“וְגֵר לֹא תִלְחָץ וְאַתֶּם יְדַעְתֶּם אֶת־נֶפֶשׁ הַגֵּר כִּי־גֵרִים הֱיִיתֶם בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִ”
"You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt."
A significant part of JCRC’s work concerns social justice and helping to create a just, equitable community. To do so, it is integral to stay informed and educated. In addition to our work with community groups to examine and fight racism, Islamophobia, and white nationalism, JCRC has committed to working with THRIVE to support and elevate Jewish LGBTQ+ youth voices. We also partner with the Jewish Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Initiative of Jewish Federations of North America, to better foster a truly inclusive Jewish community.
This is a sampling of materials and websites available to better understand others' lived realities.
Jewish Intersectionality
9 Asian American Jews Speak (Forward, 2020)
Jews of Color Initiative
This initiative works to build a truly multiracial, anti-racist Jewish community in which Jews of Color can experience joy and reach their full potential and belonging as leaders and community members. This group is dedicated to creating structural and communal support for Jews of Color and expanding the field of knowledge about our community.
Jewish Disabilities & Awareness Inclusion Month (JDAAIM)
JNF-USA is a key supporter of Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, & Inclusion Month (JDAAIM). Observed each February, JDAAIM was founded in 2009 by the Jewish Special Education International Consortium to raise awareness and encourage inclusion for people with disabilities and special needs.You can also check out Inclusion Innovations for more information, with links to Jewish values-based, disability awareness lesson plans.
Jewish Disability Toolkit
Created by RespectAbility.org
Jewish Multiracial Network
The Jewish Multiracial Network sets out to nurture and enhance Jewish diversity throughout the community at large via capacity development, community development, community empowerment, and social capital.
JEWTINA y Co.
Jewtina y Co. on a mission to nurture Latin-Jewish community, identity, leadership and resiliency, and celebrate Latin-Jewish heritage and multiculturalism.
Keshet
Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and families in Jewish life. They strengthen Jewish communities, equip Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ-affirming communities, create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued, and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide. Read their guidelines for an inclusive Jewish community.
THRIVE
Keshet’s and SOJOURN's coalition to protect trans and LGBTQ youth.
Books, Articles, and Resources on Identity, Intersectionality, Race, Racism, and Antiracism
There are many ways to learn about ourselves, as well as other peoples’ experiences. JCRC has compiled a list of resources you can read, watch, and hear to help you learn more. See a complete list here.
LGBTQ Veterans Addiction Resources
Keshet U.S. Military veterans and people who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to have addiction issues compared to the general public. As a result, LGBTQ+ veterans are especially at risk of developing a substance abuse problem. Fortunately, there are many resources available that can help these Americans who have done so much for our country get the medical care they need and deserve. Click here.
