Related Blog Posts on Ethics Accountability and Rabbi Rick Jacobs

A compass with the needle pointing to the word ETHICS to illustrate ethical accountability for sexual abuse in our institutions
Ethics Accountability

URJ Ethics Accountability Update: August 5, 2022

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
As part of the URJ’s ongoing ethics work, we are writing to let you know of new and expanded reporting channels and protocols, including the hiring of a new Ombuds.  These steps have been informed by our field experts and the courageous voices of victims and survivors who have publicly and privately shared their experiences and feedback.
Image of magnifying glass and books with the words Ethics Accountability Update
Ethics Accountability

URJ Ethics Accountability Update: May 2022

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
We are sharing this update on our ethics accountability work as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, protection of every member of our community, and to the implementation of recommendations from the Debevoise & Plimpton investigation report. 
Image of magnifying glass and books with the words Ethics Accountability Update
Ethics Accountability

Ethics Accountability Update - April 2022

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
When the URJ released the Ethics Report following the independent investigation into sexual misconduct in URJ workplaces and programs in February, we committed to implementing the recommendations and keeping our community apprised of our progress. It is in that spirit that we share this update on the key milestones and outcomes we expect to achieve over the next several months.
magnifying glass and books on a desk
Ethics Accountability

The Path to Accountability: Next Steps in Implementing the Ethics Report Recommendations

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
Last month, we shared the full report of an independent investigation into sexual harassment, abuse, and misconduct at URJ workplaces, summer camps, and programming. We remain profoundly grateful to the survivors who came forward to share their experiences and we will honor their courage as we continue our efforts to ensure that our communities are safe environments for everyone.
Update on Ethics Investigation
Ethics Accountability

Release of Ethics Investigation Report

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
Earlier this year, the URJ retained Debevoise & Plimpton, a leading law firm, to conduct an independent, comprehensive, and impartial investigation into sexual harassment, abuse, and misconduct. Today we are sharing the full investigation report.
yk shofar
COVID-19

Blame Ourselves, Not God

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Blaming God for such tragedies is theologically problematic; blaming God for failed human policies is blasphemous. This idea is worth considering as we cope with the devastating aftermath of the multiple disasters confronting us. 
Stop sign with the word Abuse written on it
Ethics Accountability

Ethics Accountability for Sexual Misconduct is Crucial to the Safety of Our Communities

Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Much communal focus has been appropriately directed at making the places we Jews gather safe from violent attacks by those who wish to cause us harm, from the spread of the deadly coronavirus during the pandemic, and other grave external threats. The time is long overdue, however, to confront an internal threat:  abuse, misconduct, especially sexual misconduct in spaces for which the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is responsible. 

Important Message on Ethics Accountability

Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman
Rabbi Rick Jacobs
In recent weeks, there have been several public reports of leaders in our Reform Jewish Movement who have engaged in abuse, misconduct, and sexual assault. The pain endured by the victims is heartbreaking. We hope the reports of these brave victims will empower others who have suffered in silence to come forward so that there can be both accountability and healing. We commit without hesitation that the Union for Reform Judaism (the URJ) will address all reports of misconduct appropriately and transparently, centering the survivors as we move forward. 
Ethics Accountability