OK To Serve

The Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee of Florida has rendered an opinion on the following question:

The Inquiring Judge’s synagogue has a committee comprised of several members of the synagogue that review applications submitted by prospective members who assert that they cannot afford to pay full membership dues. An applicant may submit personal financial information to be reviewed by the synagogue committee to determine if the applicant qualifies for reduction of membership dues, and if so, by how much. The only personal contact that the synagogue committee has with applicants is when, in rare instances, applicants request a face-to-face meeting with the committee to present their case. Although the synagogue committee tries to keep its membership anonymous, the names of committee members can be determined if this information is sought.

The Inquiring Judge wants to know if a judge may be a member of this synagogue committee.

Answer: Yes.

(Mike Frisch)