KOL TZEDEK SIMCHA BAND SHARED VALUES AGREEMENT
The Kol Tzedek Simcha Band is a vital and core part of Jewish life at Kol Tzedek Synagogue. We are open to members and non-members alike and have grown into a beautiful Khevre (cohort) of musicians from across different types of Jewishness, observance, political orientation, and many other identities. We ask that all members read and sign this document (at the bottom) so that we can make great music together with a sense of freedom and shared values.
This agreement is based on Kol Tzedek’s Community Brit, and has been adapted to reflect the Simcha Band’s culture and conduct within the context of the KT community. How we relate to one another and embody our values is the foundation of transformation for ourselves and the world.
As a musician in the KT Simcha Band or a participant at a Kol Tzedek event or service, I acknowledge that I am bound by this shared values agreement:
This agreement is based on Kol Tzedek’s Community Brit, and has been adapted to reflect the Simcha Band’s culture and conduct within the context of the KT community. How we relate to one another and embody our values is the foundation of transformation for ourselves and the world.
As a musician in the KT Simcha Band or a participant at a Kol Tzedek event or service, I acknowledge that I am bound by this shared values agreement:
- Kavod HaBriyot / We honor the dignity of every person.
We believe that every person is a reflection of the divine. We affirm our shared commitments to anti-racism, feminism, queer and trans liberation, disability justice, youth empowerment, honoring our elders, and other frameworks that honor the dignity of all people, especially those who are often most marginalized.
Some examples of how we uphold this: We strive to meet each person's access needs, recognize neurodivergence, respect people's pronouns, show up for each other with support and hesed, and proactively welcome each other into our shared spaces. Alongside being aware of power dynamics along lines of class, race, gender, ability, and other forms of privilege in our interactions with each other in private conversation, we make sure we play our instruments with sensitive musical dynamics so that every voice in the band can be heard. - Hachnasat Orchim / We welcome each other graciously.
We welcome guests and each other with open hearts and open minds. We are mindful to create prayer spaces that are physically and spiritually accessible to people of all stripes. We make space for people from all backgrounds in our ritual life.
Some examples of how we uphold this: Every musician who wants to be in the band gets to be part of the band, regardless of experience or musical “ability.” We welcome each member where they are and work together to make room for everyone’s voice in a way that furthers our music and band sound. We practice radical hospitality using these guidelines. - Tov L'hodot / We practice gratitude.
These words from Psalm 92 teach us that it is good to be grateful. We cultivate a culture of kindness, appreciation, gratitude, love, and joy. As the band has grown, we want to cultivate and uplift a culture of positivity, mutual support, and celebration of what we do.
Some examples of how we uphold this: We are Kol Tzedek’s Simcha Band! We bring an immense amount of joy to the community. Every performance, whether clean as a whistle, or full of warts, uplifts everyone who experiences us and gives them energy to keep going in all their many ways. We recognize and lift up each other's service and everyone’s contribution to the band. We continue to support and appreciate each other's leadership. - La'asok B'tzorchei Tzibur / We work to serve the needs of the community.
We are a part and a reflection of the Kol Tzedek community. We are blessed with the opportunity to bring a wide range of Jewish music to the synagogue on Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, and Purim, plus other offerings throughout the year. This is an offering, an act of service, and a rare opportunity to cultivate a synagogue’s Jewish cultural life. We understand that it is the responsibility of every member of the band to meet our collective needs. We are representatives of the values of the synagogue even if they are not aligned with our personal views.
Some examples of how we uphold this: The Simcha band performs instrumental and vocal music from across the Jewish diaspora. In doing so we will play music that has political messages. We will choose political music that aligns with the overall views of the synagogue, and we will not play music that does not. Dan is open to song suggestions, but will make the final call on what songs we play. Band members respect Jewish practices different from our own, and recognize that Kol Tzedek accommodates its culturally, religiously, and politically diverse congregation. - Derekh Eretz / We practice consent.
We are working to establish norms of asking for consent in our community's culture. We ask for permission before touching anyone's body, including children.
Some examples of how we uphold this: We ask before offering a hug, playing with a child, or touching anyone's hair, body, clothing, etc. We do not do any of these things until we receive a clear, "Yes!" We refrain from making comments about each other's physical appearance. We ask before giving feedback or engaging in a difficult conversation. - Dan L'khaf Zechut / We assume good intentions.
We give each other the benefit of the doubt and assume people are trying their best, knowing that positive intent can still have a harmful impact. We support each other as learners, leaders, and members of this band. We work to remain curious in our interactions with one another.
Some examples of how we uphold this: We take time to appreciate and affirm each other as we take risks. We approach conversations with curiosity and embrace opportunities to learn from each other about how we can grow. - Shavat V'yinafash / We honor the need to rest, pause, and refresh.
We strive to create a collective container of sacred time together on Shabbat and holidays. The work of the world is relentless and taxing. Working together to create great Jewish music for ourselves and the KT community, we appreciate the time it takes to develop as individuals and as a band/ We move at the speed of trust.
Some examples of how we do this: We aim to refrain from administrative Simcha Band work and communication on Shabbat, though we may find that Shabbat is at times when we make music together. In rehearsal, we take our time and make sure that we move at a useful pace for everyone, even though sometimes we have a lot of music to cover. - Makhlochet L'shem Shamayim / We value enduring disagreements.
We acknowledge disagreement and hold that there are often multiple truths. We work to not erase each other's truths even as we pursue principled action. We work to maintain each other's dignity and avoid humiliation and dehumanization even as we disagree.
Some examples of how we uphold this: The Simcha Band listserv is for logistical and musical conversations. We respect that our conversations about differing perspectives happen offline and in real-time relationships. Any issues that arise between Simcha Band members should be brought to Dan, who will support members to stay connected, resolve conflict, and honor differences, even during times of conflict. - Tochecha / We hold each other accountable.
We are accountable to one another, and to this values agreement, as members of the Simcha Band. When conflicts arise, we will address them in a prompt way, mediated by our leader, Dan. Communicating with care is all of our responsibility.
Some examples of how we uphold this: We speak from our own experience and focus on directly observed behavior and its effects, without making assumptions about the other person's intent. When conflict arises, we respect the wishes of the affected party to set boundaries of communication and work with Dan and other leadership at KT to resolve any issue. - Teshuva / We repair harm.
We believe in our innate capacity and spiritual obligation to heal, forgive, transform, and change. We understand Kol Tzedek to be a brave space where we may cause or encounter harm and conflict. We commit to repair harm we have caused and we work to be open to forgive when we have been harmed.
Some examples of how we uphold this: We apologize sincerely when the opportunity is offered, and when we have caused harm, we commit to not causing the same harm again. We respect and accept the wishes of the affected party and follow their lead. We search our hearts to understand the motivation of the harm.