The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is the vehicle through which the Jewish community is represented in the greater Louisville community in discussions, activities, programs and coalitions with others that help to improve inter-group relationships and protect human rights. The JCRC provides a forum for discussion and coordinated action on public policy issues of concern to the Louisville Jewish community and conducts educational, legislative and media efforts on issues including Israel, religious freedom, pluralism, separation of religion and state, and equality of opportunity for all.
There are several opportunities to participate:
Lead a Model Seder
In the weeks leading up to Passover, church and school groups across Kentuckiana are given the opportunity to host Model Seders. JCRC volunteers go to venues across the region to lead these Seders. JCRC provides Seder leader training, special Haggadot written for interfaith Seders, Seder plates (if needed) and some Passover candy. JCRC also coordinates with the churches and schools and provides instructions for them. To volunteer, contact Matt Golden at mgolden@jewishlouisville.org, or at 502-238-270
Do the Mitzvah of Matanot l’Evyonim
Every year around Purim time, the Jewish Community Relations Council selects a group that makes a difference in our community through tikkun olam – the repair of the world – and solicits donations on its behalf to fulfill the mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim – gifts for the poor. Watch Community in February for details about this year’s project.
Yom HaShoah Commemoration
Each year, the JCRC seeks to share the lessons of the Holocaust and to remember the
victims of this unspeakable tragedy with a community-wide Holocaust commemoration program. Volunteers are needed to work on the committee that puts this program together. To volunteer, contact Adam Cohen at acohen@jewishlouisville .org or 502-238-2739.
Teachers Trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Each year, the JCRC takes teachers from public, private and parochial schools to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Teachers who participate also attend a pre-trip meeting and a post-trip work session to learn how to teach the Holocaust lessons in their classrooms. If you are a teacher, watch for information about this in-service opportunity from your school. This trip is made possible by the Jewish Foundation of Louisville’s Ernie Marx and Ilse Meyer Holocaust Education Fund. To apply for this trip, contact Matt Golden at mgolden@jewishlouisville.org or 502-238-2702 Other JCRC programs may be offered to the community as well. Check Community, your Jewish newspaper, regularly for information.