By Gary Jones, UJF JCRC Director

Interfaith relationship-building is among the most important responsibilities of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of UJF. JCRC has already engaged in a series of efforts to build these relationships with as many communities as possible. A few notable examples are our very successful interfaith seder; our ongoing work with the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut; and our participation in Stamford Day, the celebration of Stamford’s cultural and religious diversity. However, the most important evidence of our commitment to engage in meaningful outreach is our restructured JCRC, which has formed two subcommittees, one of which is specifically devoted to outreach to diverse religious and ethnic groups. 

These initiatives are generally confined to our Federation service area. However, earlier this month, I had the opportunity to join Jewish professionals (including religious leaders and educators) from across the country at a two-day conference with Evangelical Protestant leaders and thinkers in Washington. As you may know, Evangelicals are the largest Protestant movement in the country. In a time when religious affiliation generally, and particularly among mainline Protestant movements, are declining, Evangelicals appear to be maintaining their membership levels. Moreover, while many in the interfaith community are unfairly criticizing Israel and seem uninterested in supporting the Jewish community in the face of levels of antisemitism not seen in many decades, many Evangelicals are rising to the occasion to support us. They understand the magnitude of the hate targeting Israel and are comfortable speaking out on Israel’s behalf and in decrying antisemitism. Clearly, this is a religious community that the American Jewish community should get to know. 

The program schedule for the Conference was interesting, rigorous, and diverse. Topics discussed included:      religious polarization and the future of America; various categories of non-religious Americans; understanding AI through the lens of religion; and text study on the biblical creation story and its implications on the LGBTQ+ community from the perspective of both religions. 

Having the opportunity to learn and develop relationships with bright and engaging people of goodwill is always a blessing. However, the opportunity to do so with people who genuinely care about us in a time where too many others are looking the other way when we need it most is exceedingly special. Finally, gatherings like these remind us that we don’t need to agree with everything our neighbors believe to learn to respect and appreciate the good in our neighbors. That is a lesson that is too often lost in our hyper-political times. 

Feel free to contact me at gary@ujf.org if you have any questions about the conference or anything else relating to our JCRC.