Community Norms

The following Community Norms were first drafted by and for our membership in Spring of 2018. They were updated and changed approved by members in Fall 2024.

We use these as guidelines for our interactions and behaviors. They are reflective of both our values as Jews, and participants in a participatory, consensus-seeking community invested in mutual flourishing and care for one another, other peoples, and the planet.

CONFIDENTIALITY – SHMIRAT HaLASHON

  1. Minutes will reflect group discussions and decisions without naming names.
  2. Confidentiality is expected.
  3. Permission required to share comments or stories with attribution.

LISTENING WITH CARE AND COMPASSION – RAKHAMIM

  1. Assume best intentions. 
  2. Wait to be recognized before you speak. 
  3. Do not interrupt others.
  4. Redirect discussions that go off topic.
  5. Notice if you have spoken a lot and use restraint.
  6. Refrain from side conversations – including social media, phones, etc.

RESPECTFUL AND INCLUSIVE PARTICIPATION– KAVOD

  1. Ensure members are invited to board, committee, and community meetings.
  2. Share information through diverse channels to promote attendance.
  3. Attend events as you are interested and able.
  4. Check-in with the quiet folk.
  5. Honor the participation of all members regardless of age or level of Jewish knowledge.
  6. Respect unique experiences of members including, but not limited to: honor gender pronouns; recognize Judaism is interpreted and practiced in many forms; acknowledge we come from different backgrounds, socioeconomic classes, and experiences; and respect that age is just a number.

HONOR RESOURCES – DERECH ERETZ

  1. Begin meetings and events within five minutes of stated start time.
  2. End on time, extend only with shared permission.
  3. Open and close meetings and gatherings with an intention or blessing.
  4. Refrain from formal congregational business on Shabbat except in an emergency.
  5. Be mindful of resources and avoid waste including food and other supplies whenever possible

COLLECTIVE DECISION MAKING/TEAMWORK – TZEVET

  1. Make decisions by consensus when possible and majority vote when needed.
  2. Disagreement is expected and accepted.

HONESTY AND AUTHENTICITY – EMET     

  1. Practice openness and curiosity – Speak your truth in ways that honor the truth of others.  (Use “I” statements to highlight you are speaking from your experience).
  2. Practice self-care, tend to your needs, reach out for support if needed.