Ethics

Association of Reform Jewish Educators Ethics Statement

“A person should always measure their actions as if the Holy One dwells with them."

— Babylonian Talmud, Taanit 11a-b

The ARJE strives to inspire our members to achieve the excellence in all aspects of our work. The ARJE Ethics Code is aspirational document which articulates what it means to be a Jewish educator with integrity and authentic leadership. This Code of Ethics reminds all ARJE members that we are obligated to maintain the highest standards and to serve as role models in both our personal and professional lives

In January 2022, ARJE updated its Ethics Guidelines with the goal of upgrading and transforming them into a relevant, meaningful and binding Code of Ethics for all of us to affirm and to uphold. Rabbi Carrie Vogel, RJE chaired the Ethics Task Force. This group reflected on the values of our organization, researching and learning from experts, and discussing and exploring how we can best support and protect both our educators and those in the communities we serve in order to pass the ARJE's first Ethics Code.

In October 2024, the ARJE Board and Vaad approved a revised Ethics Code. Revisions to that code were guided by Ethics Committee chair, Rabbi Rena Rifkin, RJE and the Ethics Review Committee.

Please know that we are here for our members to support you if you are a survivor of unethical behavior. If you have questions about something you have engaged in or need to self-report an ethics violation, we are here to support you. Our Executive Director and Ethics Chair are available to serve as guides or confidential consultants.

ARJE Resources and Responses

1. For Victims/Survivors: the Women’s Rabbinic Network resources for survivors including spiritual resources, expert guidance, and procedures for reporting.
2. For Supporting Victims/Survivors: SRE Network webinar on Responding to Disclosures with Dr. Guila Benchimol
3. For Reporting: Ethics concerns and reporting incidents or harm conducted by non ARJE members in the Reform movement
4. For policies: Resources for reporting procedures, prevention tips for caregivers, and information on how to ensure healthy relationships with children from the Center for Hope
5. For Prevention: Sacred Spaces resources for preventing institutional abuse in Jewish Settings
6. Creating Ethics Codes: The URJ Resources for ensuring the Sacred and Ethical in Congregations including a guide to creating a congregational ethics code.
7. ARJE Announcement of Ethics Code and Committee Established January, 2022

ARJE Ethics Committee:

The ARJE Ethics Committee serves separately from the ARJE Board of Trustees in order to ensure transparency, confidentiality and an appropriate system of checks and balances.

Rabbi Rena RIfkin, Chair

Lisa David, Vice-Chair

Rabbi Melissa Buyer-Witman, RJE

Susan Cosden, RJE

Denise Crevin, RJE

Debbie Niederman, RJE

Rabbi Allison Peiser

Rabbi Melissa Simon

Lauren Trexler

Brad Zicholtz, RJE

Rabbi Stacy Rigler, RJE Ex Officio