Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Congregation Professionals
Adopted by the CCAR at the 88th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
or subsequent to that Convention in 1977
The modern synagogue often demands a full complement of staff to implement its varied
programs. Serving with rabbis are cantors, educators, administrators and other personnel.
Each of them brings to the synagogue an individual expertise and commitment. Just as we would be disturbed by the presence of someone serving as Rabbi without proper
training, so we must be concerned with those who would occupy other congregational
positions who are not adequately trained. We especially at this time express our
concern with the engagement of men and women to perform cantorial, educational and administrative
functions who are not properly trained. In each area there are now minimal requirements
for investiture, certification or accreditation. We note with dismay the elevation to positions of responsibility within our congregations of individuals who
have no noticeable training in the field for which they assume responsibility. We
commit ourselves to the upholding of high professional standards, not only in the
rabbinate but in other fields of congregational service. We will resist efforts to elevate
individuals to positions of ultimate responsibility who are not trained for such
positions. We especially take note of the report delivered to the 35th Convention
and Workshop Conference of the National Association of Temple Administrators in November, 1976.
Myron Schoen reported that as a result of congregations experiencing declines in
membership and facing financial difficulties, along with the failure to experience
growth on the part of small congregations, that synagogues have bestowed the title of Administrator
upon individuals on their staff without endowing such individuals with the responsibilities
or compensation of a professional. He also reported that an increasing number of congregations have turned to local sources to fill their positions and in
many instances have not given to such individuals the benefits which the National
Association of Temple Administrators has fought so long and hard to provide its members.
We call upon the professional organizations of Cantors, Educators and Administrators
to maintain their efforts to achieve a higher degree of professionalism within their
own range. We call upon the Central Conference of American Rabbis to be in the forefront of the effort to assure that those who occupy such positions in our congregations
are individuals who meet the professional standards.