Justice Work
Kolot Chayeinu has a long legacy of justice-seeking and honoring members’ many identities in both Jewish ritual and community.
Gathering in community and to do the work of repair, tikkun olam, are dear to Kolot. During this time of growth at Kolot, we are working to continue to build upon Kolot’s legacy of activism and engagement and nurture this important work. Please reach out to Jen Abrams, Interim Justice & Equity Organizer, to learn more about connecting with Kolot around any of the following issues and spaces, or with ideas around programming you’d like to see at Kolot.
The Race Working Group has led Kolot to embrace anti-racism as a core mission of our community. Please read more about the RWG’s past and ongoing work here. Co-Chairs: Imani Chapman and Lisa Zbar.
Gemilut Chasadim/Acts of Loving Kindness: Help support Kolot members by showing up (virtually or in person) with errands, schlepping, pet-walking, or meal delivery during times of need, including birth, death, illness, loss, or joy. Please let Interim Managing Director Hara Connell (HaraConnell@kolotchayeinu.org) know if you’d like to be notified when Kolotniks need support.
For years, the Queer & Trans Working Group worked to advance queer and trans inclusivity; its Best Practices for Trans Inclusion continues to shape the ways we gather at Kolot.
The Immigrant/Refugee Working Group (IRWG) has long worked to raise the issues of, advocate for, and stand with immigrants and refugees by engaging Kolotniks in this work. Contact John Berman (johnsb725@gmail.com) or Sally Charnow (Sally.D.Charnow@hofstra.edu) to be added to the IRWG listserv and receive opportunities to be involved in advocacy.
Direct Service: To get involved in direct service and asylum seeker support, please connect with Kolotniks Rachel Hyman (rachel.a.hyman@gmail.com) and Sarah Eisenstein (sarah.eisenstein@gmail.com).
The Israel/Palestine Taskforce (IPTF): Help facilitate conversations among members to process our individual and collective feelings towards the crisis and horrors that have continued to unfold in Israel/Palestine, and create opportunities for members to engage with/review/revise Kolot’s Open Tent policy. For a progress report of the IPTF, click here. Reach out to chair Yonii Bock at IPTaskforce@kolotchayeinu.org.