Hopes for the Year Ahead - Taking Stock of the Year We Leave Behind

by David Cohen, DIrector of Jewish Community Relations
Published in the September Edition of "The Reflector"

T’Shuvah is a major theme of the coming High Holidays.  Jewish tradition asks us to take stock of our actions over the past year so we can turn from bad inclinations and toward go…

In Search of Jewish Communal Unity

by David Cohen, DIrector of Jewish Community Relations
Published in the August Edition of "The Reflector"

Over the past several months the Jewish community has been struggling with how to best respond to a documented rise in global Antisemitism – and at the same time assure that this res…

Speaking to Allies about Israel and Antisemitism

Over the past few months, the Jewish community has truly struggled to process a rise in anger and hatred directed at Jews - both communally and personally.  Sadly, it is customary for hostilities between the IDF and Hamas to heighten this vitriol.  And while I do wish there were that one a…

Crisis in Israel Brings Heartache and Political Challenges Here at Home

by JCRC Director David Cohen
June 2021 Issue of “The Reflector”

When hostilities increase in Israel, our hearts go out to our friends and family who have endured these repeated escalations.  We also care deeply for any loss of life in the region and mourn for all those who get caught i…

A Jewish Community Brokenhearted and Worried - Richmond Times Dispatch