“A Dynamic Sacred Community Grounded in Reform Judaism”
Or Ami is presenting a new guest speaker series on Afghan refugees beginning on Friday, Nov. 12, when Crystal Alawi will speak after our Shabbat Service ends at 7:30 pm.
She is a daughter of Afghan refugees and grew up in America pre- and post-9/11. She will also inform us about the Richmond Afghan Refugee Action Group started by her husband, Michael Marsh-Soloway, a professor at the University of Richmond.
Then, on Dec. 10, Dr. Hyojin Im from VCU will speak over Zoom during our 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service about refugees’ unique traumas and resilience to further increase our understanding of the Afghan refugee experience.
Sponsoring an Afghan Family
Or Ami is preparing to sponsor an Afghan family – gathering kitchenware, linens, lamps, school supplies and other necessities. We are working with the International Rescue Committee, which will provide funding to secure housing, pay deposits, assist with cultural orientation and interpretation. As a congregational sponsor, we will help set up the household, welcome the family when they arrive, and help them navigate life in their new community.
Congregational volunteers will visit regularly, take the family grocery shopping until they get a car, help them understand all that comes in the mail, broaden their horizons with field trips and engage in simple English conversation.
Children will befriend children and be available to answer questions. Congregation members will share leads working with an IRC employment specialist. English is key to independence, and volunteers will receive training and materials to teach virtually or in person. Or Ami looks forward to welcoming our new neighbors and hopes of helping them feel more comfortable as they seek to rebuild their lives.
If anyone is interested in joining the effort, has a car to donate, or has questions, please get in touch with Social_Action@or-ami.com.
In-Person Services
Our in-person Shabbat Services for masked, and fully vaccinated adults, are held Friday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30. Children may attend with their parents, and children over the age of 3 must wear a mask. Onegs are currently suspended. You may view our services on YouTube or Or Ami’s Facebook page. Torah study (fully vaccinated and masked) is held in-person and virtually on most Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Links for our virtual Shabbat services and Torah study are sent via email on Fridays. If you would like to be added to the list, please email communicate@OrAmi.com.
Would you like to know more? Please get in touch with our office at (804) 272-0017 or communicate@Or-Ami.com, or check us out at www.Or-Ami.com. You can follow us on Facebook or catch us on Twitter. All inquiries are always welcome.
