Chairs Duties & Responsibilities

​As Chair, you are the elected leader of your Community. Your role is more than management -  you have the opportunity and privilege of shaping the direction of your Community and helping bring to life the ideas and plans you shared when members chose you to lead.​

 

What to Keep in Mind as Chair

 

As you guide your Community, try to consider:

 

• Jewish growth and engagement — what individuals, families, and the whole Community could aspire to Jewishly together, not just their immediate needs.

• Both the long-term and the day-to-day — keeping an eye on the future as well as what needs to happen now.

• All members of the Community — including those who attend less frequently.

• What could work, not only what has worked before — being open to new ideas and opportunities.

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Working With Your Leadership Team

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You don’t lead alone. You will work closely with:

• Rabbinic colleagues, who are essential partners in shaping the Community’s spiritual and communal life.

• Administrative and other professional staff

• The Executive, responsible for the Community’s day‑to‑day administration.

• The Synagogue Council, which supports and advises the Executive, helps set the size of the Executive, and reviews the Community’s budget.

• Volunteers, without whom the Community cannot function.

 

While the Byelaws define specific responsibilities, all elected colleagues are entrusted to represent the members. Strong, respectful teamwork is key to success.

 

Leadership in Practice

 

This Handbook provides the framework and procedures you need in order to lead effectively. But successful Chairs go beyond simply following the rules. They use their judgment, experience, and people skills to:

• Build consensus

• Collaborate closely with their leadership team, particularly the Rabbi and Rebbetzen

• Foster a culture of respect, engagement, and belonging

• Lead the Community with openness and integrity

The goal is not only to meet formal requirements, but to help the Community thrive.​

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The Chair's Office

 

Election

 

Chairs are elected according to the procedures set out in the US Byelaws. To stand for election, a candidate must have been a member of the United Synagogue for at least twelve months prior to nomination (transfers are permitted).

 

Chairs may serve one‑ or two‑year terms and may be re‑elected. Ordinarily, however, you cannot serve more than six consecutive years. There is an exception for those who have moved up from another Executive position who can serve a total of ten years.

 

Delegation

You may delegate the fulfilment of duties to other members or staff, unless the Handbook or Byelaws state otherwise. However, the responsibility for those duties remains with you.

 

Joint Chairs / Co‑Chairs

Communities may appoint Joint Chairs or Co‑Chairs. This can be an effective way to share the workload. Joint Chairs share responsibility and are legally accountable for one another’s decisions, so close communication and agreement are essential.

 

Conduct, Legal Responsibilities & Support

The US is developing a Code of Conduct for volunteers, covering expectations around behaviour and communication.

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This Handbook does not cover every legal liability a Chair may have. For advice on liabilities and on the insurance that the US provides for your protection, please contact your Community Partner or David Frei, External Services Director.

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Please familiarise yourself with the US Complaints Policy as you may need to deal with minor issues that arise in your community.