Making Space: Building Jewish Inclusion in the Workplace
Helping your organization better understand who the Jewish people are and the challenges the Jewish community faces are critical components often missing in workplace efforts to increase understanding, inclusivity, and belonging. As your organization works to foster a more welcoming environment, JCRB|AJC is here to help. Below is a list of educational offerings and resources provided by JCRB|AJC to assist you.
To meet with our team or schedule a training session, please contact JCRB|AJC’s Director of Education and Programs, Sarah Markowitz Schreiber, at sarahm@jewishkc.org.
Being Jewish in the United States & In the Workplace
Jewish identity, diversity, and religious practices are often misunderstood or overlooked in the United States, and the American Jewish community is facing an alarming rise in antisemitism. While representing a mere 2.4 percent of the country’s population, anti-Jewish hate crimes comprised 15 percent of all hate crimes and 68 percent of all reported religious-based hate crimes in 2023 according to the FBI’s latest hate crimes report. Overall, antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high in 2023 in the United States according to the Anti-Defamation League.
AJC’s 2023 State of Antisemitism in America Report found that 30% of American Jews in the workplace experienced at least one of the following this past year:
- 24 percent avoided expressing their views on Israel in their workplace or with colleagues because of fears of antisemitism.
- 15 percent avoided wearing, carrying, or displaying something that would identify them as Jewish in their workplace or with colleagues because of fears of antisemitism.
- 13 percent felt uncomfortable or unsafe in their workplace because of their Jewish identity.
- 6 percent were told they could not take time off work for the Jewish holidays.
Making Space Initiatives
Understanding and Combating Contemporary Antisemitism Training
Developed to help workplaces strengthen their approach toward combating antisemitism through education, expert JCRB|AJC staff will work with your company, organization, or community group to help participants gain a better understanding of the Jewish community and empower them with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively combat antisemitism.
The training will cover:
- Who are Jews?
- The state of antisemitism in America today
- Key antisemitic tropes and its unique qualifiers
- The evolution of antisemitism and how it has manifested in the 21st century
- Tools for supporting the Jewish community and defining the roles we can all play to combat antisemitism
Please note that trainings can be conducted in-person or online. The training runs 60 minutes, including time for Q&A.
Additionally, each presentation is uniquely tailored to the audience. We are also equipped to include content on Jewish religious practices and holidays, including tips for accommodating Jewish employees.
What is the cost? JCRB|AJC currently offers this program free of charge. At their discretion, some organizations offer an honorarium or donation to JCRB|AJC in appreciation of the presentation.
Interested in scheduling a training? Contact JCRB|AJC’s Director of Education and Programs, Sarah Markowitz Schreiber, at sarahm@jewishkc.org, or fill out this training request form.
Here's what past training hosts have to say:
“JCRB|AJC addresses the issue of antisemitism to help ordinary citizens understand its effect on communities. More importantly it provides concrete ideas to help eradicate violence and discrimination. Even advocates of diversity and inclusion will learn new ways to help their workplace, place of worship and community understand how to create allyship and understanding. This presentation is a must for all communities.”
- Vice President of DEI, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
"The presentation on understanding and combating antisemitism provided our staff the knowledge and resources to be more informed about this important topic in our community. The JCRB|AJC staff presented the material in a way that made it easy to understand the impact of antisemitism and they brought in real world examples that related to everyone. Thanks to JCRB|AJC for a great presentation that resonated with our staff"
- Assistant City Administrator, City of Prairie Village
“Our Consortium in part is built on the foundation of learning and supporting our fellow communities of color, culture and identity. In order to do this in a genuine way we need to have individuals share their knowledge and expertise in a manner that all can 'take in' and understand…The information and stories shared about antisemitism, its history and the rise of incidents is tragic and disheartening. If you want to know the facts versus the misinformation about the Jewish community, I would definitely recommend JCRB/AJC to come in and enlighten you on the facts.“
- Founder, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consortium
Utilizing JCRB|AJC as a Resource
In addition to hosting a training, our team can help you with:
- Scheduling and the Jewish Calendar
- We annually distribute a calendar which details Jewish holidays and religious observances to assist workplaces with ensuring inclusivity and accommodations; we are also available to answer questions regarding specific scheduling and potential conflicts. Click here to access the calendar.
- Navigating Tensions Arising from Antisemitism or Intolerance
- We can assist with anything from proactive education to responsive consultation and conflict mediation. We can also help navigate current events that are likely to create tension in the workplace and offer insight and resources to assist in addressing such events constructively (e.g. crafting internal or external statements, hosting a listening session for Jewish employees, etc.).
- Establishing and supporting Jewish Employee Resource Groups (JERGs)
- Jewish Employee Resource Groups (JERGs) are traditionally composed of Jewish employees who seek connection with those who share in their traditions, desire support, and want to celebrate the unique value add they bring to the workplace. Especially given the current environment, JERGs can serve as safe spaces for Jewish colleagues. JCRB|AJC can work with organizational leadership, helping them launch JERGs while setting up systems for ongoing support.
- Acknowledging and celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month (May)
- Since 2006, every May, Jewish Americans celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a month dedicated to celebrating the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to this nation and their indelible mark on this country and its diversity. JCRB|AJC can assist you with crafting internal or external language to acknowledge this month and develop, and at times execute on, JAHM-related programming.
Additional Resources for the Workplace
- Leading from the Heartland: Regional Toolkits to Combat Antisemitism - Toolkit for Workplaces
- AJC's Call to Action Against Antisemitism in America: Private Sector Action Items: Recommendations for the Private Sector, including companies, corporations, and businesses, as part of AJC's Call to Action Against Antisemitism in America.
- Shine A Light: A national initiative to spotlight modern-day antisemitism. It draws inspiration from the story of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, to champion the message that one small light can dispel the darkness and hatred. Check out the website to find resources to learn about antisemitism and how to take action to support the Jewish community, including guidance for the workplace.
- Making Space for the Jewish Community in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Frameworks: Session recording from JCRB|AJC’s 2024 Driving Our Darkness in the Heartland Symposium, featuring: Kevin Clayton, The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Head of Social Impact & Equity; April Powers, Project Shema’s VP DEI; and Jess Burke, the Centre for Israel & Jewish Affairs’ Director of EDI.
- “Who are Jews?”: You've certainly heard many things about Jews, but how do Jews view themselves? Watch this video to find out! You'll learn about the story of the Children of Israel, the history of Jews in Europe and the Middle East, where Jews live today, and about Jewish identity.
- Calendar of Jewish Holidays: Each year, JCRB|AJC sends out a calendar of Jewish holidays so that businesses, schools, community groups, organizations, and others can avoid major conflicts while scheduling for the upcoming year. We hope that the calendar is helpful to you in understanding and accommodating the holidays and religious practices of Jewish community members.
- Jewish American Heritage Month: Resources to demonstrate support for the U.S. Jewish community by participating in the celebration of America’s rich Jewish heritage.
DEI Partners and Past Trainings:
AdventHealth Kansas City Foundation
Baker University, I See You DEI Conference
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry
Community Christian Church
Children’s Mercy
City of Leawood
City of Prairie Village
DEI Consortium
GEHA
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council
Johnson County Mental Health Center
Kansas City FBI
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA)
KU Delta Gamma Chapter
KU Endowment
Lathrop GPM
Nonprofit Connect
Old Mission Church
Overland Park Rotary Club
Park University
Prairie Village Diversity Committee
Village Shalom
