Sample Diversity statements and
non-discrimination policies
Adat Shalom, Reconstructionist Synagogue
We strive to be a community that welcomes diversity. Thus, we encourage members
with a wide range of prior experiences and understandings of Judaism to freely
express themselves. Freedom of expression encompasses respectful differences
of religious opinion. We seek a more reliable basis for Jewish unity and the future of
Judaism than mere uniformity of doctrine and practice. We are Jews in search of
contemporary, reasoned, and still-evolving ways of thinking about our Judaism, in short,
ba’alei she’elah: Jews with questions.
We strongly affirm the principle of inclusivity in all areas of Jewish life by welcoming all
Jews, regardless of their sexual orientation, as full participants in the religious practices
of our congregation. We also welcome While as members interfaith families, families
with adopted children, people with disabilities, and individuals of all ages. we affirm the
importance of the family in Jewish culture, we also strive to fully integrate singles, single
parents, and childless couples into Jewish life and to make them full, active
participants in our community. We understand Jewish spirituality as a shared journey
from which no one should be excluded.
Congregation Beit Tikvah, Reconstructionist Synagogue
With open arms, we welcome all kinds of Jews and you who might be exploring the
possibilities of a Jewish life. We take a progressive approach to Jewish life, integrating a
deep respect for traditional Judaism with the insights of contemporary life. Beit Tikvah
welcomes dual faith families, couples and individuals of all races, heritages, ethnicities
and sexual orientations. Our building, bimah (platform), and facilities are all wheelchair
accessible.
Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (Washington, D.C.)
The Jewish Federation welcomes the participation of interfaith couples and families,
and people of all abilities, backgrounds and sexual orientations.
How Do We Define “Jewish Diversity” - Be'chol Lashon (In Every Tongue)
Just as Ashkenazi Jews are a mix of many peoples encountered during centuries of
wandering throughout the Diaspora, Jews of color have different backgrounds, different
life experiences, and different perspectives on their relationship to Judaism. These
differences include geography, socioeconomic class, ideology, culture, skin tone,
language, paths to Judaism, and so on. What language can be used to describe multiracial and multi-ethnic Jews? What about those who are adopted from Asia by
Ashkenazi parents? How would one categorize Indian Jews? Some African Americans
whose families have been Jewish for over 100 years prefer to be known as “Hebrew
Israelites,” feeling that “Jew” refers to whites. Still other African American Jews have
joined mainstream synagogues. What about the Anusim (known also as Conversos or
Crypto-Jews), who were forced to convert to Catholicism in Spain and Portugal over 500
years ago
How do we talk about ourselves when the language we have is too narrow and
confining, like outdated racial categories on a census form? How do we describe a group
for which there is no group label?
We must use what is admittedly inadequate language: “Jews of color,” “diverse Jews,”
“racially and ethnically diverse Jews.” All of these terms refer to those who are in
currently distinct subcultures from the majority different from non-sephardic European
backgrounds. Many people who fall into this category may not define themselves as
“people of color.” Yet they may feel marginalized and many in the mainstream may see
diverse Jews as being “other.” Whatever their origins and culture, whatever their skin
tone, whatever their path to Judaism, we include them in our discussions of Jewish
diversity.
Amherst Survival Center Diversity Statement
Diversity is essential for ASC to achieve its mission. A commitment to diversity is a
deeply held value, but it is also a practical necessity for the organization to achieve its
objectives. For ASC, a commitment to diversity means:
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Ongoing, active, and meaningful engagement with the diverse communities in this
region
Programs and decision-making that is informed by, and responsive to, the priorities
of diverse communities
A staff and board that is diverse
Regular staff and board diversity training
Ongoing active board and staff recruitment among underrepresented groups
A broad definition of diversity that includes race, ethnicity, nationality, class,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability.
Safe and effective ways for concerns related to diversity to be shared
Regular reporting and easy availability of information related to ASC's diversity
performance
Maintain a diversity action plan