COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Community Relations is central to our ability to build bridges and fulfill BJC’s mission, which states we must continue the struggle for civil rights, civil liberties and social justice to work against antisemitism, bigotry and prejudice of all kinds.  We strive to build and maintain relationships with ethnic, racial and religious groups of all backgrounds throughout the greater Baltimore community.

2024-2025 Social Justice Teen Fellowship cohort

Apply Today!

Are you a rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior, looking for an opportunity to engage in conversation with your peers around Anti-Semitism, Racism, and issues affecting our communities today? Look no further than joining the 2024-2025 Social Justice Teen Fellowship cohort.

In partnering with the Elijah Cumming Youth Program we strive to bring together the Black and Jewish communities to discuss, build, and organize around issues such as housing, environment, incarceration, etc. Fellows will work alongside the cohort of teens from ECYP to create justice focused podcasts, as well as go on a FREE three-day Civil Rights Bus Journey. This is a unique and transformative opportunity.

For more information, please contact Megan Brantley at the Baltimore Jewish Council.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

The Community Relations Committee is comprised of BJC members of various ages, professions and backgrounds. The group meets at least four times per year to discuss outreach efforts, evaluate opportunities for sponsorship or co-sponsorship of local events, execute program planning, and strategize group priorities.

The committee was launched in autumn of 2016 to respond to changing needs in the community. For several years, the Baltimore Jewish Council housed 5-10 separate community relations groups, each with their own chairs and membership. Each one corresponded to a specific interfaith or inter-ethnic partnership in the community, such as Jewish-Hispanic dialogue or Jewish-Christian dialogue. Our movement from these specific and separated groups to a joint Community Relations Committee acknowledges the complexity and intersection of religious and ethnic identities and the overlapping needs of all Baltimoreans. The committee’s goals include:

  • Strengthen relationships with leaders in Baltimore area and Maryland faith and ethnic communities
  • Support efforts of local churches, mosques and community groups when there is overlap with BJC mission
  • Perform outreach to community members of faith and ethnic groups across Baltimore region
  • Address current events/regional issues affecting multiple faith or ethnic groups in Baltimore area
  • Build stronger participation in external relations efforts among the BJC lay leadership and greater Jewish community
  • Help grow deeper understanding of the Jewish community & our values

We hope that you will join us in our efforts to achieve these goals. If you would like to get involved, or have a suggested speaker, topic or event for the committee, please contact Sarah Mersky Miicke, Deputy Director.