1 min.) Shane talks (1 min.) Stuart reads Adam’s speech (3 min.)

Because Stuart leaves room with other candidates, he cannot vote in Shaliach election. Voting totals down 1.

Sammy and Adam leave to count votes.

1st Cast We have been successful The 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Shaliach is: Michael Craig

f. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Gizbor i. Declared Candidates: Jonathan Kleinman ii. Nominations: Shane Ward (declines), Daniel Yaniv (declines), Sam Wetstone (declines)

Call for acclamation to accept Johnny Kleinman as the 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Gizbor


Sam Wetstone leaves Total: 11 2/3 Majority: 7 Simple Majority: 6

g. Election of 2006-2007 Palmach AZA Aleph Sopher i. Declared Candidates: None ii. Nominations: Shane Ward (accepts), Daniel Yaniv (declines)

Call for acclamation to accept Shane Ward as the 2006-2007 Palmach Aleph Sopher

Motion to move into Closing Rituals: Second: Call: Body

VII. Closing Rituals – 8:14 • Meeting officially ended at: 8:17 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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