Statements of Values

Statement of Commitment

March 2025

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To honor the long history of the Jewish tradition protecting the gerim in our midst, Temple Beth Israel affirms this Statement of Commitment.

We affirm the right of immigrants to ask for asylum in our country. We oppose mass deportation and affirm the right of all immigrants to live without fear. We oppose hateful rhetoric or hateful action directed at immigrants.

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We affirm the dignity and right to full inclusion in our community of LGBTQ individuals, including transgender people. We oppose hateful rhetoric, discrimination, or hateful action directed at any person because of their sex or gender.

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We affirm the right of all religious minorities to be free from discrimination, and from the imposition of any religious belief or practice in civic life. We uphold the fundamental principle of the separation of church and state.

We affirm the right of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to be free from discrimination and exclusion.

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We affirm the right of women, of people with disabilities, and of all minorities to be free from discrimination and exclusion.

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Jewish people know where discrimination and hatefulness can lead and we will forcefully oppose them. We commit to protect those who are the targets of hate, discrimination, and oppression.

Ethics Statement

A synagogue and a Jewish community have so many different components. We have worship services and educational programs for people of all ages from toddlers to seniors. We celebrate weddings, we bless and name babies and we comfort those who mourn the loss of a loved one. Much of what a synagogue offers is transparent to those who attend the different events involved in worship, education, celebration and mourning, but as with any organization, there are parts of our organizational mechanism that do not normally see the light of day.

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We know from recent years of media coverage that at times, some clergy have committed various types of unethical and even abusive behaviors. This tragic reality has brought shame to religious organizations and great damage to individual lives.

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Our rabbis and all of our teachers are held to a very high standard regarding our interactions with one another and with the members of the congregation and the Jewish community at large.

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Rabbi Ruhi Sophia was ordained in the Reconstructionist Movement and is a member of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA). Rabbi Yitz was ordained in the Jewish Renewal Movement and is a member of OHALAH, the Jewish Renewal association of rabbis and cantors. The OHALAH ethics code and the RRA ethics code are available to the public should anyone wish to file a complaint against a rabbi or any religious leader who holds membership in our respective rabbinic associations.

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The Conservative, Reform, and Orthodox Movements all have ethics codes that relate to the rabbis who are members of their respective rabbinic association. High ethical standard are becoming the norm more and more each year and colleagues who violate the standards are expected to enter into a process of healing and rehabilitation which includes a promise to not violate the code of their movement in the future.

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Each Movement of Judaism has different sensibilities from the other Movements, but there are certain standards that carry across Movements. For example, it is inappropriate for a rabbi to have a romantic relationship with a congregant or student or staff member who answers to that rabbi because these relationships are based on trust that includes respect for the rabbi’s authority. This authority creates an imbalance of power which is present regardless of whether or not it is perceived.

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As part of our congregation’s evolution, we have decided to share the links to our respective ethics codes in case anyone would like to read them over or share them with colleagues, friends and family.

Interfaith Households Welcome Here!

For decades, TBI has welcomed Interfaith families as part of our foundation and our heritage. We have reinvigorated this part of our congregation and community with the initiation of the Interfaith Committee. Whether you are part of an interfaith couple, family, or have interfaith friends in our community, please join us for our upcoming events. The Interfaith Committee is part of Rabbi Ruhi Sophia’s Project Aleinu initiative.

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Temple Beth Israel welcomes and celebrates interfaith families as part of our diverse community. We have people with faith backgrounds other than Jewish, people exploring Judaism or of no faith background as part of our congregational family. We all come together for services, to study, to share in holiday celebrations and participate in lifecycle events. We believe that interfaith families enrich our community as we all can learn from each other’s unique experiences. Approximately 38% of our member households are interfaith.

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Interfaith families are invited to become full participants and active members of TBI, and non-Jewish spouses are invited to serve on committees and participate in leadership. As a Reconstructionist synagogue we live our egalitarian values by embracing the participation of all types of families and partnerships.

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Some people who experience our community make the choice to convert, and we have an active conversion group and support this process. However, for those who choose not to convert but who desire to be active members of our community, we welcome you and are grateful for your presence. Life is a journey, and we hope that each member of our community can find the place that feels right for them!

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We are committed to making you feel welcome at TBI, and would love to connect with you. Please stop by for one of our services or programs, or contact us for more information.

Welcome to to the community!