IHC's Code of Ethics Emily

Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation joins dozens of Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) temples across the nation in establishing a code of ethics.

Past IHC Board President Marc Katz says two things drove the creation of the code. “The URJ came down with a recommendation that congregations develop an ethics policy… at the same time, there were conversations with board members and clergy that there needed to be a level playing field with expectations… that everyone should be bound by the same rule of ethics.” Katz and board member Carly Turow worked together to create IHC’s code of ethics, with past president and current URJ Board Trustee Patti Freeman Dorson providing input.

Five principles guide IHC’s code:

Exemplify Holiness (K’Dushah)

Honesty (Yosher)

Honor (Kavod)

Compassion (Rachamim) Justice (Tzedek)

“We call them principles [in the code of ethics],” Patti Freeman Dorson explains, “but they are Jewish values. We as a congregation believe in these things and should all act and treat each other in a way that is consistent with these values.”

The code of ethics does more than just explain the congregation’s dedication to the ethical treatment of one another. It also details the process for addressing allegations of unethical behavior. It is important to note that legal obligations take precedence if an allegation could cause any imminent and substantial harm to a person. The Ethics Committee is involved in addressing any allegation(s) of unethical behavior. The committee will inform the appropriate professional organization if allegations of unethical behavior involve a rabbi (CCAR), cantor (ACA), executive director (NATA), or educator (ARJE). For Carly Turow, this was a vital part of the document. “It is one thing to tell someone that everyone is held to the same standards,” but in this code, “ethics are ethics. Everyone is held to the same standard.”

The IHC Board approved the code of ethics in April 2022, two months after the URJ first released the Report of the Independent Investigation which contained numerous recommendations, including congregations create a code of ethics. For Turow, IHC’s swiftness in creating this code shows how important this is for IHC. “[A code of ethics is] taken as a no brainer for some, including me. But it is needed.” She appreciates the way this code gives her guidance as a board member. Earlier this year, the URJ set a goal that 60% of member congregations adopt a code of ethics this year. Marc Katz is excited that IHC is far ahead of the pack and that the temple felt strongly enough about ethics and governance to get this code off the ground. Patti Freeman Dorson is also proud of IHC for taking this code seriously and creating it in a way that has “timeless elasticity” so that if things change decades down the road, the code of ethics is adaptable to those changes.

This May, we mark the holiday of Shavuot, where we recall the story of Moses receiving the Torah from God on Mount Sinai. In accepting that gift, the Israelites entered a covenant, an agreement, with God. Each year, Shavuot is a time where Jews renew that covenant.

IHC’s code of ethics is not unlike a covenant, as we agree to adhere to a set of ethical and ritual behaviors. Under it, we agree to treat one another with respect. We agree to treat one another fairly. In the same way the Israelites held themselves accountable to God, we, as IHC members, hold ourselves accountable to one another, to create spaces where all feel safe, welcomed, and protected.

You can review the IHC Code of Ethics by clicking here. There also is a copy of the policy in the temple’s front office and on the IHC website at ihcindy.org/resources.

If you have further questions about the policy, you can reach out to Rabbi Krichiver, IHC President Mitch Katz, and Executive Director Pete Smithhisler. You can also contact Marc Katz, Carly Turow, and Patti Freeman Dorson.