The JCRC is the Jewish community’s central voice for relationship building between Jews and other faith, ethnic, and minority groups in the Greater Washington, DC region. We work in and assume a leading role in broad coalitions that foster greater mutual respect and strengthen the fabric of our local community.
What We Do
Educate
The JCRC educates the clergy and lay leadership of faith communities throughout our region about the Jewish faith, community, history, and experience.
Cultivate
The JCRC is a leading participant in the Montgomery County Faith Community Advisory Council, the Fairfax County Interfaith Committee, and the InterFaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, and other coalitions. These critical groups provide a powerful framework for people of all faiths to come together to respond to communal challenges and nurture a more respectful and just society.
Build
Our partners include leadership from mosques, churches, temples, gurdwaras, and synagogues of all denominations. In times of celebration and times of need we work together to build a stronger more vibrant community. Our carefully nurtured relationships allow us to be present for all faith communities when needed.
Understanding Where Antisemitism and Racism Intersect
The JCRC works together with allies and partners to foster understanding, promote mutual respect, and counter the efforts of those who seek to divide and harm us. We work in both public and private to combat the toxicity inherent in all forms of prejudice.
Below, please find resources for learning around the intersection of antisemitism and racism. Select this link to view our anti-racism toolkit for further reading, resources, and actions you can take in your community.
- Skin in the Game: How Antisemitism Animates White Nationalism by Eric Ward, Political Research 2017
- Black Lives Matter, American Jews, and Antisemitism: Distinguishing Between the Organization(s), the Movement, and the Ubiquitous Phrase, JCPA
- Black Lives Matter and the Movement For Black Lives Information Page, Israel Action Network
- Eric Ward’s Presentation to JCPA on How the Jewish Community Can Navigate the Current Political and Social Moment
- You don’t have to choose between Black Lives Matter and Israel by Carly Pildis, The Forward
- Video: Black Lives Matter and the Jewish Community: A Discussion with Eric Ward and Carly Pildis
- Black Lives Matter and the Movement For Black Lives Information Sheet
- Far more unites Black and Jewish Americans than divides them by Ethan B. Katz and Deborah Lipstadt, CNN
- Where Is the Outrage Over Anti-Semitism in Sports and Hollywood? by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hollywood Reporter
- The Anti-semitism We Didn't See by Jemele Hill, The Atlantic
Covid-19 Resources
The volunteer opportunities shared here for reference purposes are not being endorsed or co-sponsored by the JCRC; we do not have independent knowledge of the health protocols or other quality controls in place at each sponsoring organization. Please use common sense in decisions regarding in-person volunteering, including considerations of personal health status, and heed the current public safety instructions from Maryland, Northern Virginia and the District. Follow this link to view listing.
- Bridges to Independence: Anti-Boredom Bundles: Make activity kits for children in homeless shelter to keep them occupied
- Aspire! After-school learning: Recruiting "virtual volunteers" to help with homework or reading
- New Hope Housing, Inc: Cooking meals for homeless people once a month
- Senior Services of Alexandria: Shop for and deliver groceries every other week for a homebound senior
- Computer C.O.R.E.: Interpret class lessons into sign language for hard of hearing/deaf students
- Alexandria Medical Reserve Corps: Help staff call center and provide community outreach
- Volunteer Alexandria: Food distribution at Alexandra City Public Schools
- Supply Love: Make cloth masks (materials provided; sewing machine required)
By region:
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Montgomery County Volunteer Center The Volunteer Center strives to promote and expand meaningful community service in Montgomery County by recruiting, supporting, and connecting volunteers and nonprofits.
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District of Columbia The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility (MCCSR) organizes high-impact volunteer and social justice programs
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VolunteerNow! Fairfax County premiere search engine for individuals and groups to use when searching for volunteer opportunities.
For more information about JCRC's Inter-group Relations, please email Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky.