Board Establishes Rabbi Liaison Committee

Rabbi Liaison Committee Members
Jed Gaylin, Committee Chair
Brian Berele
Esther Miller

The relationship between rabbi and congregation is ideally understood as a sacred covenant in which the partners share in the nurturance, guidance, planning and programing of the synagogue. As in any relationship, however, differences must be negotiated and compromises reached..."
The Rabbi-Congregation Relationship: A Vision for the 21st Century, Report of the JRF Commission on the Role of the Rabbi, Jan./2001

The Rabbi Liaison Committee exists for the purpose, when necessary, of facilitating communication (spoken and unspoken) between the rabbi and the congregation.

Confidentiality is the basic rule that applies to all considerations brought to this committee. Discussion within the committee is private and not shared with members, friends, or partners. It is important that individuals (members, staff, rabbi, guests) desiring to have discussion with the committee members feel safe and comfortable.

The objective of the Committee is to listen and be as responsive as possible. The Liaison Committee is not a complaint bureau. Its purpose is to deal with issues that require working together toward a solution. This involves individuals accepting the responsibility to do something about a perceived issue. The Committee is not a replacement for direct communication.

GOALS

1. To build trust between the rabbi and the community.

2. Assist the rabbi in "taking the pulse" of the community.

3. Provide an appropriate forum for individuals having specific questions and facilitate issues dealing with communication between the rabbi and the congregation, or concerns about the role of the rabbi.

4. Assist the Board in the annual evaluation process.

5. Serve as a filter for feedback to and from the rabbi.

6. Discourage "Lashon Harah" and gossip as a solution.

7. Meet at least quarterly with the rabbi to review the "state of the rabbinate".