JCRC-NY was thrilled to visit Long Island City today to lead a Tu B’Shvat Seder for the incredible team at Solar One!
December 20, 2024 – We had the honor of recognizing U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries with JCRC-NY’s inaugural Shamash Award – a meaningful tribute to his unwavering leadership and dedication to the Jewish community and all New Yorkers.
During Hanukkah, the shamash candle serves a unique role – it lights all the other candles on the menorah, spreading its flame to create warmth and illumination for all. Leader Jeffries embodies the spirit of the shamash, consistently standing as a source of strength, guidance, and light for those he serves. His leadership has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change.
In response to rising antisemitic attacks across the state, Leader Jeffries helped launch the Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative to better educate children of all backgrounds on Jewish identity and history, one of JCRC-NY’s main goals. Following the October 7th tragedy in Israel, Leader Jeffries also helped secure over $14 billion in aid to Israel to support the safe return of the remaining hostages, among numerous examples of his commitment to solidarity.
We are deeply grateful to Leader Jeffries for sharing his inspiring words live from Washington, DC and to Frieda Menos, his Director of Constituent Services for accepting the award on his behalf. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sephardic Community Center in Brooklyn for graciously hosting this special event. We also thank our community partners along with our Chair of the Board Cheryl Fishbein, Vice President Sandy Antignas, and Board Members Jennifer Falk, Karen Spar Kasner, and David Moore who came out to support this meaningful celebration.
As we kindle the lights of Hanukkah, let us continue to honor those who dedicate themselves to brightening the world around them. Mazel tov to Leader Jeffries on this well-deserved recognition! 
#ShamashAward #Hanukkah #Leadership #Community
December 18, 2024 – 
Donut underestimate how sweet our day was in Brooklyn the week before Hanukkah! We teamed up with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso to explore the borough’s iconic Jewish bakeries and savor sufganiyot (jelly donuts) 
—and we even got to learn how to make them! 
Brooklyn’s vibrant Jewish community is a cornerstone of its rich culture, and we’re proud to highlight it not just during challenging times but in moments of joy too.
Huge thanks to Strauss Bakery, Taam Eden Bakery, and Sesame Bakery for the warm welcome and a behind-the-scenes look at the donut magic!
Special shoutout to NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor and CSI Brooklyn Regional Director Adam Berish for joining us on this delicious journey. Extra gratitude to Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso for his support of the Jewish community and spending the day with us.
Wishing everyone a bright and beautiful Hanukkah . Let’s keep lifting up Jewish life and small businesses every chance we get! #HappyHanukkah #SweetCelebrations #BrooklynPride
December 12, 2024 – We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the graduation of the 16 rising leaders from our Bridges-NY Fellowship! Over the past year, these talented individuals have worked hard to prepare for leadership roles in New York City’s diverse communities. The fellowship’s goal is to equip the next generation of change-makers with the skills, knowledge, and relationships needed to foster a more inclusive, shared society.
Throughout the year, our fellows built strong connections with one another, honed their leadership abilities, and gained invaluable insights from mentors and experts in various fields. Their passion, dedication, and inspiring stories have shown us all the power of collaboration and the impact that thoughtful, committed individuals can have on their communities.
We wish them all the best of luck on their continued journeys, and we’ll be here to support and cheer them on in any way we can! A special thank you to Gregg Bishop, Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund at the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation, for delivering a powerful keynote speech. We are also grateful to The Jewish Museum, for hosting this beautiful event, and to our proud partners UJA-Federation of New York and Bloomberg Philanthropies, whose support makes this fellowship possible. Together, we’re building a brighter future for New York City and beyond!
#BridgesNY #NextGenLeaders #CommunityImpact #FutureChangeMakers
For more information about Bridge-NY, please click HERE.
December 10, 2024 – The early celebration of Hanukkah hosted by the New York City Council and cosponsored by JCRC-NY was a truly inspiring and uplifting event. Hearing our city’s leaders reflect on Hanukkah’s timeless message of choosing light over darkness was a powerful reminder of resilience and hope, especially during difficult times.
At JCRC-NY, we are deeply committed to deepening understanding and celebrating Jewish identity in New York.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the NYC Council Jewish Caucus, in particular Council Member Eric Dinowitz, for hosting this meaningful celebration. Congratulations to Charlie Tebele and comedian Modi Rosenfeld for their well-deserved awards, and a special thank you to the talented students of the SAR Academy Choir for their beautiful performance.
Together, let us continue to spread light and hope in our communities. 
#Hanukkah #LightOverDarkness #NYCCommunity
What a joyous celebration of Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year – on the Hudson! Thank you to everyone who joined us for “New York, New Year, New Connections.”
We were honored to host Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine, Assembly Member Alex Bores, and NYC Council Members Shaun Abreu, Eric Dinowitz, and Susan Zhuang. Their presence and words of unity meant so much to our community.
As we dipped apples in honey, sounded the shofar, and cast our reflections into the Hudson, we were reminded of the power of community and new beginnings. Here’s to a year of continued connection and understanding. Shana Tova!
September 20, 2024 – Together with the Hostage Family Forum, UJA-Federation of NY, elected officials, and many community partners, JCRC-NY stood in solidarity at Dag Hammerskjold Plaza with families of hostages and supporters to speak and declare with one voice: BRING THEM HOME NOW!
We met on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly where world leaders will soon gather and deliver remarks. Leaders will ultimately be judged NOT by speeches—but by their ability to swiftly bring home every hostage, achieve an end to this conflict, including permanently disarming Hamas, and securing lasting peace in the region for all children, families, and seniors. Over 100 hostages are still kept in captivity almost a year since Oct 7. We are not whole until we are all home.
