Rugela Values Statement

Mishpucha

In English, we use many words to describe what Jews are, words like “People,” “Tribe,” and “Civilization.” The Hebrew word is “Am,” as in “Am Yisrael.” This word encapsulates who we are and our connection to each other.

Another word that captures our connection is mishpucha, family. We are a family that spans generations and continents.

Being part of a family means recognizing what brings us together and our differences. We have different backgrounds, speak different languages, follow different customs, and hold different perspectives, but we are one Jewish people. Within this mishpucha, we must strive to foster belonging, understanding, and responsibility for one another.

Diversity

We believe in diversity as a core value, both inside and outside the Jewish world. Jewish life has been shaped by different histories, languages, traditions, and cultures. We make space for the full breadth of Jewish expression, including Ashkenazi and Sephardi, Orthodox and Reform, Hebrew and Yiddish, urban and rural.

We embrace the full spectrum of who we are as a people: Jews of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, Jews of Choice, LGBTQ+ Jews, Jews with disabilities, and every other facet of identity that exists within our community.

We honor and celebrate our differences while also remaining firmly rooted in Jewish identity and tradition.

We also recognize and offer welcome to non-Jews in our spaces, including friends, family, allies, seekers, and neighbors who come to us respectfully and with curiosity. Non-Jewish participants can enrich our conversations, deepen our understanding, and reflect the intertwined realities of our communities.

Respect

We strive to speak with care and dignity. We value menschlichkeit: honorable, respectful conduct. This means speaking thoughtfully, showing generosity of spirit, and seeking understanding even when we disagree. We value curiosity, empathy, and kindness in our conversations, including and especially those where we don't agree.

Safety

While no one can guarantee absolute safety, we are committed to fostering an environment where members can expect safety, emotionally and (where applicable) physically.

Community

Rugela is a shared space that is shaped by its members. Its membership defines it. In return for building the space, we believe members should have opportunities to influence the site and its direction: to contribute meaningfully, to lead, and to engage openly with our community.

Ethics

Our values extend to ourselves as well as our community, and we commit to living up to a high standard of integrity. This includes our legal policies, our privacy policies, and our collaborations with third parties.