Every inch of America is sacred, from sea to shining sea.
There is much to be done in our time, the sort of hard work on which God smiles because it is done for the sake of the dignity and well-being of all God’s creatures.
Together, let us work to preserve and make manifest the values upon which our democracy was founded.
The task of all people of faith is to call governing authorities to fulfill God’s purpose of bringing about justice, mercy, and peace.
Individually and as a nation, may we heed our obligations to each other as we navigate the tensions of building a just society.
Rather than a politics of divisiveness, may we move our country toward a politics of empathy.
May we use our power well so we do great things for all God’s creatures, all those made in God’s image who yearn for an equal place at America’s table.
If we do all this, may grace and peace be ours in abundance. May we be a beacon and a blessing to the world.
Compiled and adapted from American Values Religious Voices letters by Eboo Patel, Jean Pierre Ruiz, Andrea Weiss, Susan Garrett, Carmen Nanko-Fernández, Aristotle Papanikolaou, Katharine Rhodes Henderson, M. Craig Barnes.
"I'll Have What She's Having" Exhibit Sunday, July 10 at 11:00 AM
We're excited to join together with the Open Yad Project for a visit to the Skirball Cultural Center's exhibit, "I'll Have What She's Having": The Jewish Deli. More than a place to get a meal, the Jewish deli is a community forged in food. The exhibition explores how Jewish immigrants, mostly from Central and Eastern Europe, imported and adapted traditions to create a uniquely American restaurant.For more details and to RSVP
Prophetic Torah Saturday, July 16 at 10:00 AM Join our monthly Torah study group exploring the weekly portions alongside the traditional Haftarah readings, the prophetic passages that pair with our annual cycle of sacred study. No experience required. REGISTER HERE
HIV+ Support Group Saturday, July 16 at 12:15 PM Our ongoing HIV+ Support Group known as the Kol Amigos. Facilitated by Rabbi Eger, this confidential group is open only to those with HIV/AIDS. REGISTER
Shabbat Holiness Hike Saturday, July 23 at 9:30 AM Take a break from the craziness of the week (and the city) and join Rabbi Levy for a Shabbat morning hike! We will exploreGriffith Park Old Zoo Loop while creating spaces for quiet reflection and a bit of text study. All levels of hiking are welcome! In this year of sh’mita, the seventh year when the land lies fallow, we hope to explore our connection with the natural world as a source of healing and renewal (plan for 1.5 hrs). REGISTER HERE
Tzedek Council Meeting Thursday, July 28 at 7:30 PM Join us for an open Tzedek Council meeting where we’ll discuss ongoing initiatives and plan for future events and programs. We want to hear your input! Register Here
Book Circle: All My Mother's Lovers Saturday, July 30 at 4:00 PM Join Kol Ami's book club, hosted by David Glickman and Dr. Jane Drucker. We'll discuss All My Mother's Lovers: A Novel by Illana Masad. We are delighted that the author - daughter of Temple Member Andrea Paymar - will be joining us! Register Here
All Who Can Protest: A Rabbinic Call to End The American Gun Violence Epidemic is out now, including an essay written by Rabbi Eger. 40 Rabbis represent a rich tapestry Jewish expression, united in voice to End the American Gun Violence Epidemic. The second section of the book contains excerpts from the first 3 Rabbis Against Gun Violence anthologies: Peace in Our Cities (2013), Not By Might (2016), and Holding Fast (2018). Buy the book on Amazon. Buy the book on Amazon
Kol Ami requires proof of vaccination including at least one booster for all events for all those eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. If you are not yet eligible for a booster, you must provide proof a negative test within 24 hrs of the event. While masks are optional at indoor events the Los Angeles County Health Department strongly recommends that you wear a mask indoors. At Kol Ami we are mindful that there are many people who are immune compromised and as an act of loving kindness (Chesed) and compassion (Rachamim) we recommend you wear a mask except when eating or drinking indoors.
To learn more about Kol Ami's COVID-safety policy please click here.
