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October 2025

Welcome to Gesher (‘Bridge’ in Hebrew) – JCRC's monthly impact newsletter to keep you informed on our work and the challenges and opportunities before our community.

Statements

JCRC Enthusiastically Welcomes Agreement to Secure the Release of Our Hostages

JCRC Condemns Antisemitic Graffiti at Temple Israel on Anniversary of October 7 Attacks

Featured Events

Join us as we thank incoming and outgoing board members

at our 2025

JCRC Annual Meeting


Sunday, October 12, 7:00-8:30 PM, St. Paul

(exact location given prior to event)


Featuring: Dr. Jonathan Krasner,

Brandeis University Chair of Jewish Education Research


Welcoming: Rabbi Jill Avrin,

JCRC inaugural Director of Campus Affairs


In conversation on Krasner’s new research revealing what is happening to Jewish college students post October 7th as they navigate vulnerability, community, and solidarity during a time of crisis.


And honoring staff milestones at JCRC: Holly Brod Farber (23 years), Ethan Roberts (18 years), Susie Greenberg and Sally Abrams (17 years)

- Dessert reception to follow -

Researcher on College Campus Post-10/7 Speaking at JCRC Annual Meeting - TCJewfolk

Join us for an evening of celebration for the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in Minnetonka


6:30 pm Social Hour and Appetizers

7:00 pm Dinner and Keynote Reflection by Rabbi Abraham Skorka

Remarks by Archbishop Bernard Hebda


JCRC Staff Column

Power in Partnership: How JCRC and Humanus Network Are Transforming Holocaust Education 


An Interview with Kristin Thompson, Founder of Humanus Network 



When Kristin Thompson left Washington, D.C. to return home to Minnesota, she wasn't sure what was next. After years immersed in Holocaust education at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Kristin took a short detour into the world of travel — but something kept bringing her back. “I felt like I was missing out on my calling,” she reflects. That calling was Holocaust education — and through it, empowering teachers and impacting students. 


Now, as founder of Humanus Network, Kristin partners with JCRC to offer transformative professional development experiences for educators. The partnership has become a national model for meaningful Holocaust education, rooted in relationships, intentionality, and

deep historical knowledge. 


We sat down with Kristin, along with Susie Greenberg, JCRC Director of Holocaust Education, to talk about the evolution of their collaboration, the power of experiential learning, and how their work is shaping the future of Holocaust education in Minnesota and beyond. 



Continue reading

Trending Now

One big thing we're focused on

Holocaust Education Opportunities Now Open for 2026


Professional Development


Holocaust Educators Cohort

January-March 2026

8 weekly Wednesday evenings via Zoom

Free. Continuing Education Credits Available.

Understanding how and why the Holocaust happened: This cohort empowers educators to anchor instruction in authentic primary sources — equipping them to teach this complex history with confidence and clarity, while providing students with important skills such as critical thinking and historical inquiry.

Join our cohort



Power of Place: European Summer Institute for Holocaust Educators

June 18-30, 2026

Lithuania, Poland, Netherlands

Join us as we travel to authentic, historical sites to better understand the events of the Holocaust, WWII, antisemitism and contemporary Jewish life.

Apply by Friday, October 24



Living Testimony from the Holocaust


Request a Speaker

Invite a family member of a Holocaust survivor to share their story.

Submit a request


U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum One Day Trip

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Washington D.C.

Fly with us to Washington D.C. to spend an immersive day learning about the Holocaust and the dangers of unchecked hatred.

Register

Visit our website for complete menu of Holocaust education and remembrance opportunities and resources.

MORE UPCOMING EVENTS



Through Their Eyes: The Story of Kfar Azza Exhibtiton

Last Day: October 10, Barry Family Campus

An immersive exhibition telling the story of Kfar Azza, a community devastated by Hamas on October 7th.

Tickets on sale

Proceeds directly support Kfar Azza


Lunch & Learn with JCRC's Sami Rahamim

Tuesday, October 14, after Simchat Torah Services at Temple Israel

Rethinking how we teach about Jews and antisemitism

Register


Nostra Aetate 60th Anniversary Commemoration


Jewish Civilization: The Roots of Our Shared Story

Tuesday, November 4, 7:00 PM, New Hope Church

Presented by Sami Rahamim


Israel Study Tour

November 10-20

Experience Israel with JCRC!

Learn more



Bridging the Gap

Top additions to our Resource Page for understanding and addressing the Israel-Hamas war

Read

Being Jewish on Campus: Responsibility, Risk, and Representation

Rabbi Jill Avrin, JCRC Director of Campus Affairs

Watch

Interview with former hostage Keith Siegel

TC Jewfolk, Lonny Goldsmith, Libby Parker and Ethan Roberts (JCRC)

Listen

Two years since October 7th: A conversation with Eli Sharabi (held hostage by Hamas for 491 days)

Unholy, Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland

JCRC in the Media

Media coverage that includes the consensus public affairs voice of the Jewish community

Featured media highlights

WCCO: Minneapolis police investigating antisemitic vandalism at Temple Israel

TCJewfolk: On 10/7 Anniversary, Temple Israel Targeted with Antisemitic, Pro-Hamas Graffiti

MPR: 'Not one way' Jewish college students are experiencing the war, local rabbi says

TC Jewfolk: Kfar Aza Survivors Visit Minneapolis For Exhibition Opening

WCCO: Former hostage visits Minnesota to raise awareness of captives still in Gaza: "It's a moral issue"

KARE11: Twin Cities faith leaders unite over shared security concerns after recent deadly attacks

Sep 25, 2025

TC Jewfolk: Researcher on College Campus Post-10/7 Speaking at JCRC Annual Meeting

MN Senate Hearing: Gun Violence Prevention Working Group



See all coverage


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48 remain hostage after 734 days. Bring Them Home Now.