This week, we’re delighted to spotlight Harvey Sanders.  Harvey brings extensive leadership experience, thoughtfulness, and deep passion of collaboration to his new role as co-chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), powered by Buffalo Jewish Federation. Only a few weeks after he officially started, Harvey shared inspiring words about the role of JCRC to those gathered for the WNY Leadership Briefing: “Our Rabbinic teachings include Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) composed more than 1800 years ago.  It has statements of advice, ethics, and wisdom.  One of my favorites is attributed to Hillel (1:14): If I am not for myself, who is for me?  But if I am for my own self [only], what am I?  And if not now, when? This quote encapsulates why I am involved in community work.”

When asked to reflect on Harvey’s new role as co-chair, Rabbi Sara Rich of Temple Beth Tzedek (TBT) remarked, “Harvey is equally admired as a leader who is vocal when he has advice or ideas to share, and as one who works quietly behind the scenes to get the job done. At TBT, we count on him in so many ways, and are so proud of his leadership as co-chair of JCRC.”

 “What I have been emphasizing as my goal for the rest of the year is the need to focus on communication,” Harvey notes.  “Post October 7 and with the election coming up, it is more important than ever.  In this world of increased antisemitism, we cannot retreat into isolation.  And in the polarized world that we live in, we need to be engaged in conversation – even with people with whom we disagree.  It is only through active listening that we can understand each other and try to find common ground.  Community engagement is how that happens.”

For more information on JCRC, visit buffalojewishfederation.org/community-relations.