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Jewish Community Relations Council
works to change the world every day!

The JCRC is a forum for discussion and action on what matters to the Jewish community at the international, national, state and local levels. It works to promote mutual understanding and harmonious relations among northern New Jersey’s diverse racial, religious, civic and ethnic groups. It engages in a broad range of initiatives that include advocacy and education relating to: Israel, poverty, the environment, health care, refugees, anti-Semitism, genocide, separation of religion and state, and education.
UJA Federation’s JCRC makes a difference.

The JCRC is active in a variety of different areas (described below):
w Israel & World Affairs     w Tikkun Olam Initiatives 
w Intergroup Relations     w Government Affairs & Public Policy

Israel & World Affairs 


 

 

April 29 w 7 - 9 pm
Leon and Toby Cooperman JCC

Understanding the Middle East from a Jewish perspective

A PowerPoint presentation, “Hope for Peace in the Middle East: Understanding Israel”

The PowerPoint was developed by the JCRC in order to promote a deeper understanding of the conflict in the Middle East from a Jewish perspective.

If you would like one of our knowledgeable speakers to come to your community and make a presentation with the Hope for Peace PowerPoint, please call Joy Kurland.

We haven't forgotten ... Gilad Shalit

Despite the heart wrenching loss of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, we still pray for the return of Gilad Shalit abducted two years ago, still being held captive by Hamas. story

Be an advocate for Israel
When you hear an inaccurate news story about Israel, or an example of unfair coverage, call the radio talk shows to protest, write letters to the editor, speak out in chat rooms. Send faxes. Make phone calls. Respond to Op-Ed articles. When you hear a news report in which the reporter makes a moral equivalency of Palestinian terrorists to victims of terrorism, object strongly.

Goldstone Report
To assist you in responding to this issue we have compiled various informational resources.

Tikkun Olam Initiatives

A volunteer opportunity
for all ages
Save the Date 
November 7
click here to read last year's stories

One Hour a week can make
a big difference in a child's life
Bergen Reads literacy program is part of a nationwide effort to help public elementary school students enjoy reading and improve their reading skills in a comfortable and friendly environment. read more 

Intergroup Relations

Jewish/Evangelical dialogue

w  April 13—Isaiah Chapter 56 as 
     a text of  Interreligious 
     Understanding
w  May 25—Israel in our 
     Religious Traditions

Interfaith Post Passover
Model Seder
at Temple Emeth
took place on Sunday, April 18.
Read about this successful event.  

May 2 - Twenty-Fourth Annual Interfaith Brotherhood/Sisterhood of Bergen County Brunch 
Featured
Dr. Rita Sherma, M.A., Ph.D.  took place on May 2nd.

Government Affairs
& Public Policy

Jewish Community Relations Council


 


Joy Kurland
JCRC Director
JoyK@ujannj.org
201-820-3946

Sharon Rifkind
Associate Director
SharonR@ujannj.org
201-820-3947

Alice Blass
Get Connected & Mitzvah Day Coordinator
AliceB@ujannj.org
201-820-3948

Natalya Taleysnik
JCRC Administrative Assistant
NatalyaT@ujannj.org
201-820-3944 

5 Year Jewish Holiday Calendar

The five year calendar of Jewish holidays has been prepared by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey. For the past 15 years, the calendar has been disseminated to school districts, local government offices, civic, higher educational and communal organizations as well as Jewish community leadership throughout Bergen, North Hudson and Passaic Counties. This calendar is designed as a valuable tool in avoiding conflicts and tensions over the scheduling of examinations, commencement, holiday and cultural programs and similar activities. By sharing this information, we hope it will be of assistance in efforts to be responsive and sensitive to individual's religious beliefs and observances.