Focusing on Gender Diversity
After a fascinating and informative first session on Judaism, gender, and non-binary identity taught by Rabbi Nikki DeBlosi and the non-binary Jewish actor Bonz Swencionis on December 4th, we are excited to offer our second program in a series about understanding gender diversity in our community.
On Friday, Feb. 24th, we have Shannon McKay, the executive director of He, She, Ze, and We, speak on parenting a gender-diverse child. In addition to sharing her personal story, she will moderate a panel with two trans and non-binary guest speakers. We invite you to join us for our Feb. 24th Shabbat evening service at 7:30 p.m. and stay from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the guest speakers, who will share their journeys of gen-der identity and the unique challenges and blessings they have experienced along the way.
Our next event in this series on understanding gender diversity takes place at Or Ami on Sunday, March 19th, between 2 pm and 3 pm and will feature Dr. Jake Newsome, author of the Pink Triangle Legacies. Dr. Newsome will speak on the experiences of LGBTQ people during the Holocaust.
We are grateful to the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond for a generous grant, which has enabled us to plan these educational and community-building events and hopefully foster improved understanding and acceptance for all individuals and families in the greater Richmond area.
Updated Bathroom Speaking of becoming sensitive to issues like diversity, Or Ami is proud to announce our new updated bathroom facilities which are gender neutral, family friendly and have improved accessibility after a consult with an organization which advocates for those with various disabilities. Some financial assistance was obtained through a grant.
A Shout Out to Our OATY Kids
They were busy in the kitchen making delicious cookies for our Oneg on Dec. 23rd.
Busy Cooks
Our Oaty kids not only serve us delicious things, but they also serve our larger community.
Oaty Kids with a few Parents and Younger Siblings to Help
For the past six years, Nancy Nelson and her Oaty Kids have assisted Marvin Harris, the person responsible for starting the rehabilitation of Woodlawn and Evergreen Cemeteries, in his work. Currently, the work is focused on Woodlawn Cemetery in East Highland Park, where on Jan. 16, Nancy and her crew was out again. What could be a better way to celebrate MLK day than to help preserve an African American Historical Treasure?
Rehabbing Woodlawn on a Gorgeous Winter Day
Or Ami Book Club meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. February’s selection (on the 6th) is Gary Shteyngart’s, “Our Country Friends.” Upcoming books are “Missing File” by Dror Mishani on March 6th and on April 3rd, Stefan Zweig’s, “The Royal Game.” For more information or to join, email bookclub@orami.com for your Zoom link.
Or Ami Crafters – The happiest way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 14th, 7-8 p.m. Come and show off your stuff (virtually, that is) and enjoy the camaraderie! Contact crafters@or-ami.com for a Zoom link.
Regular Shabbat Services are held in-person and online Friday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30. Torah Study is held virtually most Saturdays, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Contact our office for a link if you wish to attend.
For more information on any of our programs or to obtain links to zoom events, please get in touch with our office at (804) 272-0017 or office@or-ami.com.
Would you like to know more? Contact us at Belong@Or-Ami.com or check us out at www.Or-Ami.com. You can follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OrAmi-Richmond. All inquiries are always welcome.
