At Kol Ami, we believe that a strong community is one that is both inclusive and caring. We are deeply committed to ensuring that everyone—no matter their background, identity, or circumstance—feels truly welcomed, valued, and supported.
A Radically Welcoming Community
In recent years, we’ve taken meaningful steps to expand our inclusion efforts to ensure that Kol Ami is a space where all people feel at home. We are proud of the ways we’ve embraced diversity and created an open, accessible environment.
Our commitment to accessibility ensures that our space and services are inclusive and welcoming to everyone, including individuals of all abilities. We strive to make sure that anyone who comes through our doors feels they belong, and this includes making any accommodations that we can to ensure that everyone who wants to can participate in our community.
This commitment also means fully embracing our LGBTQ+ members for who they are and celebrating their presence and contributions to our congregation. We believe in the importance of creating a space where everyone’s identity is honored, and all people can participate fully in our community life.
In 2017, Kol Ami made another commitment: we unanimously affirmed that our ritual and prayer services are open equally to both Jewish and non-Jewish members. This decision makes us one of the few congregations to adopt such a radically welcoming approach, and we are proud to invite all to fully engage in worship, study, and communal life, regardless of faith background.
Care & Concern: Supporting One Another
At Kol Ami, we believe in the power of community care. Life can present difficult challenges, but no one faces them alone here. Our Care & Concern/Inclusion Committee is dedicated to providing compassionate support to members who are experiencing illness, loss, or any other life challenge.
Whether it’s through helping members who are isolated at home, providing guidance on social services, or simply offering a kind word during difficult times, our community comes together to care for one another. We also offer support during periods of mourning, ensuring that members have the resources and care they need when dealing with loss.
Through our annual healing service, in partnership with the Ritual Committee, we come together to offer one another emotional and spiritual support. We also maintain Yahrzeit and Healing lists for members and their families.
At Kol Ami, inclusion and care are more than just values—they are the foundation of who we are as a community.
Would You Like to Get Involved?
If you’d like to support our inclusion efforts or assist fellow members through the Care & Concern Committee, please contact us.
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