Welcome to RJ Web Builder! These terms and conditions govern your synagogue's access to and use of the RJ Web Builder platform and related services provided by the Union for Reform Judaism, including the WordPress-based website platform offered as part of your URJ membership. By using these services, your synagogue agrees to be bound by these terms.
1. Services Provided
1.1 Eligibility and Membership
Access to RJ Web Builder 3.0 is provided exclusively as a benefit of membership to the Union for Reform Judaism. Your synagogue must be a congregation in good standing with the URJ to utilize this service.
1.2 Platform and Hosting
RJ Web Builder 3.0 is a WordPress-based content management system (CMS) that allows congregations to build, host, and maintain professional websites using themes, plugins, and tools provided within the platform. Hosting, software updates, security, and server maintenance are included as part of the services. The URJ does not provide local internet services, domain registration, or email hosting.
1.3 Features Included
The platform includes standard features such as:
- A selection of pre-configured themes for design choice.
- Built-in functionality via approved plugins.
- SSL certificates and secure hosting.
2. Client Responsibilities
2.1 Signing Up
Provide accurate, complete, and timely information necessary upon signing up for our services.
2.2 Content Ownership and Management
Your synagogue retains ownership of all content you upload. You must have the legal right to use all materials included on your website. While the URJ provides the platform and tools, the creation, editing, and management of text, images, and other media are your synagogue's sole responsibility.
2.3 Domain and Email Control
Your synagogue maintains control over the domain name and email services with the domain registrar; RJ Web Builder does not manage these except for site hosting DNS pointing.
Your synagogue retains full control and responsibility for:
- maintaining the synagogue's domain name registration (DNS)
- managing the synagogue's email accounts
- pointing the domain to the RJ Web Builder servers when ready to launch
2.4 Site Customization
You may customize your site's content, colors, fonts, and layouts within the provided themes and tools. Adding additional plugins or third-party features requires approval and may incur additional fees.
3. Scope Limitations
3.1 Platform Restrictions
To ensure stability and security across all hosted sites:
- The synagogue may not have direct FTP access to the hosting environment.
- The platform does not support SMTP services for mass mailing to subscribers due to security and blacklisting concerns. The synagogue must use third-party services (e.g., Constant Contact, MailChimp) for mass email marketing.
3.2 Plugins and Themes
The synagogue is limited to the themes (templates) and plugins pre-installed and approved by the URJ.
3.3 Approval for Add-Ons
Custom plugins, features, or significant site modifications are subject to review and approval by RJ Web Builder support. We reserve the right to refuse changes that may compromise system security or interoperability.
- While additional plugins do provide more functionality, adding too many might cause the site to slow down (the extra code could slow down the site's loading time) and potentially compromise its security.
3.4 User Accounts
As a site administrator, the synagogue may create accounts for other users (e.g., editors, authors). However, for security reasons, the synagogue cannot create other administrator accounts.
4. Costs, Billing & Additional Charges
4.1 Included Costs
The basic services, including hosting, platform use, updates, and support, are included as part of your URJ membership benefit.
4.2 Additional Charges
Charges beyond the base services may apply for:
- Customized work such as switching themes with significant redesign issues.
- While the synagogue may switch between provided themes, the URJ does not guarantee a seamless transition. Any issues, broken layouts, or required data migration resulting from a theme switch are not covered by standard support and will be subject to billable custom work rates (currently estimated at $80/hour).
- Additional development sites beyond the one included.
- One (1) development site is included. Requests for a second development site or a "blank slate" restart will incur a fee (currently $400).
- Custom Development: Personalized support for CSS changes, complex integrations, or unapproved plugin configuration.
Estimated costs will be communicated in advance and be billed by the URJ's third-party developer.
5. Project Setup and Timeline
5.1 Development Site Creation
Once requested, a development site will be created within an estimated timeline (often 1-2 weeks).
5.2 No Service Outage During Transition
The existing site will not experience downtime during the transition until you choose to point the domain to the new site.
6. Training, Tutorials, and Support
6.1 Support Availability
RJ Web Builder provides technical support, tutorials, and guides. Training on WordPress basics is provided to help manage content and update site.
6.2 Self-Help Resources
A knowledge base, help articles, videos, and user communities are available to aid in learning and troubleshooting.
7. Intellectual Property Rights
7.1 Client Rights
The synagogue retains ownership of all original content uploaded and created on the site.
7.2 Platform Rights
RJ Web Builder and URJ retain all rights to the platform, including themes, templates, and proprietary system configurations. The synagogue is granted access to use them as part of the services.
7.3 URJ Content
The URJ may provide syndicated content (e.g., Jewish learning materials, news from the Movement) via the WP RSS Aggregator or other widgets. This content remains the property of the URJ.
7.4 Third-Party Services
Websites may include third-party tools, embedded on your site. RJ Web Builder is not responsible for:
- Third-party outages or service changes
- License fees, renewals, or subscription costs
- Data loss, security issues, or policy changes by third parties
These include, but not limited to, payment gateways, Google Calendar integrations, or external CRMs.
8. Liability and Disclaimers
Except where prohibited by law, the Union for Reform Judaism is not liable for:
- Loss of data, revenue, or damage arising from use of the platform.
- Unavailability due to technical issues beyond our control.
The service is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. While the URJ utilizes enterprise-grade hosting and security (including SSL certificates), we do not warrant that the service will be uninterrupted or error-free.
9. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to protect confidential information and not disclose it unless required by law.
10. Termination
9.1. By User
The synagogue may terminate use of the service at any time by notifying the URJ and pointing the domain name away from our servers.
9.2. By URJ
The URJ reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the service if:
- Your synagogue ceases to be a member in good standing of the URJ.
- The synagogue violates these terms and conditions.
- The website usage poses a security threat to the network.