Jewish Community Relations Council
What is the JCRC?
Founded in 1938, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) advocates for the rights and values of Jews individually and collectively, here and abroad. The Council implements a coordinated program of education, action, and advocacy for the Jewish community. On March 1, 2010, the Council became a core function of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
Our Mission
The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation envisions a just community that reflects American and Jewish values. The mission is to speak as the representative of the Jewish community on issues of public affairs and public policy by convening and mobilizing the Jewish community through education, advocacy, social justice and support for Israel.
The JCRC council includes 28 organizational members representing Milwaukee area synagogues and Jewish organizations, an equal number of at-large members, past presidents of the Council, and board officers. The Council is a core function of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and is one of 122 Jewish community relations councils affiliated with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. Areas for JCRC programs and activities include:
- Counteracting Antisemitism and Discrimination and Protecting Jewish Security
- Building Support for Israel
- Promoting Social and Economic Justice
- Safeguarding Equal Rights and Opportunities
- Advancing Intergroup Dialogue and Understanding
- Strengthening Intra-Communal Relationships
- Coordinating Advocacy Efforts
- Resource Clearinghouse and Consultation
Officers 2023-2024
Craig Johnson, Chair
Jill Plavnick, Chair-Elect; Chair – Antisemitism Task Force
Sharon Grinker, Chair – Domestic Policy Task Force
Rabbi Jessica Barolsky, Immediate Past Chair
Board Members 2023-2024
Michael Altman
Dr. Larry Golopol
Sharon Grinker
Megan Holman O’Reilly
Moshe Katz
Michael Maistelman
Greg Parrish
Danielle Shelton
Rabbi Moishe Steigmann
Carrie Steinberger
Ramona Tenorio
Jill Weinshel
Constituent Organizations
Americans for Peace Now
Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah
Congregation Anshai Lebowitz
Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid
Congregation Beth Jehudah
Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun
Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha
Congregation Shalom
Congregation Shir Hadash
Congregation Sinai
Hadassah
Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center
Hillel Milwaukee
Jewish Family Services
Jewish National Fund
Jewish War Veterans
Lake Park Synagogue
Milwaukee Association of Russian Speaking Jews
National Council of Jewish Women
Temple Menorah
Tikkun Ha-Ir of Milwaukee
Wisconsin Council of Rabbis
JCRC 75th Anniversary Video
Support the JCRC
Please support the work of the JCRC with a donation.
