Introduction
The synagogue is a sacred space that serves as a spiritual home for all who enter its doors. Its sanctity and strength, in turn, depend largely on the degree to which everyone in the community – members, lay leaders, clergy and professional staff (whom we refer to collectively as “Partners”) – thinks and acts according to Reform Jewish values. When they do, the synagogue remains a safe space in which to engage with one another in sacred partnership. Unfortunately, the entire congregational community is compromised when a Partner engages in inappropriate or unethical conduct, not only harming other individuals, but also damaging the community itself.
As participants in our holy community, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, moral conscience, and social responsibility. This congregational code of ethics (“Code”) articulates expectations for ethical behavior for Partners and provides the structures and processes necessary to implement and enforce the code. By delineating expectations of all participants and identifying areas of potential ethical challenge, we strengthen both our sacred partnerships with one another and with our holy community.
All synagogue Partners pledge to be scrupulous in adhering to this code as a brit (contract); we will hold both ourselves and our Partners to the highest standards. As a community, we implement this code in a manner that balances the principles of midat hadin (justice) and midat harachamim (compassion). Furthermore, this code is a “living” document; we will regularly evaluate the Code in the light of experience, and, as appropriate, update the code.
Our Code of Ethics
Exemplify Holiness (K’dushah), Honor (Kavod) and Compassion (Rachamim)
Temple Israel welcomes all who wish to engage with our sacred community.
We embrace everyone without regard to religious background, age, ability, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or socioeconomic status.
We strive to make all who participate in our community feel a sense of belonging with the expectation that their ideas and concerns can be openly stated and responded to with respect.
Inclusivity and Respect
Every individual who enters our holy community is valued. Partners will conduct themselves and their relationships in an open and honest way, treating others with respect, dignity, and fairness in accordance with the Jewish value of derech eretz (decency and respect). To that end, Partners will:
Life Balance and Personal Care
For many, our roles within the synagogue include caring for others. We encourage Partners to take care of themselves and stay attuned to their own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health needs. As a caring community, we strive to set an example and establish an environment that respects a healthy life balance for all Partners, fostering an atmosphere that promotes respect and mutual support.
Honesty (Yosher)
Temple Israel expects all who engage in our community to conduct themselves in an honest manner.
We promote open and honest communication that allows for addressing differences constructively.
We protect the confidentiality of privileged information, whether pertaining to an individual, a group, or the synagogue.
We respect the efforts of others and do not take credit for their work.
We recognize and respect the intellectual property rights of our synagogue and others.
We make decisions regarding synagogue-related matters with accountability; and, with transparency and openness unless confidentiality dictates otherwise. Conducting ourselves in an honest manner and being truthful in communications and conduct.
Conducting financial affairs with honesty and integrity.
Representing accomplishments and achievements accurately.
Considering the impact of accepting and of giving gifts, and doing so in accordance with gift and conflict of interest policies on such matters, always being
Personal and Professional Integrity
As synagogue Partners, we are expected to behave in a manner that brings credit to our congregation and to the community. This behavior includes, but is not limited to:
Refraining from hiring or firing, rewarding or punishing staff or volunteers, and refraining from awarding or denying contracts based solely on personal considerations (e.g., favoritism, nepotism, or bribery).
A transaction in which a Partner or a close family member has a direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise, in the outcome of any transaction or matter involving the synagogue without appropriate transparency, and when appropriate, approval by a supervisor or the Board.
Obtaining personal advantage or benefit due to their synagogue position.
Using the synagogue’s property or resources for personal benefit.
Observe the principles of this Code when posting to electronic media.
Recognize that what they believe they communicate may not arrive with the same perception and they may be viewed as representatives of the congregation even when making a personal post. Even if a Partner is not officially a representative in that context, they should take care before engaging in electronic media.
Conflicts of Interest
Synagogue Partners should avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest. Partners must conduct congregational business in a manner that is morally, ethically, and fiscally sound and can bear public scrutiny at all times. Decisions must always be guided by the policies of the synagogue and in its best interests. Examples of a conflict of interest include but are not limited to:
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is among the most important congregational principles. Confidentiality involves preserving information, especially as it pertains to personal or private information about Partners, and business and financial data of the synagogue, including misuse of information published in a printed or online Membership Directory. Personal and financial information is confidential and should not be discussed or disclosed without permission; however, recognizing that under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to share confidential information to avoid harm.
Internal and External Communications
Electronic Media
The synagogue recognizes that Partners utilize electronic media for synagogue activities and welcomes the dissemination of ideas that electronic media facilitates. Sharing synagogue-related content in a positive way advances our mission. Although electronic media offers extraordinary opportunities for communication, it poses challenges because of its instantaneous nature, its widespread dissemination, ability to be anonymous, and the difficulty in recalling erroneous, inappropriate, or otherwise concerning messages. Therefore, we must be thoughtful in considering what we post. Partners will:
Email communications must be drafted and handled carefully to avoid misperceptions and unauthorized or inadvertent disclosures of confidential information. Partners should consider to whom emails should be forwarded or replied.
Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)
Partners agree to ensure that AI is used responsibly and safely, and that it is fair, secure, and humane. Use of AI systems must non-discriminatory and must reflect the principles of this Code including Respect, Transparency, and Confidentiality. Partners must be accountable for their use of AI.
Justice (Tzedek)
Temple Israel believes everyone entering our sacred space has the right to feel safe and respected.
We do not tolerate sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, or unwelcome requests for sexual favors.
We do not tolerate acts or behaviors that exploit the vulnerability of another, take advantage of a power imbalance, or compromise one’s moral integrity.
We abide by the Jewish precept of “Do not stand idly by” (Leviticus 19:16). As Partners in a Jewish community, we have an ethical obligation to protect victims of abuse or neglect when made aware of such circumstances, no matter where they occur, including appropriate reporting. Partners with a professional obligation to report circumstances of abuse or neglect must follow applicable professional guidelines and laws including those in Employment Policies section of the Temple Israel Employee Manual.
Addressing Allegations of Ethics Code Violations
Temple Israel’s Ethics Code will be made available to all Partners. The Code is published on the congregation website and the structure of the Ethics Committee as well as the process by which Code violations are addressed by the Ethics Committee are available in the Temple office. The synagogue is committed to promptly investigating any reported violations in a confidential and impartial manner. The synagogue will take no adverse action or other retaliation against any partner who in good faith reports a suspected violation of the code or assists in an investigation