Pursuing social justice

JCRC pursues social justice by taking action to raise awareness, build coalitions, develop leaders, and promote volunteer service to effect change in the broader community.

This year, JCRC:

  • Launched the B'nai TELEM program, extending service learning opportunities to 6th and 7th grade students. The program surpassed initial expectations and engaged over 200 students at nine synagogues during their bar/bat mitzvah year.
  • Intensified synagogue organizing efforts in 14 synagogues whose leaders played a leading role in the successful fight to prevent the elimination of the state income tax, and the securing of funding for senior transportation in Newton.
  • Secured language for Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities in the state budget, which will allow us to better advocate for state funds for the programs in coming years.

Strengthening community

JCRC promotes a vibrant future for the Jewish community by fostering understanding, improving quality of life and strengthening institutions—in Greater Boston and around the world

This year, JCRC:

  • Hosted the UN International Day of Commemoration for the victims of the Holocaust in the House Chambers at the State House, the re-dedication of the Yom HaShoah Menorah at the Archdiocese, and welcomed Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley Cap. OFM as keynote speaker at the annual Yom HaShoah Holocaust Commemoration ceremony at Faneuil Hall.
  • Continued providing loans to more than 25 women to aid them in starting their own businesses through the Microenterprise Initiative of the Dnepropetrovsk Kehillah Project. The program is currently one of the few sources of capital in Dnepropetrovsk. The program boasts a 100% repayment record, even from women who were unable to sustain their businesses.
  • Launched "LEAD Haifa," a year-long leadership course in partnership with the Council of Volunteer Organizations in Haifa as part of our ongoing Haifa-Boston Learning Exchange.

Supporting Israel

JCRC builds a broad network of support for Israel in its quest for a secure and lasting peace.

This year, JCRC:

  • Coordinated a study tour in which 19 Christian religious leaders from 10 denominations visited Israel. The participants returned excited and energized about Israel and have, to date, given 20 sermons and written four articles published in local media.
  • Led the community and managed the response to Operation Cast Lead operation in Gaza.
  • Aided an effort to introduce legislation calling for Massachusetts to divest its holdings in companies doing significant amounts of business with Iran’s petroleum industry.