Recommended Criteria and Qualifications for Nominees to Synagogue Boards*

*The 1961 United Synagogue Biennial Convention approved this as a resolution, which was amended by the United Synagogue Board in 1993.

WHEREAS the affiliated congregations of The United Synagogue, ever mindful of the sacred responsibility which members of synagogue boards of trustees assume when occupying office as leaders of congregations, exercise great care in the selection of such board members, and

WHEREAS it is the function and responsibility of the board of trustees to afford guidance and direction for the total operation of a congregation, including its spiritual, educational, financial, cultural and social programs, requiring an integrated synagogue personality with varied experience in congregational life,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following criteria and qualifications be strongly recommended to congregational nominating committees as minimum standards for arriving at their selection of leaders for their synagogue:

A prospective candidate for office or seat on the synagogue board of trustees shall have been a member of his or her congregation for at least two years. (Exceptions may be made in cases of candidates with leadership experience in other congregations).
Candidates for boards of trustees shall be able to read Hebrew and participate in a worship service. In such instances where the ability to do so is limited, a program of study shall be undertaken to enhance familiarity.
Exemplifying the leadership of the congregation, candidates shall conduct themselves in accordance with the high standards reflected in the religious, moral and ethical tenets of our faith, which would include being married within the faith.
Candidates for board of trustees shall have attended religious services with regularity.
Candidates who are elected to board of trustees shall, upon assuming office, pledge themselves to devote the time and effort which is required of them for the fulfillment of their duties and for the maintenance of these standards.