Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis (JCRC)

09/11/2026

Wishing our entire community sweetness and joy in the seasons ahead.

As we have reflected today on the confluence of our country's 9/11 tragedy and the begining of the Jewish "days of awe" - we raise up the paradox of the holy days ahead:

We never forget - but we never allow ourselves to be trapped by our past.

That is 9/11. And that is the command of our upcoming high holy days.

T'shuvah is what the Jewish community prepares for beginning with the shofar blast this weekend.

For some that means repentance - to apologize and accept responsibility for transgressions. For others, this means a time to re-commit. Literally to "turn" away from behaviors that are not for the glory of man or god - and to "turn" toward a better path. If we dwell on what has come, we are never able to make that turn. Yet our past behavior informs what direction that turn will take.

And when all seems insurmountable, we remember, even if that turn is slight, incremental, or almost imperceptible - it is a turn none the less - and a turn in the right direction. Over time - that is how we make change.

L'Shanah Tovah U'metukah!
To a sweet and joyous new year!

09/11/2026

On a day when we prepare to mark the Jewish New Year - and reflect on the year that has past and the opportunities ahead - we also reflect on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11.

On a marker like a 25th Anniversary - we have been able to see so many more stories from that day - and stories that have continued 25 years into the present. We are given a wider window into those who were lost and those who were saved. We are seeing even more stories of heroism - along with more stories of suffering. Over the years since 9/11, we have witnessed so much compassion surrounding those who still live with trauma and sickness - along with the challenges they have faced to receive respect, assistance, and basic human decency.

9/11 is ultimately a human story - parts of which we are still trying to come to grips with and parts of which our global politics is still wrestling with.

On this day of reflection, remembrance, and hope - let's remember the humanity, the spirituality, and the relationships that get so many through times of trauma and pain. We can't ever remove the pain or the trauma. But we can try to understand it and learn from it.

The holy days ahead in many ways are just that. Looking back at the good and the bad in the past so that we can try to help ourselves, our community, and our world turn in a new direction. Even if that turn is slight, incremental, or almost imperceptible - it is a turn none the less - and a turn in the right direction. Over time - that is how we make change.

9/11 - a day filled with so much to mourn and so much to be thankful for. Just as the High Holidays are a time to mourn those we have lost, a time to reflect on what we can do better in the year ahead, and a time to celebrate this wonderful opportunity life and our tradition have given us to heal, to love, and to move forward.

We never forget - but we never allow ourselves to be trapped by our past. That is 9/11. That is the command of our upcoming high holy days.

09/04/2026

Missouri Supreme Court Affirms Direct Democracy - Measures to Appear on Ballot in November

https://mailchi.mp/movpc/missouri-supreme-court-affirms-direct-democracy

JCRC is proud to be part of the MO Voter Protection Coalition and congratulates all of the community partners and the MOVPC legal team for helping get this effort to support better representation in the State across the goal line.

Yesterday the Supreme Court decided that there was not a sufficient “emergency” established to warrant the redistricting efforts.

According to JCRC Executive Director David Cohen:

“Emergency powers are being used/abused every day to justify purely ideological changes to our democratic rights and our civil liberties. Any court decision that states this firmly and clearly and pushes back against these efforts is a step in the right direction.”

Denise Lieberman, General Counsel of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, and a recognized expert in Missouri voting rights and election law, issued the following statement:

“Today’s rulings by the Missouri Supreme Court unanimously affirm what the plain language of Missouri’s Constitution makes clear: that THE PEOPLE of Missouri retain the power to propose or reject laws. Today’s rulings are a win for direct democracy in Missouri, and a reminder to the nation that democracy only survives when the voters have a voice.

Missourians across the political spectrum have exercised their voices through the citizen and referendum process for more than a century. Here in Missouri and across the nation we have seen attacks on direct democracy weaponized for political gain. Missouri’s chief elections official should take the court’s affirmation of citizen rights to direct democracy as a reminder that his responsibility is to the voters of Missouri, who, in light of today’s court rulings, will finally be able to make their voices heard this November on matters of importance to them.

The Missouri Voter Protection Coalition will continue its work anchoring policy advocacy, voter education and legal support for direct democracy in Missouri.”

We also want to thank Denise for speaking with us earlier this week at the Mirowitz Center about the upcoming elections and this pending decision.

In addition to her role with the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, Denise is Faculty Director of the Voter Access and Engagement Initiative at Washington University in St. Louis, where she is also an adjunct professor of law and political science.

We are thankful to all the co sponsors of this event;
Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, Women's Voices Raised For Social Justice, Mirowitz Center, and the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis

We knew it would be a timely and important conversation.

08/25/2026

Get Election Ready!
🗓️Tuesday, September 1
⏰1:00 PM
📍Mirowitz Center

Nationally recognized attorney Denise Lieberman explains Missouri’s voting process, including registration, deadlines, voter ID, absentee voting, and different ways to cast your ballot. She’ll also cover accessibility resources, tips for spotting misinformation, and where to find trusted election information.

Denise is Director and General Counsel of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition (MOVPC) and faculty director of Washington University in St. Louis’ Voter Access and Engagement Initiative, where she also teaches law and political science.

No cost to register, but RSVP required:
bit.ly/ballot-ready-november

Co-hosted by Mirowitz Center, National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis, Women's Voices Raised For Social Justice, & Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis (JCRC)

08/13/2026

JCRC is so glad to be part of the Shinshinim program here in St. Louis.

Having them add their voices to our Student to Student presentations throughout the year is simply invaluable for building bridges with non-Jewish students and teachers in the St. Louis region.

Just like learning about our American Jewish teens, learning about Israeli teens who are right in front of you - and just like you in so many ways - is the best way anyone on earth has ever found to break down stereotypes, create deeper understanding, and build bridges with other communities.

Thanks to our amazing “Shins” for an incredible year, thanks to our Federation partners for supporting this important program, and thank you so much to the incomparable Cynthia Wachtel, our St. Louis Shinshinim Program Director.

08/12/2026

❤️ADL Game Changers with Nancy Lieberman & TJ Cline
Online Event - Aug. 19th 6pm ct

How Family, Faith and Sports Can Shape Who We Become

Join Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman and her son, pro basketball player TJ Cline, on August 19 for an ADL online event — a candid mother-son conversation about what it means to carry Jewish identity through a life in sports.

A two-time Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, two-time Olympian and current Big3 league Head Coach, Nancy broke barriers as one of the first women to compete professionally against men. She has spent decades coaching the next generation, including TJ.

TJ, who plays for the Israeli National Team and Big3's Dallas Power, will share his own journey, including his firsthand experience in Israel on October 7, and what it means to represent his family's legacy and the Jewish community on a global stage.

The event will include a Q&A with Nancy and TJ.

REGISTER NOW
DATE/TIME: August 19 at 6 p.m. ct

Link to register in the comments 👇

08/10/2026

JCRC Podcast Series
Hamas Disarming in Gaza: The Long Road Ahead
https://youtu.be/Ck1iq473KHA?si=sN3TGibS9_cXhrqz

Our good friend Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib joins us for a discussion with analysis from his sources on the ground.

The past week we have seen reporting on the plans for the disarming of Hamas in Gaza. Those plans are being dissected and discussed for the fine print and the reactions on all sides are to be expected.

Is this genuine? Is it a ploy? Is it something worthy of optimism? What to make of Israel's reaction? As this week's reporting describes the Israeli government as being against the plan, what is really going on and what should we read between the lines?

In a world where nothing happens overnight - where we have two sides with little trust for one another - and a US Administration more accustomed to quick deals - is there any reason for optimism? Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib believes yes, but cautious optimism.

Take a listen and form you own opinion.
https://youtu.be/Ck1iq473KHA?si=sN3TGibS9_cXhrqz

08/04/2026

JCRC Executive Director David Cohen adds context for this JTA article on the local congressional race.

While JCRC does not endorse candidates, we have been quite clear about the rising demonization of the Jewish community and Israel through careless rhetoric.

Pushed out overwhelmingly by social media bots and calculating strategists, these extremist attacks are meant to make centrist candidates and community members feel complicit if they don’t feel the same way about alleged crimes committed by Israel.

What do we mean by extreme attacks? In addition to overwhelming data available, we note that of the 36 synagogues and agencies we convene, almost none as a policy or stance believes what most DSA candidates believe about Israel. We cannot be clear enough that those views are a small minority of the wider Jewish community - not just of the organized Jewish community.

It’s that simple. This national conversation about Israel, AIPAC, and Jews writ large is dangerous and is spiraling out of control.

Pleas read this additional article from the URJ, representing the largest Jewish denomination in the country. Generally thought of as a liberal or left leaning organization, even they see the danger in this trend.

https://urj.org/press-room/urj-statement-aipac-campaign-rhetoric-and-antisemitism

We need more reason and nuance in this conversation. Not more click bait and not more policy that seems to take the lead from the most horrible comments one can find on social media.

The other main point was that while one candidate may want to make this all about Israel - through ads and campaign messaging - that may not be what most people are talking about in a race.

It is a minority opinion that only a small portion of our St. Louis community wants to talk about.
The more we can get national and local media to understand that the better off we will all be.

The pro-Israel lobby is once again working to boost Bell, whose support for the Jewish state has remained strong heading into Tuesday's Democratic congressional primary.

08/03/2026

JCRC, along with numerous community leaders and coalition partners, joined in solidarity to pray and lend our voice to the vigil at Overland City Hall to honor Nixon Pereez Paz and Glendy Gonzales de la Cruz.

SOMOS SERES HUMANOS [WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS] was the theme of the day - sharing with the civil rights demand to see people as humans and not as dangers or demons. As we know this challenge in our societies, sadly, is as old as time itself

The inhumane actions that led to the deaths of Nixon and Glendy has now left their children orphaned. And if one thing was made clear at this gathering - this family was a beloved member of this St. Louis Community. This is not immigration policy. This is hate and power parading in the language of security and safety . Another theme older than our current moment.

The question is will we do enough to stand up to polices and actions that are easily preventable? Will our local communities have the courage to stand up and say enough is enough.

To paraphrase the moment that took down McCarthyism - “have you no decency sir?” Do we have the courage to say it and mean it?

Thank you to Overland mayor, Marty Little, speaking up about not signing Fed 287 (g) and highlighting how immigrants are making Overland the amazingly diverse place that it is.

Thank you Ritenour school superintendent, Dr. Chris Kilbride, and the many, many Ritenour educators that came to mourn with the children of Nixon and Glendy, the very children they taught and cared for!

Thank you to Reverend Erica Gravely for her prayers, her empathy, and her call to turn thoughts and prayers into action.

Though a tragic time, it was heartening to see the turnout. A diverse collection of leaders and community members from all walks of life coming together for a singular purpose. Political opponents putting down their jabs for one day to grieve with the entire city of St. Louis.

Casa de Salud
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro St. Louis
Ashrei Foundation
Erika Miles Gravely
International Institute St. Louis
Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis
Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project- MICA Project
Missouri Workers Center
HarmonySTL
Welcome Neighbor STL
Welcoming America
OCA Saint Louis Chapter - Asian Pacific American Advocates
Asian American Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC
Immigrant Service Providers Network STL

07/30/2026

This Sunday, August 2 @ 6pm
Overland City Hall
Community Vigil for Glendy and Nixon.

We are sure many of you have heard about this tragic story.

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/deported-st-louis-county-couple-shot-dead-guatemala-baby-found-beside-weeks-leaving-us/63-a42d5528-77f6-454a-b43a-e599c95dfdc8

After an ICE stop led to a family's deportation, an Overland couple was murdered in Guatemala. Their 14-month-old daughter survived and was found lying next to them. This happened just weeks after being deported.

A vigil is set for this Sunday, August 2 @ 6pm - at Overland City Hall, 1919 Lackland Road.

Pastor Teresa Mithen Danieley and Pastor Erika Miles Gravely are part of the Ashrei Foundation's Clergy Collective Bridging Faith and Justice for Immigrants and are helping to organize this vigil for Nixon Giovanni Pérez Paz and Glendy Marisol González de la Cruz.

They will also be convening a consultation for Clergy & Faith Leaders at Christ Church Cathedral on Monday, August 17. (Details in the comments)

May the families of Nixon and Glendy, especially their children, find some peace in this moment and may they find the compassion that seems fo be so absent right now from our political world and our immigration policies.