Code of Ethics

Temple Emanu-El of Dallas is an inclusive congregation that demonstrates respect for the needs of all. Through worship, learning and social justice, we strive to better ourselves, our community, and the world. We strive to hold ourselves to the highest standards of justice, which include personal integrity, social responsibility, and human decency. The following Code of Ethics is based in Jewish values for behavior in our congregational community. It sets forth the guiding principles and expectations for standards of conduct for the interaction of our congregants with clergy, staff, guests, and congregants while participating in a Temple Emanu-El related activity in the building, online, or offsite.

RESPECT (KAVOD) IN EVERY RELATIONSHIP
Temple Emanu-El believes that everyone entering our sacred space has the right to be safe and respected.
•We welcome everyone without regard to religious background, age, race, color, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic status.
• We treat everyone with respect, dignity, fairness, and compassion.
• We do not condone sexual harassment, including unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and any and all other verbal, physical, written, or visual conduct of a sexual nature.
We do not condone intimidation, retaliation, offensive or abusive behavior, or creation of a hostile environment or atmosphere.
• We do not condone any humiliating, oppressing, degrading, or bullying behavior, including verbal, physical or cyberbullying.

INTEGRITY (YOSHER) IN EACH ACTION
Temple Emanu-El expects that all who engage in our community will conduct themselves with integrity and in an honest manner.
•We act solely in the best interest of Temple Emanu-El when acting on its behalf.
• We refrain from using one’s position at Temple Emanu-El for personal advantage, gain or benefit.
• We do not engage in favoritism, nepotism or bribery in any context.
• We conduct financial matters related to Temple Emanu-El with complete honesty and transparency.
• We represent Temple Emanu-El as lay leaders in a moral, ethical and legal manner.
• We protect the confidentiality of privileged information, either about an individual or Temple Emanu-El.

Temple Emanu-El shall not retaliate against any individual raising a concern or allegation of unethical behavior. Retaliation may be deemed a violation of the Code of Ethics.

This Code of Ethics is an evolving guide which cannot address every situation or contingency; a level of common sense and good judgment is expected from all. This Code of Ethics is subject to revision and review at any time.

—Code of Ethics adopted/approved by the Temple Emanu-El Board of Trustees on February 15, 2023

View procedures or report allegations of violations here.

Learn more about the background here.