Volunteers are needed to join the Jewish Community Relations Council

By Jeff Zalasky, JCRC Chair

Iwas recently appointed to be the next JCRC Chairman. I am truly honored to be selected to take over for Joel Pittelman, who did a terrific job in this role during his two tenures. On behalf of JFGN, I want to thank Joel for his generous time, effort and guidance.

The primary mission of JCRC is to promote and enhance relationships between the Jewish community and the general community of Greater Naples. JCRC participates in many programs through a number of groups with whom it collaborates, concentrating on activities that promote religious freedom, separation of religion from government and social issues.

JCRC membership includes representatives from Jewish organizations serving our community as well as at-large members. This membership diversity enables JCRC to represent the Jewish community on a variety of issues.

There are six subcommittees under the JCRC umbrella. These subcommittees give small financial awards as authorized by JFGN, provide volunteer assistance/ services, and create, promote and participate in educational programs to both Jewish and non-Jewish members of our community. Short descriptions of each subcommittee are provided below:

Day of Learning Committee

The Day of Learning Committee plans and sponsors an annual educational event attended by 200 to 300 people. Members of the committee determine the focus of the program, identify and select appropriate speakers and handle logistics to accommodate attendees. This subcommittee needs a chairperson as well as people interested in planning the annual event.

Stand Up for Justice Award – Beth Povlow, Chair

Members of this committee review the contribution of schoolteachers, librarians, media specialists, guidance counselors and administrators to outstanding, unique and replicable education initiatives. Working with school districts, it encourages the development of those programs and the submission of applications for awards. The programs are evaluated by the committee members, most of whom have professional education experience.

Human Needs Award – Liz Jaffe, Chair

Financial awards authorized by JFGN are given annually to two small, underfunded Collier County charitable organizations that provides services to meet specific life needs of a particular disadvantaged population. This committee vets, identifies and selects the recipient local organizations.

Antisemitism Task Force – Joel Pittelman, Chair

Antisemitic incidents reported to the Federation are forwarded to the Antisemitism Task Force. The Task Force Chair investigates to determine what level of action is required. At the end of the year, a report discussing each event is prepared and distributed to the public and the ADL for inclusion in its national summary.

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue – Luba Rotsztain and Marty Gauthier, Co-chairs

This Catholic-Jewish group organizes several broadly attended community events. Members of this committee participate in Catholic-Jewish discussions and handle logistics for programs it holds. One of its signature programs is the annual Kristallnacht memorial program held each November.

Legislative Affairs – Betty Schwartz, Chair

The scope of this relatively new subcommittee is being developed. Members will shape the activities and role the committee will play. Many issues come before governmental bodies for which there is a Jewish perspective or a uniquely Jewish interest.

If you are interested in becoming a JCRC committee member and working on one of these subcommittees, please contact me at jzalasky@gmail.com.