ETHICS IN CHINUCH

 ETHICS   IN CHINUCH

We in the field of Chinuch have accepted a fiduciary responsibility on behalf of the Tzibur at large. Therefore, we owe our fidelity to the Tzibur to uphold and maintain that fiduciary responsibility. Executives who face troubling decisions are often confused about how to arrive at the right, moral and ethical course of action. This is not surprising since by definition a “moral dilemma” is one where there is no clear right and wrong, only positives and negatives.

We should be guided in our moral reasoning by the insight that comes from respecting the moral rights of the Ben / Bas Yisroel; justice to colleagues and peers; consequences and outcomes; explaining and defending to others as well as to ourselves the decisions we make. Have I searched for all alternatives? Are there other ways I could look at the situation? Have I listened and considered all points of view of my colleagues and peers, while still maintaining high ethical standards?

Even if there is sound rational for this decision, and even if I could defend it publicly, does my inner sense tell me this is right? Will my colleagues, peers, and the educated parents agree with my rational? Does this decision agree with my moral beliefs and with my personal principles and sense of responsibility to the Bas yisroel? Would I want others representing the public to make the same decision and to take the same action if faced with the same circumstances?

What are my true motives for this action? Would this action infringe on the moral rights and dignity of others? Would this action involve deceiving others in any way?

Would I feel this action was just (ethical or fair) if I were on the other side of the decision? Am I being unduly influenced by others who may not be as sensitive to these ethical standards?

How would I feel (or how will I feel) if (or when) this action becomes known to the educated Tzibur? Would others feel that my action or decision is ethically and morally justifiable to the educated Tzibur?  Can I justify my action as directly beneficial to the Tzibur and to their betterment in general?

We can stretch and expand our moral reasoning and ethical judgment, and sharpen our ethical sensitivity and moral awareness by thinking through particular dilemmas in light of the above. If we consider all the questions discussed above with real intent and pure motives, then we can be confident that we will come with the Almighty’s help, to sound and ethical decisions.

When we achieve clarity as to the issues of the dilemma, we are better prepared to make a decision that is both right and defensible. We must remember that our goal is to achieve an ethical course of action in all areas affecting the Tzibur, not to find a way to construct a rational argument in support of an unethical decision.

Our daily decisions do (at times indirectly) impact the Public. We live in a world where other concerns e.g. profits etc., often come into conflict with the concern for ethics and principles; and where society is demanding a higher standard of transparency, and a higher ethic of social responsibility to the Tzibur.

We must be willing and able to give the Tzibur in fact, that which the public believes he / she is getting in theory. We owe it to ourselves…..we are all “individuals joined together and known as the Tzibur”.

ידינו לא שפכו הדם הזה וכו'

כפר לעמך ישרא-ל

Do we have to bring an עגלה ערופה?

By Yehuda Shain