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Reform Judaism pledges to set up 'robust and transparent' code of conduct for rabbis
Commitment follows open letter calling for changes to the handling of misconduct
January 17, 2020 10:35
Commitment follows open letter calling for changes to the handling of misconduct
January 17, 2020 10:35Reform Judaism has pledged to set up a “robust and transparent" code of conduct for rabbis after an open letter called for changes to how it handled cases of misconduct.
The commitment and the open letter come after the JC reported on allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour by Rabbi David Mitchell, who has been appointed to lead West London Synagogue (WLS), the movement’s flagship shul.
More than 100 members and rabbis of progressive Judaism this week signed the open letter, which said a code of ethics was needed to “lay out expected standards of behaviour and establishes a process for fair adjudication when those standards are not met.”
The open letter, which does not mention Rabbi Mitchell, said a code that held rabbis and clergy to account “does not currently exist, nor does a process for ensuring it is upheld.”
In response, Reform Judaism issued a joint statement on Thursday evening from its chair Geoffrey Marx, the Chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors Rabbi Fabian Sborovsky and Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism Laura Janner-Klausner.
The statement said the Joint Ethics Committee of Reform and Liberal Rabbis and Cantors was “finalising a robust and transparent code and a clear set of practices and processes to protect members, employees and clergy.
“Our primary concern is the welfare and wellbeing of everyone who engages with Reform Judaism, including synagogue members and employees,” Mr Marx, Rabbi Sborovsky and Rabbi Janner-Klausner wrote.
“Serious matters have been raised in the Jewish and national media regarding safeguarding and employment practices at West London Synagogue.
“Our primary concern is the welfare and wellbeing of everyone who engages with Reform Judaism, including synagogue members and employees.”
In 2017, the American branch of Reform Judaism adopted an ethics code to “hold ourselves and our colleagues to the highest standards”. It covers financial matters, bullying and “stewardship of relationships”.
One whistleblower welcomed Reform’s statement, saying: “I think it is a good first step and it is positive it has been made in collaboration with the Assembly of Reform Rabbis.
“What is worrying is West London’s silence on this. Where is their public pledge to sign up to a code of ethics? Will they sign up to it and if not why not?
“Will they reconsider their promotion of Rabbi Mitchell until this ethics process is in place?”
In response to the JC’s reporting, WLS previously said: “WLS takes any issues regarding any member of its staff very seriously.
"Senior Management at WLS are confident that all internal procedures were followed correctly in this matter and appropriate action was taken at the time.
"This matter is considered closed by WLS.”
Rabbi Mitchell issued his own statement, saying: “I strenuously deny that I have acted inappropriately. I want to apologise for anything that I have done which has inadvertently hurt or angered others.
"Since these issues were first raised I have learned, with coaching and mentoring, to become a better manager of people and I am still learning.”
