Request a Speaker
As the consensus public affairs voice of the Jewish community, JCRC gives hundreds of presentations each year to thousands across Minnesota, the Dakotas and beyond.
Using the form below, invite us to your classroom, business, house of worship, community organization or gathering for engaging in-person, virtual or hybrid presentations on one or more of these topics:
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Judaism
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Jewish Identity & Antisemitism
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Israel
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The Holocaust
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Safeguarding Sacred Spaces
All topics are customizable based on the needs of your students or audience. Common examples include:
Judaism on One Foot: An Introduction to Jewish Peoplehood, Beliefs and Practice
Who are Jews? What makes Judaism unique among the world’s religions? What does it mean to be both a religion and a people? We cover the beliefs, values, and religious traditions upon which Jewish peoplehood and faith are based. This program covers the common roots of the 3 Abrahamic Faiths, introduction to Torah, holidays, ritual objects, ethical principles, connection to Israel, Jewish diversity, life cycle events, diet and more.
Understanding Jewish Identity and Antisemitism Today
How do Jews understand their individual and collective identities? What is antisemitism, and how is it both similar and different from other forms of prejudice? What are the harms that Jewish people are experiencing today? How does antisemitism threaten our democracy? Explore these and other questions in a session that provides space for questions, discussion, and suggestions for how to be an ally.
Living Testimony from the Holocaust
The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime, its allies, and collaborators. Our Holocaust education presentations are offered by survivors, second generation or third generation community members who represent their family’s story, sharing their experience during the war and the larger historical context.
Israel and the Jewish Story
Learn about a place that requires you to grapple with complexity. Why is Israel central to the Jewish story? Why is it important to all the Abrahamic faiths? Gain understanding for how the modern state came to be and for the diverse people who are the Israelis. As well, explore what happened in Israel on October 7, 2023, and its ongoing impact.
A Trip to Post-October 7th Israel
Told through pictures, learn the stories of 5 Israelis from that day and in the time since, told by someone who knows and loves them.
Making Sense of the Middle East
Designed to help participants grasp the realities of the Middle East with clarity and empathy, this talk explores the overarching narratives of both Israeli and Palestinian societies, Israel’s central role in Jewish identity, the rise in global antisemitism, and the difficulties of making sense of this often-misunderstood region.
Best Safety & Security Practices for Houses of Worship and Faith Based Community Centers
Learn best practices in protecting your people and property including combatting active threats, First Aid/Stop the Bleed, behavioral detection and cyber safety.
Reactions from hosts:
“Your willingness to share your expertise has not only enriched our curriculum but has also broadened our students’ understanding of the world.”
“The speaker was passionate, informed, with great slides and stories, and did a great job interacting with our youth.”
“I highly recommend JCRC presentations. Extremely informative and moving at the same time. Invaluable lessons for our community.”
“JCRC is easy to work with and tries to accommodate the needs of the organizations requesting speakers.”