Members of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators are obligated to maintain the highest standards and to serve as role models in both our personal and professional lives. In Pirkei Avot 1:14 we read the familiar words, “Im ein ani li, mi li,” our reminder that each one of us is ultimately responsible for our own actions. This is all the more true when our actions negatively impact the Jewish communities in which we serve. It is with this value in mind that ARJE established this Code of Ethics, so that we may inspire excellence in all of the work that we do.

When a member of our ARJE community violates any of the pillars of our profession, it is incumbent upon us to do [the work of] teshuvah, participate in a facilitated restorative justice process, engage in rehabilitation, make restitution when necessary and avoid repetition.

Those individuals who have been SUSPENDED from ARJE membership have committed an infraction that is more serious than a reprimand (minor infraction) but not so serious as to require Expulsion. The ARJE ethics committee has deemed that a suspended educator who is willing to participate in a Restorative Justice process would be considered for reinstatement in the ARJE. ARJE Members who are listed as having been suspended commit to participation in a restorative justice process in order to have T’shuvah for all involved parties with the goal of reinstatement to the community after that process. 

ARJE Educators who are EXPELLED have committed a serious infraction, have resigned during the investigation, or have refused to participate in a Restorative Justice Process as part of a suspension.

At this time there are no ARJE members who have been suspended or expelled