Our Upcoming Programs

Our Current Programs

Mindful Jewish Ritual for Our Times

When the world around us feels volatile, we can use mindful Jewish rituals to build moments of stability and rest, expanding our awareness and returning to a centered state. We invite Jews of Color to join us for a monthly opportunity to slow down together and practice ritual tools for spiritual nourishment.

This JOC-led space is one part inspiration, one part meditation, one part community connection! Co-led by Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife, IJS Core Faculty, and Rabbi Sass Brown, Program Director at Ammud: The Jews of Color Torah Academy, with guest JOC leaders.

Upcoming session: November 11 and December 16

JOC Community Picnic | Chicago

Ammud: The Jews of Color Torah Academy, is excited to kick off in-person programming in Chicagoland with our first JOC Community Picnic, open to Jews of Color and their loved ones of all ages. We'll eat together and have time to schmooze, plus learn some seasonal Torah through accessible learning activities, with options for kids, families, and adults.

Learning Theme: Vayifga Bamakom (Meeting The Place): Did you know that a traditional name for G-d in the Torah is “The Place?” Taught from a Torah story about Jacob encountering G-d outside, this name reminds us that our spiritual nourishment cannot be disconnected from our environment, including the people around us and the places we move through.

With activities aimed at kids, families, and adults, we'll explore how our JOC experiences are shaped by the places our people have come from, and the shared connection to Chicagoland.

Or, Mishkan, and Mikdash: A pre-Hanukkah Torah Study Session

8 days of celebration can also mean 8 days of teaching - and Ammud wants to help! Join other JOC rabbis, clergy, and seminary students to nourish your neshamot and come away with drashable material for Hanukkah. We'll learn a piece of the Ner Mitzvah, in which the Maharal of Prague discusses the long process of spiritual creation from Vayehi Or, through the Mishkan, and to the Temple.

8 Days of Menucha: Daily Hanukkah Texts and Restful Rituals

On Hanukkah, Ammud highlights a Sefardi women's practice that can be used by folks of all genders: 30 minutes of menucha, Ritual Rest, starting when the Hanukkah candles are lit. Sign up to receive a short Torah study, accompanied by a restful ritual grounded in the themes of Hanukkah. These moments of holy reset will deepen and expand the way you practice the holiday - sign up today!

JOC Family Hanukkah Celebration | Boston

Celebrate Hanukkah with other Jews of Color and their loved ones in Boston! We'll begin with havdalah and Hanukkah candlelighting, followed by games and activities for children and adults alike. Inspired by the Sepharadi women's practice of ritual relaxation by the light of the menorah, we'll spend this holy time building JOC community together.

Chicagoland Multiracial Families Hanukkah Party

Join Ammud: The JOC Torah Academy for our inaugural Multiracial Jewish Family Chicagoland Hanukkah Party! For multiracial Jewish children, there is something powerful about seeing themselves reflected in new and old friends, clergy, and older Jewish leaders who can serve as role models. These connections can help nurture belonging, and pride in their Jewish identities and sense of self. Join us for Hanukkah-themed games for kids, food, songs, community, and meaningful ritual! We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Parasha Study

Join Rabbi Heather on Mondays and Rabbi Sass on Tuesdays for Parasha Study, a weekly drop-in space where JOCs can dive deep into learning the beauty of Torah, share their unique and inspiring takes on the week's Parasha (Torah portion), and build community.

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