The Baltimore Jewish Council is the political and community relations arm of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and its agencies. The BJC is located in the heart of the Baltimore Jewish community on Park Heights Avenue. It was founded in 1939 primarily to assist European Jewry and to combat anti-Semitism on a global and local basis. The Council represents Greater Baltimore area Jewish organizations & congregations on social, political, and humanitarian issues affecting Jews locally, nationally, and worldwide. In fact, the BJC represents all Jewish organizations and congregations through out Maryland. The BJC maintains strong support for security and safety of the State of Israel; it calls for freedom and human rights for the Global Jewish Family; and provides communal programs on the Shoah; it builds bridges and maintains relationships with ethnic, racial, religious & other groups. The BJC advocates for civil rights & stands against anti-Semitism and prejudice, and pursues social policies that enhance the quality of life for all.

The Baltimore Jewish Council constitutes 54 member organizations and synagogues, and its structure includes a number of commissions, committees, and task forces. The Government Relations Commission is responsible for monitoring and adopting positions on federal, state, and local legislation. It serves as a vehicle for developing public policy concerns and positions. BJC hosts the Maryland Jewish Community’s Advocacy Day in Annapolis each year where community members meet with legislators and their staff to advocate for the community’s legislative agenda. Devoted to honoring and remembering the six million Jews who perished by the Nazis, the Holocaust Remembrance Commission educates about the Shoah through teacher-training workshops, special programs and the annual Yom HaShoah, community-wide commemoration. It also focuses on genocide education and training to ensure the ideal of “never again”. The Metropolitan Issues Commission is responsible for dealing with a broad variety of social and economic justice matters, including public education, neighborhoods, housing, and church/state concerns. To build bridges between the Jewish community and other local communities, The Interfaith Dialogue provides an opportunity for members of various religious traditions to gather and discuss issues of shared concern. The Leadership Development Program engages individuals in BJC and prepares them to hold prominent positions in the areas of Jewish community public affairs and relations.

The Israel Advocacy and Awareness Commission, through innovative programming, educates and provides the Jewish and greater community with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Israel. The Council has facilitated annual missions to Israel for civic and community leaders, giving them a better understanding and deeper appreciation for the Jewish State. Each year, the BJC sponsors a community-wide Yom Ha’atzmaut program to honor Israel’s independence. The Council also advocates on behalf of Israel’s security at the federal and state levels.

Congressman Elijah Cummings partnered with the BJC to create the Elijah Cummings Youth Program (ECYP). It is a unique two- year leadership development program created to provide students from Maryland’s 7th Congressional district an opportunity to learn democratic values, develop multi-ethnic and interfaith relationships, experience the Jewish State, and develop and enhance their leadership skills to better their communities. High school students are recruited and selected through an application process and interview. Over 100 students have completed the program since the program has started, with all advancing to college or work.