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.
Wed, April 17 2024
9 Nisan 5784
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Thursday ,
AprApril 18 , 2024
Thursday, Apr 18th 8:00a to 10:00p
This interdisciplinary conference will bring together scholars from a variety of fields, including history, religion, sociology, politics, anthropology, literature, and the arts, to explore the rich and diverse experiences of Jews in the Americas. -
Friday ,
AprApril 19 , 2024
Friday, Apr 19th 12:00a to 11:00p
Passover 5784 begins Monday night! Have Shabbat at your house this week and get that chametz out of your cabinets and onto your guests’ plates! -
Friday ,
AprApril 19 , 2024
Friday, Apr 19th 8:00a to 10:00p
This interdisciplinary conference will bring together scholars from a variety of fields, including history, religion, sociology, politics, anthropology, literature, and the arts, to explore the rich and diverse experiences of Jews in the Americas. -
Tuesday ,
AprApril 23 , 2024
Tuesday, Apr 23rd 5:00p to 8:00p
Join us for a community-led second-night Seder. -
Thursday ,
AprApril 25 , 2024LINK
Thursday, Apr 25th 11:30a to 2:00p
The purpose of LINK is to share home-cooked, nutritious meals with kindness in a safe and welcoming environment with families, those who are unhoused or hungry, physically or mentally disabled, or simply desirous of company. Please consider supporting this crucial program. -
Friday ,
AprApril 26 , 2024
Friday, Apr 26th 7:00p to 8:30p
Friday Night Services (Hybrid) with oneg. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024
Sunday, Apr 28th 5:00p to 7:00p
The second installment of the LJCC Dying Well series features Rabbi Mark Levin, the founding rabbi of Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park. Rabbi Levin will speak on the topic of “spiritual aging,” how we are able to create meaning and purpose in life not despite of but precisely in view of death. -
Friday ,
MayMay 3 , 2024
Friday, May 3rd 7:00p to 8:30p
Friday Night Services -
Saturday ,
MayMay 11 , 2024
Shabbat, May 11th 10:30a to 12:00p
Join us for Saturday morning services. -
Friday ,
MayMay 17 , 2024
Friday, May 17th 5:30p to 8:30p
Join Lara Giordano (LJCC Program and Engagement Director) and Ari Linden at their home for a special Nosh and Shabbat BYO picnic, featuring musician Benjamin Cartel and his band. Lara and Ari will have challah, grape juice, kosher wine, and treats for the kiddos on hand. Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy this al fresco concert with the fireflies.
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Upcoming Events:
Friday Night
Candle Lighting : 7:45pm |