Congregational Code of Conduct

Introduction

Touro Synagogue creates a haven for individual, family, and communal connection to Reform Judaism and to each other. Grounded in our enduring history and guided by our innovative spirit, we are an ever-evolving expression of Jewish faith, hope, meaning and impact within our walls and beyond. We envision Reform Jewish values actualized to inspire present and future generations. We are a Beit Knesset, a home for gathering where we experience the fullness of life together as a community.

Every individual who seeks to join our Touro community and who accepts the shared responsibilities of Touro Synagogue members is welcome and valued, including interfaith,  LGBTQ+ families,  individuals of all identities, races, abilities, and ages, newcomers and long time members.  This Congregational Code of Conduct is anchored in our synagogue values and articulates the conduct which we expect from all congregants, visitors, guests, staff, and clergy, when engaging in synagogue business or events on and off campus, in virtual spaces, and online including social media.

If there is a violation of this code, Touro is prepared to address the allegation fairly and consistently.

In order to live our values every day, we embrace this code of conduct as community members:

We WILL be:

  • Respectful
  • Inclusive
  • Welcoming
  • Honest
  • Fair
  • Open minded
  • Compassionate
  • Humble
  • Respectful of Boundaries and of Each Other
  • Holders of Confidences
  • Fiscally Responsible

We WILL NOT tolerate:

  • Bullying
  • Intimidation
  • Gossip
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Abusive Behavior
  • Hurtful Language
  • Lying
  • Theft
  • Behaviors that create a hostile environment
  • Inappropriate sharing of confidential information
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest

An allegation of unethical conduct concerning a congregant(s), visitor, staff or clergy should be directed to the Synagogue President or Senior Rabbi to initiate a Conduct Committee process. To the extent possible, confidentiality will be maintained.

Guidelines for Addressing Allegations of Unethical Conduct

February 2025

The Touro Synagogue Congregational Code of Conduct is available to all congregants, staff, clergy, visitors, and guests. It can be found on the Touro Synagogue website and is available in hard copy from the office. The Code of Conduct and Guidelines for Addressing Allegations of Unethical Conduct will be updated by the Board of Trustees as needed. Examples of conduct contained in the Code are not intended to be all-inclusive.

The following procedures delineate how allegations of unethical conduct will be addressed: 

  • An allegation of unethical conduct concerning a congregant, visitor, guest, staff or clergy should be directed to the synagogue president or senior rabbi to initiate a Conduct Committee process. To the extent possible, confidentiality will be maintained.
  • If an allegation of unethical conduct  pertains to a member of a professional organization with its own code of ethics the Synagogue President and Senior Rabbi (providing they are not the named party in the allegation) will determine whether to handle the allegation or refer it to the appropriate organization.
  • The Synagogue President will appoint a congregant to chair an ad hoc Conduct Committee for receiving and addressing allegations of unethical conduct. The President will also select a minimum of three committee members. The Synagogue President shall be an ex-officio member of the ad hoc Conduct Committee. The synagogue president, if unable to serve, shall appoint a member of the Executive Committee to serve in that capacity. Members of the ad hoc Conduct Committee must recuse themselves if there is a conflict of interest.   
  • Independent legal counsel will be consulted as needed.
  • 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. The Synagogue President, in consultation with the ad hoc Conduct Committee chair, may take such action as deemed appropriate. 
  • The ad hoc Conduct Committee will decide on a process based on the particularities of each allegation that is received. All efforts will be made to resolve matters as promptly as possible.
  • Everyone involved in a Conduct Committee process is expected to comply with all Conduct Committee requests for information. All steps, from an initial allegation of unethical conduct to ultimate resolution, will be documented in writing by the ad hoc Committee. 
  • Confidentiality will be maintained throughout any Conduct 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 a good faith allegation of unethical conduct from retaliation.
  • A false or unsupported allegation of unethical conduct will be treated under the process as an act of misconduct in itself.
  • The ad hoc Conduct 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 completion of a full evaluation.
    • During consideration of a resolution for a conduct violation, the Committee shall bear in mind that, as a sacred community, healing and reconciliation are important goals to achieve.
  • Relevant Touro Synagogue Policies (such as revocation of membership) will apply throughout the ad hoc Conduct Committee process.
  • While there is no time limit to making an allegation of unethical conduct, the time that has elapsed since the alleged incident will be one of many factors in the totality of circumstances considered by the Committee.

    This document does not limit a person’s ability to proceed with other avenues of redress.

Approved by Touro Synagogue Board of Trustees February 18, 2025