Jewish Community Relations Council

What is the JCRC?

Founded in 1938, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) advocates for the rights and values of Jews individually and collectively, here and abroad. The Council implements a coordinated program of education, action, and advocacy for the Jewish community. On March 1, 2010, the Council became a core function of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

Our Mission

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation envisions a just community that reflects American and Jewish values. The mission is to speak as the representative of the Jewish community on issues of public affairs and public policy by convening and mobilizing the Jewish community through education, advocacy, social justice and support for Israel.

The JCRC council includes 23 organizational members representing Milwaukee area synagogues and Jewish organizations, an equal number of at-large members, past presidents of the Council, and board officers. The Council is a core function of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and is one of 122 Jewish community relations councils affiliated with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. Areas for JCRC programs and activities include:

Counteracting Antisemitism and Discrimination and Protecting Jewish Security
Building Support for Israel
Promoting Social and Economic Justice
Safeguarding Equal Rights and Opportunities
Advancing Intergroup Dialogue and Understanding
Strengthening Intra-Communal Relationships
Coordinating Advocacy Efforts
Resource Clearinghouse and Consultation

Officers 2025-2026

Jill Plavnick, Chair
Sharon Grinker, Chair Elect
Bonnie Krisztal, Vice Chair
Craig Johnson, Immediate Past Chair

Board Members 2025-2026

Rabbi Noah Chertkoff
Brian DeNeve
Matt Friedman
Ann Jacobs
Moshe Katz
Lloyd Levin
Michael Maistelman
Greg Parrish
Danielle Shelton
Ramona Tenorio

Constituent Organizations

Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah
Beth Hillel Temple (Kenosha)
Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid
Congregation Beth Jehudah
Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun
Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha
Congregation Shalom
Congregation Shir Hadash
Congregation Sinai
Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center
Hillel Milwaukee
Jewish Family Services
Jewish War Veterans
Milwaukee Association of Russian Speaking Jews
Milwaukee Free Loan Association
Milwaukee Jewish Day School
National Council of Jewish Women
Ovation
Own Your Judaism
RUACH
Temple Menorah
Tikkun Ha-Ir
Wisconsin Council of Rabbis

At Large Community Council Members

Brent Arnold
Liddie Collins-Siegrist
Brad Dallet
Michael Guralnick
Rabbi Joshua Herman
Donna Kleiner
Ed Levitas
Aaron Lippman
Margo Oshri
Liz Sumner
Benjamin Wagner
James Wiley

Life Members
Joyce Altman
Rabbi Jessica Barolsky
Brad Backer
Stephen Chernof
David Feiss
Susan Friebert
Ann Jacobs
Craig Johnson
Moshe Katz
Judy Kristal
Keith Lindenbaum
Joel Pittelman
Michael Pollack
Tom Schneider
Brian Schupper
Michael Waxman