This Covenant articulates an understanding of the commitments and responsibilities of the Jewish communal professional. It identifies the values underlying the field and acknowledges the role of the professional in contributing to the enrichment of Jewish life and the broader community. Jewish communal professionals are trustees of both institutional mantles and communal interests. The insights and values of the Jewish tradition undergird the Jewish communal system and serve as a guide for the conduct of the Jewish communal professional. The openness of North American society, that honors and encourages religious, ethnic and cultural pluralism, provides a unique context for the Jewish communal enterprise and informs the work of the Jewish communal professional.
Jewish communal professionals are engaged in the sacred task of helping the Jewish people realize its potential to be “a nation of priests and a holy people.” Regardless of one’s personal religious beliefs, being a Jewish communal professional is a sacred calling to serve the needs of both Jews and non-Jews, repair the brokenness of our world—Tikkun Olam,—and lead the creative evolution of the Jewish experience.
As a Jewish communal professional, I agree to conduct myself in accordance with the spirit and intent of the following standards of professional excellence:
The Jewish People (Clal Yisrael )
I am committed to the continuity and
well-being of the Jewish people.
Thus, I have the responsibility to:
• cultivate positive Jewish identity,
commitment and literacy,
• promote a sense of Jewish peoplehood,
• enhance the quality and vitality of
Jewish life,
• ensure the care of our most vulnerable
community members.
I recognize that the diversity of the Jewish
community contributes to its strength and I
strive to promote mutual understanding and
acceptance within and between the various
religious, ethnic and national elements of
the Jewish people.
Community (Kehillah )
I understand that as a member of my local
Jewish community, I have a responsibility
to participate actively in the affairs of the
community, both as an expression of good
citizenship and as a model for others.
Israel (Yisrael)
• I recognize the unique relationship between
Israel and the Jewish Diaspora and the vital
role of Israel in Jewish life.
• I will increase my understanding of this
relationship and remain educated about
current events in Israel and those impacting
Israel around the world.
• I will be engaged with Israel and will work
to promote greater Israel-Diaspora
communication and interaction.
Continuing Education (Limmud)
• I will continue to expand my Jewish
understanding and knowledge.
• I will continue to improve my
professional skills.
• I will contribute my knowledge, skills and
support to improve the quality of Jewish
professional practice through avenues
appropriate for me including mentoring,
writing, speaking, or other methods.
• I will stay current with contemporary issues
facing the Jewish community, both locally
and globally.
Ethical Conduct (Derech Musar)
• I accept responsibility for helping to protect
the community against unethical practice
by any individual working in the Jewish
community or by any organization with
which I am involved.
• I will hold myself responsible for the quality
and integrity of my work.
• I will endeavor to balance my professional
responsibilities with my personal
responsibilities so that neither will be
neglected for the sake of the other.
• I will distinguish clearly and publicly
between my statements and actions as an
individual and as a representative of my
organization and profession.
• I will conduct myself in a manner consistent
with and respectful to that of the
organization I serve, even if my personal
views and observance may differ.
Respect for the Individual
(B’Tzelem Elohim)
As professionals, we are committed to
the well-being of all individuals, Jewish or
non-Jewish, regardless of age, race, cultural
background, religious practice, belief, gender,
sexual orientation or sexual identity.
• I will respect the confidentiality, viewpoints
and privacy of persons served by my
organization, of volunteer associates, and
of colleagues.
• I will act upon all information gathered in
professional relationships in a responsible
and disciplined manner.
• I will treat the findings, views and actions
of my colleagues with respect and will use
appropriate channels whenever I express
judgments on these matters.
• I will work to prevent and eliminate all
forms of discrimination in the work place
in hiring polices and practices.
• I will respect the richness of the diversity
within both Jewish and non-Jewish life
and practices.
Recognition (Kavod)
I understand the need to recognize the good
work of both colleagues and lay leaders and
will endeavor to give my colleagues and
volunteers the honor and recognition they
deserve for their work.
Philanthropy (Tzedakah)
I will demonstrate my understanding of and
belief in the principles of tzedakah through
appropriate participation in the philanthropic
support of the Jewish community and its
institutions, locally, nationally and globally.