7.22.2022
Greetings!

Our Student to Student program, a program of the Newmark Institute, lives out its name daily: Jewish students speak to area students about their lives as Jewish teens. We certainly make an impact to the 2,500+ students that are fascinated by our presentations during the school year. In the summer, we recruit new Jewish student leaders and prepare for the next school year by connecting with teachers, and more. 

This past week we added a whole new dimension to our program! After we shared our story combatting antisemitism during Give STL Day, I was contacted by one of our amazing local Jewish leaders, Linda Kusmer. Linda is involved with the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy board as Education Vice President and is one of the leaders of the United Hebrew education Chavurah “Friends” group that has met monthly for years. Linda was eager to learn more about our program, and she invited me to speak to her Chavurah group. Although it was not a group of students, I jumped at the chance to share our story, but knew that I could not do it justice alone.
I asked Lauren Abraham to present... to my United Hebrew Congregation Chavurah group. I wanted my friends to learn about the organization as I think it is very important work...The Chavurah group was very interested and impressed: they asked many questions. Sarah and Lauren did an outstanding job and the meeting was a big success.  
-Linda Kusmer
Chance was on my side, as one of our recent Jewish high school graduates, Sarah Hirsch, happened to be at home for a short three-day period between her time as a counselor at Camp Sabra and her freshman orientation at Bradley University. Sarah joined me to meet the Chavurah group of fourteen dedicated congregants who come together monthly to learn. It was not her normal Student to Student presentation, it was one that challenged her in a new way.
Left: Sarah Hirsch displays photos of her great uncles, both of whom perished in the Holocaust. Center: Linda Kusmer, Sarah Hirsch, Lauren Abraham Right: Sarah Hirsch displays photos of her Great Grandparents who survived the Holocaust.

This group was not our target audience, but as we began sharing the details of our presentations, it quickly became clear to everyone in the room that this is the story of us as Jewish people and of our future, and our local Chavurah friends could help us tell this story! They shared names of their grandchildren, stories of antisemitism that happened to them, stories of pastors they met at restaurants, and ways they have expressed their Judaism then. They listened intently to what Sarah had to say. They were in rapture during her family story. And at the end of the night, the feeling in the room was unmatchable. Everyone thanked Sarah for leading the next generation to open their hearts and minds to stopping hatred and told her how important she is to the future of our Jewish people.

The Chavurah group pushed us to grow beyond our comfort zone and showed us that although our name “Student to Student” usually refers to students of high school age, we can always be advocates for making the world a holier and better place for learners of all ages! We can reach more than just students.

You can help us continue to share our story.
If you have a group of adults that would love to hear more about our program, please feel free to reach out to me and schedule your very own Student to Student modified presentation.

Shabbat Shalom,
Lauren Abraham
Student to Student Director
labraham@jcrcstl.org
JCRC Updates
Abortion Rights from an Interfaith Perspective
Yesterday, JCRC and NCJWSTL hosted Abortion Rights from an Interfaith Perspective with Rev. Laurie Anzilotti, Rev. Gabrielle Kennedy, Rev. Becky Turner, and Rabbi Janine Schloss. Forty people attended to learn about religious arguments for choice and reproductive rights. Click the button above to watch the recording.
Remember to Vote on August 2!
Important Deadlines

🗳️July 6 - Register to Vote passed
🗳️July 20 - Request an Absentee Ballot passed
🗳️August 1 - Cast Absentee Ballot in Person
🗳️August 2 - Primary Election Day

Know your rights when you go to the polls! Click here for a MO Voter Rights Palm Card.

Know Your District
Vote411 can help you learn who is on your ballot and where they stand on the issues. For more information, see our Voting Eblast.
Upcoming JCRC Events
JCRC Council Meeting
Monday, August 1
7 pm CT | Jewish Federation and Virtual
At the upcoming JCRC Council Meeting we'll gather together in person to receive Council input in helping JCRC determine our priorities for 22-23.

We will review several policy issues that we have existing statements on to give a sense of what we anticipate coming up in the Missouri General Assembly this coming year. We will send you a summary of these issues and you will be asked to complete a survey to rank your priority areas.

This meeting is open to JCRC Board, Council, and community leaders.
Community Events
Living in a Post-Roe World: Jewish Perspectives & Action Opportunities in Missouri
Sunday, July 24
2 - 3:30 pm CT | MaTovu (directions)
In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to an abortion has been eliminated and nearly all abortions are now banned in the state of Missouri. What does Judaism have to say about abortion, and what role can we play as Jewish Missourians to ensure access to abortion care? We'll study Jewish laws and practices about abortion, hear about what's happening in our state to help people access the care they need and learn how we can get involved. This event is free and masks are required.
Summer 2022 Ideas for Today
A Shalom Hartman Institute Program
How the Rabbis Thought About Work

Tuesday, July 26
1 pm CT | Virtual
A People with a Past: The Idea of History in Modern Jewish Thought
Wednesday, July 27
1 pm CT | Virtual
Jewish ideas matter. They make us smarter. They compel us to action. They make the world a better place. Hartman scholars address the most important issues of our day through Jewish texts, history, and tradition. You’ll be inspired by our unique approach to learning and the outstanding community of passionate learners who will join you on this journey of discovery
Arts and Faith 2022 Concert
Sunday, September 18
4 pm CT | Sheldon Concert Hall (directions)
Did You Miss A Recent Program?
You can click here to watch recordings of JCRC's recent programs on our YouTube channel.