Join Dr. Amy Milligan and guest ...
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Stuart E. Eizenstat, Author of T...
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Join Dr. Amy Milligan and guest ...
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Virginia Jewish Advocacy DayJan
29
Jewish Community Relations Counc...
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Memorial Day CommemorationMay
23
Community Memorial Day Event
Mission
The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater champions a thriving Jewish community locally, in Israel, and around the world and leverages the strength of our diverse and vibrant Jewish community to promote a just and democratic society by leading, convening, educating and advocating.
The JCRC addresses issues of vital concern based on Jewish values, consensus, and respect for diversity, and builds bridges within and beyond the Jewish community.
5 Core Issues
Combating antisemitism, bigotry, and racism;
Supporting a peaceful, secure, Jewish, and democratic state of Israel;
Fostering positive and meaningful relationships throughout the community, including with public officials, and civic and faith leaders;
Modeling civil discourse and building cohesion within the Tidewater Jewish community; and
Preserving our country’s commitment to religious freedom and pluralism.
Supporting a peaceful, secure, Jewish, and democratic state of Israel;
Fostering positive and meaningful relationships throughout the community, including with public officials, and civic and faith leaders;
Modeling civil discourse and building cohesion within the Tidewater Jewish community; and
Preserving our country’s commitment to religious freedom and pluralism.
CORE VALUES
These core values are the foundation of JCRC's mission and vision, informing our work in pursuit of a just society and secure Jewish future.
B'Tselem Elokim | All are Created in God's Image; Value the Humanity in Each Person
We protect the life and dignity of every person, and work to ensure dignity and justice for all people irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical or mental diisability.
Lo Ta'amod Al Dam Rey'echa | Do Not Stand Idly By
"In a free society, only some may be guilty but all are responsible." (Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel). Each time we stand up for an ideal, or act to improve the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves, voicing the Jewish community's concern on critical issues in the public sphere, we demonstrate a commitment to solidarity with others.
Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof | Justice, Justice, You Shall Pursue
One of the most central tenets of Judaism is to pursue justice. More than merely respecting or following justice, we must actively pursue it. The repetition of the word "justice" emphasizes the centrality of this value in our religious consciousness and behavior, both traditionally and today.
Tikkun Olam | Repair of the World
We work to improve the world, one relationship at a time. Many experiences in life threaten to break us. But such experiences also make us more whole as human beings. They expand our range of consciousness and compassion. They enlarge our capacity for inclusion. They make us stronger and help us reach out to others with greater empathy and concern.
Elu V'Elu | Openness to Multiple Perspectives
The Jewish approach includes recognizing that there are multiple sides of an issue, being open to hearing views that are not our own, and grappling with complexity.
Im Ayn Ani Li, Mi Li? U'She'ani Le'atzmi Mah Ani? Ve'im Lo Achshav, AyMatai? | If I Am Not For Myself, Who Will Be For Me? If I Am Only For Myself, What Am I? And If Not Now, When?
We advocate for Jewish community interests while collaborating with other faith, ethnic, and emerging communities who share our goals.
Mipnei Darchei Shalom | Paths of Peace
We keep peace with our neighbors by building strong relationships, promoting mutual respect and fostering understanding.
Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh La Zeh | All in the House of Israel are Responsible for One Another
We mobilize the community when Jews anywhere are in need of our support. We are many Jewish communities bound together by shared values, history, religion, and culture.
Eretz Yisrael | Support for Israel, "Bring us in peace from the four corners of the earth and lead us upright to our land."
The ancient yearning of the Jewish people to return to their historic land of Israel culminated in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 after nearly 2000 years of exile. We support Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. We support strong US-Israel relations.
Take Action & Learn More
FOR INFORMATION, VOLUNTEERING, AND MORE:
Contact Robin Mancoll, Senior Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of the UJFT, at RMancoll@ujft.org or (757)965-6120.