The JCRC’s primary mission is to promote and enhance the relationships between the Jewish community and the general community of Greater Naples. The JCRC participates in many programs with a number of groups with whom it collaborates, especially activities that promote religious freedom, separation of religion from government and social justice issues.
JCRC membership consist of representatives from Jewish organizations that serve our community as well as at-large members. The diversity of members enables the JCRC to represent the thinking of the Jewish community on social issues of community-wide interest.
In 2013, the Federation Board renamed the former Community Relations Committee (CRC) the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). In addition, the membership of the newly created Council was expanded to include a greater number of representatives of other Jewish organizations within the Greater Naples. The purpose of these changes reflected a movement among JCRC's throughout the nation to achieve greater inclusiveness in membership, so that policy positions and actions of the Council reflect the thinking of the broadest possible spectrum of the Jewish community.
The JCRC monitors state and federal legislation and its effect on the Jewish community. It works in conjunction with other JCRC's throughout Florida on State issues, and with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the national organization for JCRC's, on Federal and international issues affecting Jews throughout the nation and the world.
JCRC's originally arose from the need for Jewish security. While the need for protection from physical threats has been greatly reduced, we continue to address more subtle security issues. The JCRC promotes separation of religion from government and public schools, provides programs on the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, and promotes religious freedom.
The JCRC sponsors several events during Florida Jewish History Month, including the annual JCRC/Friends of the Library of Collier County Naples Klezmer Revival Band Concert and the annual UN Holocaust Remembrance Observance- Yom HaShoah, held at a local synagogue or church, featuring local clergy, a guest speaker and musical performances.
The JCRC also presents a major community event each year.
For more information on JCRC, please contact Jeff Zalasky, Chair of JCRC here.
We thank the JCRC of Minnesota and the Dakotas for generously sharing their artwork.
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Several years ago the Federation Board and the JCRC established a “Fund for Human Needs” to recognize organizations for their generous spirit and service to the entire community. It was another way for Jews in Collier County, as represented by their Federation, to practice tikkun olam, “bettering the world.”
Here is more about the award: Human Needs Award
Grants have been made to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Collier Council on Aging, NAACP Collier Branch, Collier County Education Foundation, Redlands Christian Association Literacy Program, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, Baby Basics, Bedtime Bundles, Shelter for Abused Women and Children, and the Senior Friendship Health Center.
In 2011, the Jewish Community Relations Council established an Educator Grant Award to recognize elementary, middle school and high school teachers, librarians, media specialists, guidance counselors and administrators who demonstrate outstanding, unique and replicable education initiatives countering bigotry and bullying.
Here is more about the award: Educator Award
Nominees’ lessons or activities must be of their own design or adaptations from other programs, and should be able to show evidence of a positive nature as a result of implementation. These lessons or activities should teach students to stand up for justice no matter what religious, racial, cultural or other differences exist.
For more information, contact Beth-Ellen Povlow at: marcopovlow@icloud.com
The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue (CJD) of Collier County’s purpose is to engage Catholics and Jews in understanding our long history and to advance the cause of mutual understanding and appreciation for our differences as well as our commonalities. The CJD holds a series of lectures and sponsors several events including the annual Kristallnacht Memorial Convocation.
Here is more information about the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue.
For more information on CJD, email: cjdialogue@naples.net
The mission of this program aspires to celebrate Jewish life and learning, connecting Jews of all backgrounds to their Jewish heritage. Learn about the Jewish experience from the perspectives of our presenters.
Come for Joy, Smiles, Songs and Learning
By: Jeff Margolis
The Southwest Florida community is invited to attend a joyful 2025 Day of Learning on Sunday, February 16 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. This annual event is sponsored by The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. This year’s program, “The Joys of Jewish Arts and Entertainment,” will be held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center located at 4720 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples.
We are pleased to announce that the featured presenters who are scheduled to appear for this uplifting event include: Adam Shapiro, Daniel Scheide, Alethea Perez and Tom Cimarusti with the Klezmaniacs.
Adam is an actor, singer and raconteur. He was recently featured in ”Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish” and had a recurring role in the original Amazon prime series “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.”
Daniel Scheide and Alethea Perez of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, will present a program about the Special collection of Jewish Music and song, and rare books kept in the Special Collections department at FAU’s library.
The program will conclude with a musical discussion and concert of Klezmer music provided by Dr. Tom Cimarusti , who is a music professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, and founder/director of the SWFL Center for Public Musicology. He has organized numerous world music ensembles, including a klezmer band, The Klezmaniacs. He and the Klezmaniacs enjoy engaging all audiences, and Tom asked those attending to bring their singing hats and dancing shoes.
The cost of the program is $18 per person and will also be available on Zoom for the same price of $18. There are also a limited number of VIP seats that include lunch with the speakers for $54 per person.
Tickets can be purchased at www.jewishnaples.org or directly at this link: https://jfgn.regfox.com/day-of-learning-2025