JCRC Bay Area

?? In these difficult times, taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. The Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative (JCMHI) offers free weekly support groups, facilitated by experts, along with valuable resources to provide connection, guidance, and care. Specialized groups include: ? Jewish adults ? LGBTQ+ Jews ? Jewish students ? Descendants of Holocaust survivors ? Hebrew speakers ? Jewish faculty and staff on campuses ...and many more! JCRC Bay Area is proud to be a partner of this initiative. ?? ?? Learn more:

I’m honored to be named the East Bay Regional Chair of BANJO. Some of the most important work we have done and I will continue to do is standing up vocally against antisemitism and hate speech of any kind. The JCRC of San Francisco has helped support this by creating the Bay Area Network of Jewish Elected Officials (BANJO). The Bay Area Network of Jewish Officials is a partnership between JCRC Bay Area and Jewish elected officials from our region, dedicated to supporting members, strengthening relationships, and amplifying a common Jewish voice in government, education, and civic spaces. We stand together to fight antisemitism and hate, while sharing insights to help our communities and our residents.

This past weekend, JCRC welcomed alumni from the Bay Area Network of Jewish Officials (BANJO) to celebrate their outstanding work and collaborations with a lively "awards" ceremony. A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this special occasion!

“AB 1468 will send the signal that California takes ethnic studies as seriously as it takes every other high school class,” Assemblymember Dawn Addis writes in an op-ed for J. The Jewish News of Northern California. https://lnkd.in/gvHVFBUc

Exciting events are happening at JCRC Bay Area over the next few weeks. Here's a glimpse of what's on the calendar: ?? MARCH 18: Join the Fight for Unbiased Ethnic Studies ?? Register: https://lnkd.in/g8qZVbrt ?? MARCH 21: JCRC Bay Area Education Update ?? Register: https://lnkd.in/gGG3wTXA ?? MARCH 27: Not Silent Not Sorry: Q&A With Tessa Veksler and Adela Cojab, ?? Register: https://lnkd.in/gRHGrs9d ?? MARCH 30: Conflict at a Crossroads With Dr. Michael Koplow ?? Register: https://lnkd.in/gdBjM5Vv ?? APRIL 3 & 6: JCRC's Freedom Seders in San Francisco & Silicon Valley ??? Buy Tickets: https://lnkd.in/gpYH35Zh ?? APRIL 9: Jewish Voices: Disrupting the White Colonizer Narrative ??? Buy Tickets: https://lnkd.in/gPvVnqTi ?? MAY 5 - 6: Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) Capitol Summit in Sacramento ?? Register: https://lnkd.in/g4xfrCEV

TOMORROW: ?? Join the Fight for Unbiased Ethnic Studies! ?? AB 1468 is the Jewish community’s landmark bill to ensure ethnic studies is taught accurately and free from antisemitic content in our schools. This critical effort is led by Assemblymembers Rick Zbur, Dawn Addis, and Senator Josh Becker, with the support of 31 diverse lawmakers—more than a quarter of the entire legislature! Statewide Ethnic Studies Webinar w/ Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) (online) ?? March 18 | 4:00 p.m. PST We’ll break down what’s at stake and how we can push this bill over the finish line. ?? Be part of the movement. Register now! https://lnkd.in/g8qZVbrt

What's it like being a young Jewish activist in today's world? ?? Join powerhouse activists, Tessa Veksler & Adela Cojab, for an exclusive panel with Malka Productions! They'll share their experiences as young Jews in the post-Oct 7 landscape and answer YOUR questions. Register: https://lnkd.in/gRHGrs9d

Introducing our 2025 BANJO Regional Chairs! The Bay Area Network of Jewish Officials (BANJO) is a partnership between JCRC Bay Area and Jewish elected officials from our region, dedicated to supporting members, strengthening relationships, and amplifying a common Jewish voice in government, education, and civic spaces. We’re excited to announce our three Regional Chairs: ?? South Bay – San Jose Councilmember David Cohen ?? North Bay – Healdsburg Councilmember Ariel Kelley ?? East Bay – Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Wilk These leaders will help foster collaboration, share best practices, and advance key policy priorities for our Bay Area Jewish community. Looking forward to a great year ahead!

Wishing a joyful Holi to all who celebrate! Last Sunday, we had an incredible time at Holi Purim, celebrating alongside our partners at Jewish Silicon Valley and the Hindu American Foundation. Here’s to many more beautiful moments of unity and celebration! ???? ??

JCRC was honored to attend the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Iftar at Baitul Baseer Mosque. The evening was a beautiful celebration of reflection and reformation, bringing together old friends and new connections. Representing JCRC were Director of Community Partnerships Jessica R. Blitchok, Advisory Council members Heather Rothenberg and Eva Lippmann, and Board Member Arlene Noodleman,.