view this email as webpage

We pause in prayer to remember all we lost on 9/11

September 2024

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.

My Jewish-Progressive Identity Crisis

Benjamin Regenbaum

JCRC Summer Intern - Security

Photographed (left) with Rob Allen, Director of Community Security

The concept of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—is central to my Jewish identity. As a student at the University of Minnesota, I’ve tried to live by it: marching for racial justice, interning for elected officials, and advocating for civil rights at home and abroad.

For years, I believed there was no contradiction between my Jewish and progressive identities.

On October 7, 2023, that belief collapsed.

In the wake of the worst single-day massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, I was horrified when many of my progressive peers refused to condemn Hamas’ violence. Some even celebrated it as “resistance.” Overnight, the identities I once embraced seamlessly were now in terrible conflict with each other.

I began to question: Is it still possible to remain both Jewish and progressive?

Continue reading

Join us as we thank incoming and outgoing board members

at JCRC's 2025 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: Between Home and Homeland: Jewish College Students Confront the Israel-Gaza Conflict and Campus Divides revealing what Jewish college students experience post October 7th. In the intersection of global events and polarized campus climates, hear how college students are fairing 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 -



Through Their Eyes: The Story of Kfar Azza Exhibtiton

September 25-October 11, 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

Youth Fellowship for Jewish Identity & Leadership

Rolling admission through October 5

A monthly school year program for rising 11th and 12th graders. Space is limited.

Learn more

Nostra Aetate 60th Anniversary Commemoration

November 5, 7:00 PM, University of St. Thomas

Featuring Rabbi Abraham Skorka

Learn more

Israel Study Tour

November 10-20

Experience Israel with JCRC!

Learn more

Holocaust Educators Cohort

January-March 2026

8 weekly Wednesday evenings on Zoom

Free. (Continuing education credits available)

Learn more

US Holocaust Memorial Museum Trip

April 28

One day trip to Washington D.C.

Learn more



In Grief and Solidarity With Minnesota's Catholic Community

Education

Why the JCRC Youth Fellowship is exactly what our teens need right now

We’ve spent years teaching about Jewish identity, community, and the challenges—and joys—of raising proud Jewish children in a complex world. One thing we know for sure: the teen years are a make-or-break time for forming that identity. Our kids are asking big questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? What does my Jewishness mean to me—and how do I live it in a way that feels authentic, relevant, and joyful? 

That’s why we want every Twin Cities Jewish 11th and 12th grader to hear about an opportunity that could truly shape their future: the JCRC Youth Fellowship for Jewish Identity and Leadership. 

Continue reading

Education

Celebrating the historic document that lives on in an enduring partnership between Catholics and Jews

We are working closely with colleagues from the Catholic community on our upcoming Nostra Aetate 60th Anniversary commemoration featuring Rabbi Abraham Skorka. We encourage you to register and attend the event.

We also will be teaching about Nostra Aetate in Catholic schools during the 2025-26 school year. We are currently in collaboration with our Catholic colleagues and hoping for a robust teaching schedule.

Read

Palestinian Journalists Attacked - By Whom?

Gatestone Institute, Khaled Abu Toameh

Watch

The Genocidal Claim of Genocide - with Adam Louis-Klein

Ask Haviv Anything, Haviv Rettig Gur

Listen

Genocide and the Burden of History

Identity/Crisis Podcast, Yehuda Kurtzer

Featured media highlights

TC Jewfolk: An Invitation to Grow: Why the JCRC Youth Fellowship Is Exactly What Our Teens Need Right Now

EWTN: News in Depth: Healing After Annunciation Shooting

National Catholic Register: Public Funds for Church Security: Which States Are Stepping Up?

The Washington Post: Minneapolis attack may be Catholics' 'wake up call' for security funds 

KARE 11: Annunciation Church shooting sparks conversation about state support for religious school security

TC Jewfolk: From Jews in Minneapolis: This is Not About Us

Star Tribune: Opinion | A 'city that works for everyone' cannot boycott its Jewish community

Jewish Insider: Klobuchar rebukes Fateh campaign staffers who glorified Oct. 7 attacks

See all coverage

follow us