COMMUNITY NEWS
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes
financial and volunteer resources to address the
communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and
around the world.

Jewish Community Relations Council Offers Many
Opportunities to Get Involved
THE JEWISH COMMUNITY Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation
of Greater Philadelphia educates and advocates in Greater Philadelphia, in
Congress and in the Pennsylvania State Capitol on behalf of Jewish interests and
issues throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, in Israel and around the world.

Through community relations, government affairs, social action and advocacy,
JCRC is dedicated to improving inter-group understanding and advancing a
just and pluralistic society. JCRC focuses on education and advocacy for Israel,
Holocaust education, interfaith relations, domestic affairs, racial justice initia-
tives and more.

Given the events over the past year, JCRC’s efforts are needed now more than
ever. “Our work includes planning and presenting educational and advocacy
opportunities for Jews across our region and building strong relationships with
our neighbors from other communities of faith and ethnicity,” JCRC Board
Chair Arlene Fickler said. “JCRC programs are free and open to all who are
interested in engaging with us, so please register for our programs or reach out
to our JCRC team for more information.”
Each year, JCRC provides education about the Holocaust, racism, genocide
and the dangers of prejudice through sponsoring speakers, art competitions
and multiple youth symposiums on the Holocaust, which bring thousands of
students together from across Greater Philadelphia to hear from Holocaust
survivors directly. JCRC also convenes a major, community wide, Holocaust
commemoration ceremony.

Upcoming JCRC Events
JCRC HAS MANY interesting programs slated for the coming month that
are open to the entire community. From educational seminars to advocacy
opportunities, there are so many ways to get involved. To register or learn
more about each of the following programs, visit jewishphilly.org/jcrcevents.

26th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service with
Global Citizen360: A Dialogue
Monday, Jan. 18, 11:00 a.m.

The JCRC is partnering with PRO-ACT (Philadelphia Recovery Community
Center) on a dialogue on race and Martin Luther King’s continued legacy. The
program will feature a video of (“What is Your Life’s Blueprint” and JCRC
and PRO-ACT community members will engage in dialogue on how King’s
message continues to resonate today.

Pennsylvania’s “Fab Four” on What to Expect from the New Congress
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 7:00 p.m.

JCRC in partnership with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley will host
a panel conversation with U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan, Mary Gay Scanlon,
Susan Wild and Madeline Dean.

Web Series with David Horovitz
Thursday, Jan. 28, noon
JCRC is excited to announce the next webinar in our continuing series with
David Horovitz, founding editor of the online newspaper Times of Israel. In
this session, Horovitz will discuss the most pressing issues in Israel and the
Middle East today, including the recently announced national elections that
will take place in March and the incoming Biden-Harris administration.

JFNA Virtual Mission to Washington
Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 1-2
The first-ever National Jewish Virtual Mission to Washington is an opportu-
nity for communities across the United States to join together virtually with
political leaders and policymakers from both sides of the aisle, to advocate for
the future of the Jewish community. Participants will have the opportunity
to learn about and advocate for laws that fight anti-Semitism, ensure a strong
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM U.S.-Israel relationship and provide government resources to keep Jewish
institutions flourishing.

JFNA’s Jewish Disability Advocacy Month
February — All month
From diverse communities across North America, Jewish Federations are
coming together to harness our collective power to break down barriers to
opportunity and inclusion. Help advance policy that empowers individuals
with disabilities to achieve maximum independence.

Making the World More Accessible in the Time of COVID
Monday, Feb. 15, noon.

JCRC is proud to host our Jewish Disability Advocacy program with Stacy
Levitan, executive director JCHAI and Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, acting co-execu-
tive Director, Jewish Learning Venture. Levitan and Kaplan-Mayer will describe
their agencies and the people they serve and what they are doing to ensure that
their communities are remaining engaged during the time of COVID.

JCRC Celebrates Black History Month: Tracing the Story and Legacy of
Rabbi Abel Respes
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:00 p.m.

JCRC and the African American Museum in Philadelphia will be joined by
members of the Respes family and a local historian to share the revolutionary
and inspiring story of Rabbi Abel Respes.

Gamal Palmer — Diversity Gym and Jews of Color
Thursday, March 11, 7:00 p.m.

Gamal Palmer, senior vice president of leadership development at the Jewish
Federation of Los Angeles, will lead a workshop entitled “Diversity Gym.”
Much like we all approach fitness from different levels, we also work through
our biases from different levels of biases. Some are better at working alone,
while others need more personalized coaching to help reach their goals.

Interested in learning more about the Jewish Community Relations
Council? Contact JCRC Director Laura Frank at lfrank@jewishphilly.org.

JEWISH EXPONENT
JANUARY 14, 2021
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