Mission and Values
Mission and Values
We are a pluralistic and egalitarian community.
Our mission is to be an inclusive and thriving center of Jewish spiritual, cultural, and social life in the Lawrence area. We welcome a diverse spectrum of Jews and people interested in Judaism.
These congregational values lay out Jewish principles and practices that we strive to follow:
B’tzelem Elohim, tzedek tirdof: we are made in the image of G-d, pursue justice.
As Jews, we seek to create a community where people are safe and free to learn, pray, and be together.
Derekh eretz, ahavta l’reyekha: be right with your community, be respectful.
Jewish law tells us that each person is worthy of a whole world. Treat everyone with respect. Respect extends to: people’s choices about how they observe Jewish law, their political affiliations, cultural differences, personal space and contact, people’s identities as expressed in the pronouns they use and the knowledge that they have about themselves (including, for example, what bathroom they determine is appropriate for their use), and awareness and appreciation of differences in ability, and the assurance that the community will proactively seek to be accessible to all.
Practice achnasat orchim: welcoming the stranger.
If someone is visiting the community, make sure they feel welcome.
Dan l’chaf zechut: judge on the side of merit.
Assume good intent on the part of others in the discussion, and ask clarifying questions (see ideas below) when someone says something that is hurtful or thoughtless. Own the impact of what you say. If you hurt someone, be willing to apologize meaningfully; if someone hurts you, be open to their apology.
Tokhekha: tell someone when they need a course correction.
Communicate with your fellow community members. Be willing to tell someone if something they do makes you uncomfortable or is hurtful. Ask for what you need.
Avoid l’shon hara: don’t gossip; more specifically, avoid derogatory or damaging speech about others.
If you take issue with something someone does or says, tell that person; don’t tell someone else instead.
In addition to these congregational values, all should be aware that harassment and abuse are not tolerated in our community. It is the responsibility of everyone in the community to look out for the safety of others in the community and to intervene in a situation where someone is being harassed or abused. LJCC leadership will revisit this statement and the grievance policy regularly to ensure that these processes are up-to-date and provide the necessary information to - and support for - community members. Should you experience or witness harassment or abuse, diffuse or leave the situation; get help if needed, and contact the designated point person.
Sat, July 12 2025
16 Tammuz 5785
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Saturday ,
JulJuly 12 , 2025
Shabbat, Jul 12th 10:30a to 1:00p
Alyssa Appelman and Barry Shalinsky lead with a kiddish lunch to follow. Please let us know in the notes section what you can bring. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 13 , 2025
Sunday, Jul 13th 3:00p to 4:00p
An afternoon of show & tell of family heirlooms and other Judaica! We will be joined by Abby Magariel, curator of the Michael Klein Collection at the Temple B'nai Jehudah. Snap a photo of your piece(s) in advance and send to Lara, so that Abby can research the provenance of these vintage and historical items before we get together. -
Friday ,
JulJuly 18 , 2025
Friday, Jul 18th 5:30p to 7:00p
Join us for an early family-friendly nosh and Shabbat. We'll Nosh and then Shabbat with Religious School Director Rachel Downs-Doubrava and teacher Benjamin Rosenthal leading a musical services beginning at 6:30pm. The LJCC will provide a main. Potluck contributions are encouraged. If possible, let us know in the notes section what you will bring. -
Friday ,
JulJuly 25 , 2025
Friday, Jul 25th 7:00p to 9:00p
Friday Night Services with a potluck oneg to follow. Daniel Smith of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center joins as part of our summer speaker series. -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 27 , 2025Fragments of Sinaiism: a conversation with Sam Brody & Ken Lassman (Hybrid)
Sunday, Jul 27th 4:00p to 5:30p
In advance of Tisha B'Av, Professor of Religion Sam Brody will speak about his new piece for the Halachic Left, "Sinaiism." -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 31 , 2025Summer Game Nights at the LJCC: Singo Fundraiser!
Thursday, Jul 31st 7:00p to 9:00p
Join us for a night of Singo - musical bingo! All proceeds go to support the LJCC Religious School. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 24 , 2025Blintz Rolling!
Sunday, Aug 24th 10:00a to 12:00p
Participate in one of the longest running and deepest LJCC traditions: rolling blintzes together for the Annual Blintz Brunch! Come work with chef extraordinaire Michael Hennecke to prepare this special treat for sale at our annual fundraiser. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2025Blintz Rolling!
Sunday, Sep 7th 10:00a to 12:00p
Participate in one of the longest running and deepest LJCC traditions: rolling blintzes together for the Annual Blintz Brunch! Come work with chef extraordinaire Michael Hennecke to prepare this special treat for sale at our annual fundraiser. -
Sunday ,
OctOctober 5 , 2025Blintz Rolling!
Sunday, Oct 5th 10:00a to 12:00p
Participate in one of the longest running and deepest LJCC traditions: rolling blintzes together for the Annual Blintz Brunch! Come work with chef extraordinaire Michael Hennecke to prepare this special treat for sale at our annual fundraiser.
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