The JCRC is so proud of the work they do with the Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC). The CIC’s vision is “a community that pursues peace through interfaith understanding and cooperation.” Its mission is to “strengthen community in central Indiana and beyond by (1) supporting existing connections between and among faith communities; (2) fostering additional interfaith opportunities through social, cultural, and educational interactions; and (3) connecting interfaith communities through volunteer service and civic engagement.”
On January 22, nearly 200 members of Central Indiana’s richly diverse interfaith community gathered at the Christian Theological Seminary to break bread together with a catered kosher, halal, vegetarian, and delicious meal!

During the dinner, the CIC shared its many endeavors and successes, unveiled a dynamic “What Does Interfaith Mean to Me?” video that features members of the CIC Board, and presented the inaugural Board Chair, Don Knebel, with the first-ever Interfaith Ambassador of the Year honor. Following dinner, the internationally acclaimed Yuval Ron Ensemble delighted, inspired, and helped build bridges among nearly 400 audience members with their lively music and dance!

The JCRC had a leadership role in helping to establish the CIC in 2012, and JCRC Executive Director Lindsey Mintz has taken on a new role as the CIC Board Chair in 2015. Several Jewish synagogues, organizations, and individuals are also actively engaged with the CIC, including rabbis and congregants from Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation, and Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. Additionally, staff and lay leaders from the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Jewish Community Center, Bureau of Jewish Education, Jewish Family Services at The Reuben Center, and Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis have contributed time and talent to the Jewish community’s presence at the overwhelmingly successful Festival of Faiths event, which has attracted over 3,000 Hoosiers to learn about the vibrant religious diversity in Central Indiana.

As the interfaith and inter-group arm of the Jewish community, the JCRC always looks to build bridges wherever possible. When the JCRC educates the community-at-large about Jews—and when we as Jews take the time to learn about other communities—we foster understanding, respect, and ultimately a more secure environment for Jewish living.

The JCRC builds coalitions, seeks partnerships, and encourages dialogue while advocating for Israel, social and economic justice, and civil rights. These are indispensable investments in creating a tolerant society around us, and in creating informed advocates among us.