Jewish tradition teaches us that participation in public affairs helps give stability to society. The Indianapolis JCRC was established in 1942 as the public affairs and intergroup relations arm of the organized Jewish community. It is one of 117 Jewish Community Relations Councils in the country that, together with 11 national organizations, constitute the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA). The JCRC works to foster a secure environment for Jewish living by advocating democratic values.

The JCRC acts in coalition with other groups advocating civil rights and social and economic justice. The JCRC Board of Directors is composed of a cross-section of Indianapolis Jewry, representing area organizations and synagogues. Board members represent a broad variety of opinions and work together to advocate consensus positions on issues of concern. The JCRC provides a regular forum for Jewish communal leadership to assess current situations, research issues of interest, and develop strategies for the resolution of community problems. Additionally, the JCRC provides a "central address" for public interaction between the Jewish and non-Jewish communities of Indianapolis.

Our Mission

The Jewish Community Relations Council has served as the public affairs and intergroup relations agency of the Indianapolis Jewish community since 1942.

As a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, JCRC is charged with the responsibility to work to:

1. safeguard the rights of Jews here, in Israel, and around the world;<
and, in order to accomplish that, to

2. protect, preserve, and promote a just American society, one that is
democratic and pluralistic.

In order to accomplish its goals, JCRC convenes the "common table" around which member agencies meet to design and develop strategies to advance the public affairs goals of the organized Jewish community. The deliberative process of the JCRC allows for open, representative discussion designed to foster consensus.

The efforts of the JCRC reflect the profound Jewish commitment to tikkun olam, the repair of the world. Tikkun olam expresses the conviction of the organized Jewish community that it must be active in the effort to build a just society.