May 14, 2009

It may provide little solace for those caught in the gears of this grim economy, but hard times can also inspire institutions to seize the upside of a downturn.

This month three Jewish federations covering parts of central and northern New Jersey announced plans to consolidate their separate community relations arms. The Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey is the latest to join a merged “CRC” that includes United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ and the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey. The combined group now forms a single advocacy voice for Jews living in Union, Essex, Morris, Bergen, Passaic, and northern Hudson counties, and other communities located nearby.

The combined CRC puts the resources of three separate federations behind a Jewish agenda that includes support for Israel, services for the elderly and other vulnerable populations, outreach to other faith communities, and a host of other issues. The communities can now speak as one in times of crisis and share ideas and strategies over the long term.

Like most mergers, this one won’t come off without glitches. It involves a fusion of distinct cultures and communities that may share a state and a religion but are proud of their local histories and traditions. But if undertaken in good will, it could lead to the kinds of cost-saving and political punch that benefit each of the partners. For too long, we’ve taken for granted the Jewish version of New Jersey’s addiction to “home rule.”

We’ll take this opportunity to say good luck to the new partners, and also farewell to Lori Price Abrams, the outgoing director of the MetroWest CRC. She was a tireless advocate for New Jersey’s Jews, and a great friend of this newspaper. She will be missed.

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