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. | |
Reclaiming our story with Sarah Hurwitz at JCRC 2026 Annual Event
Photos: Darrell Owens Photography
At JCRC, the heart of our work is something simple but powerful: telling the Jewish story.
For decades, JCRC has brought that story directly to thousands of people in schools, workplaces, houses of worship, and communities throughout our region - helping others understand who we are, what we believe, and how our stories connect us to one another.
In the wake of October 7, we rose to meet a pressing need: empowering our young people to find their voice and deepen their understanding of the peoplehood to which they belong.
Our conversation with Sarah Hurwitz at the 2026 JCRC Annual Event affirmed for us how vital this work is, especially now. At a time of rising hatred and misunderstanding of Jews and Israel, we are continually investing your support into rising to this moment. Sarah’s message was incredibly clear, when Jews know their story, they cannot be diminished by hatred.
Continue reading (& more photos)
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Power of Place: European Summer Institute for Holocaust Educators
June 18-30
We are honored to welcome the acclaimed educator and author, Alexandra Zapruder, who will travel with us as we follow in the footsteps of several young diarists featured in her research and book, Salvaged Pages: Young Writers’ Diaries of the Holocaust. As they embark, read TC Jewfolk's coverage Holocaust-Era Diarists Focus Of 2026 ‘Power of Place’ Educators’ Trip and follow us through Europe on JCRC's social media accounts.
Follow the tour
Applications now open: Youth Fellowship for Jewish Identity & Leadership
Rolling admission through September 24
A single school year program designed by JCRC to empower Jewish high school juniors and seniors to explore and embrace their history, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a deep sense of pride, meaning and joy in their Jewish identity. Upon successful completion, participants will earn a $1,000 stipend.
Learn more
Violins of Hope
May & June
A world-renowned collection of 70 instruments that survived the Holocaust to tell the stories of those who played, hid, carried, and saved them. This residency includes concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, book talks, family programs, and worship services across Minnesota.
View schedule
JCRC is offering numerous Violins of Hope educational presentations in senior living communities and schools. We have trained several descendants and family members of Holocaust survivors to speak about the journey of these violins and the role music played during the Holocaust. These presentations are accompanied by a violinist from MacPhail Center for Music as part of the Music for Life program, who performs on one of the instruments from the Violins of Hope Collection. For adults and students alike, this provides a rich and unique opportunity to connect tangibly with the memories and history of the Holocaust.
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Additionally, JCRC hosted an intimate Violins of Hope concert and reception for Holocaust survivors and descendants. Over 90 guests attended and listened to the musical presentation as well as the history of the project from Avshi Weinstein whose family is responsible for the collection. We heard from audience members how moving this opportunity was:
“The program last night was beautiful. The music, Avshi's stories - about his background and about the individual violins, the warmth of the musicians and their appreciation for the instruments and the musical selections - it was truly moving. I loved sitting there with the community of descendants of survivors letting the music of these surviving violins surround us. My parents would have loved it. And I so appreciate the JCRC effort to bring together this community for a special event with the violins. Thank you for making it happen.”
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The Election Is August 11: Why the Primary Matters
Minnesota’s August 11 primary is not a warm-up. In many races, especially in districts that strongly favor one party, the August primary may effectively determine who will hold the seat after November.
That is why every vote matters. Minnesota primary elections often draw lower turnout, and close state legislative and local races can be decided by a very small number of ballots.
Minnesota has an open primary, which means voters do not register by party. But on the partisan section of the ballot, you must choose one party’s primary—DFL or Republican—and vote only in that party’s column. There is no mix-and-match between parties. Early voting by mail or in person begins June 26 and runs through August 10.
Before voting, research the candidates and the issues. There can be significant differences not only between parties, but also between candidates of the same party on issues of critical importance to our community, including the threat of rising antisemitism from across the political spectrum.
Learn more from the Minnesota Secretary of State: Primary Election Information
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Trending Now
One big thing we're focused on
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Inaugural Ko'ach Advocacy Fellowship Concludes
As the academic year concluded, so has JCRC's inaugural Ko’ach Advocacy Fellowship for Minnesota college students. After 8 educational sessions our fellows concluded the program with a series of advocacy meetings with stakeholders including elected officials, University Presidents, members of the Board of Regents, faculty members, and leaders in various University departments and centers.
These students impressed us with their preparation for the meetings and their courage, poise, and conviction in sharing their stories and experiences. Yasher ko'ach to this cohort on advocating for themselves and the campus climate they hope to build!
View the impact stories and statistics
With continued donor support, we can build on this momentum, empowering even more students to navigate challenges with confidence and become thoughtful, effective advocates for Jewish life on campus and beyond.
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Building Bridges
Recent impact highlights from JCRC
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Education
Recognizing our Speakers Bureau volunteers
JCRC hosted a breakfast to thank our volunteer speakers for their dedication to Judaism, Israel, and Holocaust education during the 2025–2026 school year. Twelve speakers gathered to share highlights from their work, connect with one another, and learn about JCRC’s partnerships with Dara Horn’s Tell Institute and Violins of Hope. It was a meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude for these volunteers, whose impact is far-reaching: in the last fiscal year alone, our speakers delivered more than 400 presentations, reaching over 18,000 students in schools and community organizations.
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Security
Personal safety trainings across the community
This spring, our staff held several trainings to empower community members to make the spaces and events they attend safer by exercising vigilant awareness, knowing what to do in an active threat situation, and have Stop the Bleed first aid skills.
On top of security training for partner staff and faculty, physical security assessments, and JCRC's community security patrol, we are always available to institutions who call us to request these life-saving trainings at their site.
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Bridging the Gap
Recommended articles, videos and podcasts
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JCRC in the Media
Media coverage that includes the consensus public affairs voice of the Jewish community
| | Featured media highlights | | |
MPR: Amid Middle East conflict, Minnesota Democrats more vocally criticize Israel's actions
The Andrew Parker Show: 1948 to October 7: The Historical Facts Behind Today's Middle East Conflict with guest Steve Hunegs
TC Jewfolk: Holocaust-Era Diarists Focus Of 2026 ‘Power of Place’ Educators’ Trip
TC Jewfolk: Q&A With Sarah Hurwitz Ahead Of Twin Cities Visit
JewishInsider: Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf leads players, high school students on Holocaust Museum trip
See all coverage
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