Over one hundred directors and administrators of a cross section Lakewood based schools and other non-profit organizations gathered at Yeshiva Ketana hall on Wednesday evening
for a special educational workshop on the topic of best practices and compliance with tuition and scholarship regulations. This event is part of the ongoing “Community Conversations” series of events, and follows another professional workshop last week aimed at the non-profit field. This latest workshop was chaired by Rabbi Moshe Zev Weisberg of The Lakewood Vaad and the Association of Institutions of Jewish Studies (AIJS).
Those who start schools and organizations do so out of a genuine desire to help others, yet often lack full familiarity with the highly complex laws and best practices that relate to non-profit management.
The professionals who addressed this event in the Community Conversations series, were like the previous events, among the most recognized in their field. CPAs David Rubenstein and Aaron Ettlinger of K & R Tax & Accounting Services discussed many of the regulations most applicable to non-profits. Baruch Gottesman, Esq., a prominent attorney with particular expertise in the field, stressed the importance of consulting with a knowledgeable accountant or attorney at every step. When every letter of the law is followed, it protects the institution, donors, parents and, by extension, the entire community.
The administrators in attendance were highly appreciative of the opportunity to learn more about how to perform their work according to the most exacting standards of compliance and ethics. They took meticulous notes throughout the presentation, and asked a range of pointed questions during the Q & A session moderated by Rabbi Weisberg. In addition to the presenters, several prominent Lakewood accountants – Gershon Biegeleisen, CPA, David Wilschanski, CPA, Eli Oelbaum, CPA and Ira Wasser, CPA – were present at a roundtable to answer audience questions.
These professionals, who dedicated their time and expertise to assist the community, all commented that It was a pleasure to assist this incredible audience.
“Schools and non-profit charitable organizations are pillars of community,” said Rabbi Weisberg. “It was our pleasure to provide this opportunity for professional development and continuing education to this special audience. We are confident that each attendee took back knowledge to continue to raise the bar in all areas of best practices and compliance.”