About the NAASE Ethical Standards Pledge

What Our Expectations are and Why it Matters to Us . . .

Central to the well-being of the Jewish Community is the necessity to develop, support and enhance the vitality of the synagogue. The synagogue’s senior executive professional (director, administrator, manager) uses his or her administrative skills to provide effective support to lay leadership, clergy and educational staff to foster the stated mission and goals of the synagogue. These executives act as the front-line resource people in all areas of administration and fiscal management to the congregation.

As members and representatives of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE), we pledge ourselves to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, morality and social responsibility. These ‘living’ ethical guidelines articulate our aspirations and expectations of our membership and will help to establish a framework for perpetuating our standards of integrity and professionalism.

As NAASE members, we commit ourselves to a high and comprehensive professional standard.

Each NAASE member pledges to . . .

• Be committed to the mission and vision of my kehillah, NAASE and the Conservative, USCJ, and Masorti movements.
• Strongly advocate for business practices that are consistent with Jewish ethical behavior and not in conflict with prevailing civil law.
• Be responsive to my synagogue’s authorities, always advocating for ethical business practices in dealings with members, co-workers, employees, vendors and the outside community.
• Perform all fiduciary and financial duties to the best of my ability, as outlined in my job description, letter of agreement, contract or other such instrument.
• Treat members, co-workers, employees, vendors and the outside community with dignity and respect and not use my position or authority in inappropriate or offensive acts or behaviors.
• Not engage in any acts or behaviors that are illegal, immoral, unethical or inappropriate (sexual or otherwise) with members, co-workers, employees, vendors and the outside community.
• Respect the kehillah’s governing body, its processes and decisions.
• Be knowledgeable about the constitution, by-laws and governing documents of the congregation which I serve.
• Endeavor to remain current with changes, innovations, advancements and best practices in human resource management and financial accountability.
• Openly and candidly share individual concerns, information and knowledge with synagogue clergy, educators, professional peers and lay leadership, as appropriate.
• Respect the confidentiality and sensitive nature of member information, their issues and/or concerns.
• Bring forward to leadership any condition or action which I believe exceeds either a current operating policy, civil law, or may not be compliant with any governing document or principle.
• Exhibit professionalism in all oral, written or electronic communication.
• Respect the inherent value and worth of each member, co-worker, employee, vendor or outside community person and treat all with dignity and professionalism.
• Show professionalism to all those with whom I make contact on behalf of the kehillah, and to protect the integrity and positive image of the synagogue and its members during those encounters.

Each member understands and agrees that a violation of these standards may be subject to action by NAASE.

Membership Information

If you are new to the field, and not yet a NAASE member, we’d love to talk with you! Please consider the membership information here. Further information and membership applications are available from NAASE’s membership office by e-mail to Membership@NAASE.org.