In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue we are adopting this code of ethics.  

Our Jewish values embody the teaching that every human being is created in the image of God (b’tzelem Elohim).  We therefore strive to hold ourselves to the highest standards of personal integrity, social responsibility, and human decency. When we behave ethically and hold ourselves accountable, Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue (Shir Hadash) is a safe, welcoming, and sacred environment. This values-based code of ethics sets forth the principles and expectations for adherence to standards of conduct for our clergy, congregants, staff, visitors, and guests, whether participating in a Shir Hadash activity that is in the building, online, or offsite. 

We treat others with respect, dignity, fairness, and compassion. We refrain from derogatory speech, negative talk, gossip, and slander, whether in person or on social media. We include racist, homophobic/transphobic, or misogynistic language as forms of speech or behavior that are unacceptable at Shir Hadash. 

We oppose bullying, including any unwanted behavior that degrades, humiliates, or oppresses another. Verbal, physical, or cyberbullying is never acceptable.

We embrace everyone without regard to religious background, age, ability, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, 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.

We believe everyone entering our sacred space has the right to feel safe and respected, and that we are morally and ethically responsible for one another (kol yisrael areivim zeh bazeh).
 
We do not tolerate sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, written, or visual conduct of a sexual nature.
 
We do not tolerate acts or behaviors that exploit the vulnerability of another, take advantage of a power imbalance, compromise one’s moral integrity, or create an intimidating, offensive, abusive, or hostile environment.

We promote open and honest communication that allows for addressing differences constructively.

We protect the confidentiality of privileged information, either about an individual or the synagogue and do not disclose it without permission. For example, this includes personnel information such as employment status, compensation, and performance review, as well as personal information about an individual’s health, financial status, or family matters.
 
We respect the efforts of others and do not take credit for their work.

Addressing Allegations of Unethical Behavior

The following procedures delineate how allegations of unethical behavior based on the Shir Hadash Ethics Code will be addressed.

The Shir Hadash Ethics Code will be made available to all congregants, staff, and clergy. Visitors and guests will be able to see the Code on request from the Shir Hadash office. The Code will also be published on the Shir Hadash website. The Code, and Addressing Allegations of Unethical Behavior document, will be updated as appropriate. Examples contained in the Code are not all-inclusive.
 
The Synagogue president will appoint a congregant to chair an ad-hoc Ethics Committee for receiving and addressing allegations of unethical behavior. They will also select a minimum of three committee members based on the following qualities: integrity, leadership, independence, and ability to handle challenging situations. The synagogue president shall be an ex-officio member of the Ethics Committee. Synagogue president, if unable to serve, shall appoint a member of the Executive Committee to serve in that capacity. Members of the Ethics Committee must recuse themselves if an allegation pertains to them in any way.
 
An allegation of unethical behavior should be directed to the synagogue president, rabbi, or Ethics Committee chair. To initiate an Ethics Committee process, the person who received the allegation will share the information with the other two. If the allegation pertains to any one of the three, that person must recuse themself.

When an allegation of unethical behavior is made to the Ethics Committee chair, the chair will decide with the synagogue president whether they should consult independent legal counsel representing the synagogue. Where an allegation raises the possibility of imminent and substantial harm to the person(s) of concern, legal obligations will take precedence and supersede any procedures otherwise delineated by this Code. The synagogue president, in consultation with the Ethics Committee chair, shall solicit immediate assistance of the Executive Committee, acting in confidence, to take such action as deemed appropriate. 
 
The Ethics Committee will decide on a process that includes information gathering, deliberation, and resolution based on the particularities of each allegation that is received. All efforts will be made to resolve matters as promptly as possible.

Any congregant, staff member, or clergy member, who is alleged to have engaged in unethical behavior will be given an opportunity to be heard, present information and, if necessary, witnesses in defense of such allegation.
 

 
Everyone involved in an Ethics Committee process is expected to comply with all Ethics Committee requests to assist in information gathering. All steps, from an initial allegation of unethical conduct to ultimate resolution, will be documented in writing by the Ethics Committee.

Confidentiality will be maintained throughout any Ethics Committee process to the extent practicable and consistent with thorough assessment and restoration of the matter.
 
All attempts will be made to protect those who make an allegation of unethical behavior from retaliation. Ethics Committee processes will balance the Jewish principles of judgment (din) and compassion (rachamim). All allegations will be responded to with sensitivity and compassion. Judgment will be withheld pending the completion of a full evaluation. During information gathering and/or consideration of a resolution for an ethics violation, the committee shall bear in mind that, as a sacred community, healing and reconciliation are important goals to achieve.
 
While there is no time limit to making an allegation of unethical behavior, the time that has elapsed since the alleged violation will be one of many factors in the totality of circumstances considered by the Ethics Committee.