Message from the JCS Chancellor

Charles Niederman Chancellor

The JCS scholar in residence program began more than 75 years ago. Through courses taught by Reform Rabbis at seminaries, colleges and universities, students destined for both clergical and secular careers have learned about Judaism. As those students have gone on to successful careers, they have been able to influence attitudes and opinions. We cannot be sure just how much those attitudes and opinions have contributed to the high level of acceptance and participation in society that we are experiencing as American Jews, but can feel assured that they have.

From the 1950s to the 1990s JCS initiated and actively produced and promoted films, television, radio shows and public service announcements, several of which won critical acclaim and awards; all promoting a message that advanced the cause of tolerance and understanding. It is another proud example of a willingness to innovate and look to the future.

For over a half century JCS has funded book grants that delivered thousands of books on Judaica to seminaries, universities, colleges, and local libraries to support the concept that knowledge can promote understanding that can overcome prejudice and hatred.

More than a quarter century ago JCS initiated its sponsorship of grass roots interfaith institutes for rabbis, priests, pastors, imams and lay leaders that allow them to create an atmosphere of understanding among the faith groups in their communities.

In the 1990’s, to reach elementary and high school students, JCS initiated visits to museums, temples and cultural centers that allowed them, in a very tangible way, to challenge stereotypes and negative concepts. Now local groups have accepted the idea and adopted such programs.

For three years JCS has sponsored the Walking Together Program which promotes an understanding of the faiths of others for 4th to 6th grade Christian, Jewish and Muslim students and their parents. It is a powerful program that allows them to learn from each other and to bond with families of other faiths. It is a program that I participate in and can reap the reward of seeing the bonds of understanding that form between the families.

JCS is providing grants to congregations to support Rabbi Yoffie‘s recent, “Open Doors / Open Minds” initiative that calls for Reform congregations to reengage in interfaith dialogue with Christians at the grass roots level. The program provides the opportunity for Christians and Jews to learn about the common aspects of their histories and the critical distinctions, to engage in joint study of sacred texts and to provide a structured conversation between them concerning Israel and the Middle East. URJ is promoting the program with the leadership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church USA, the National Council of Churches in Christ USA and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

JCS is an organization with a proud, forward looking tradition that supports creative initiatives that promote understanding to help us all eliminate hatred and intolerance. As we see the increasing anti-Semitism in Europe and see others in our community persecuted for their religion by the ignorant and intolerant we know much remains to be done. Indeed we are commanded not to stand by while our neighbor bleeds.

We need to continue to support the important programs of JCS and we must seek new opportunities to promote the cause of understanding and acceptance. While JCS has a record of innovation and achievement, its role is primarily that of a funding institution and there too, it has a proud record. To continue the tradition JCS needs the support of our MRJ members and all Jews who believe that Jews and all Americas should not fall victim to hatred bred of ignorance.

Your support of our funding goals is the way to achieve it.

Thank you,

Charles Niederman, Chancellor