Understanding and Building Relationships with Jewish Communities

Understanding and Building Relationships with Jewish Communities program is an four-hour, in-person training course led by subject matter experts that is designed to familiarize community members with customs and cultural aspects of the Jewish community, including their beliefs, identity, practices, and civil rights-related issues that impact the community. This training also helps participants create an action plan to strengthen engagement with their local Jewish community.

Our nation is enriched by its diversity. Understanding the cultures and customs of diverse communities can be challenging and complex at times. Community members can strengthen their relationships with their local Jewish communities by learning about cultural sensitivities, best practices on how to engage, and better methods of communication.

The Benefits of This Training

• Build a network of reliable community resources.
• Improve respect and understanding between communities.
• Develop trust and rapport with diverse communities in neighborhoods.

Training Overview

The Importance of Community Awareness
This lesson builds understanding of Jewish beliefs and religious practices fostering improved engagement. Community awareness allows individuals to interact with Jewish community members in an informed manner.

Building Awareness and Understanding
This lesson provides basic knowledge of the Jewish community, their faith, and what influences their daily interactions, including acceptable terms and community-wide issues. This information is important to avoid stereotyping and help better address and prevent potential hate crimes.

Planning Community Engagement
This lesson identifies community engagement strategies for cultivating and strengthening relations with Jewish communities and highlights the benefits of engaging and creating partnerships Jewish organizations and individuals.