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Am Kolel Torah Avodah G'milut Chasadim / Tikkun Olam Staff
Life Cycle Events Birth and Naming Rituals Bar/Bat Mitzvah Wedding Conversion Death and Mourning
Newsletters Am Kolel Library Peace Catalog Reb David's Music Network of Independent Jewish Communities Writings by Our Members The Rock Creek Haggadah Alan Oresky Myra Sklerew
Calendar Olamot: Jewish Wellness Festival PeaceBuilders
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An Inclusive People | A Living Tree
 

june appeal 2026

Celebrating 36 Years of Building Community and Pursuing Justice

This year, Am Kolel turns 36 — Double Chai. In Jewish tradition, a double chai means an abundance of life. And that’s exactly what this community has created together over thirty-six years: an abundance of life, of meaning, and of purpose.

In the spirit of Double Chai:

Double Chai Circle — $3,600+

A Shabbat dedicated in your honor or in celebration of a simcha, a signed copy of The Future is Peace by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon, an invitation to an intimate dinner with Rabbi David and Diane, a gold plaque on our Etz Hayim, and recognition in annual communications.

Chai Circle — $1,800

A Shabbat dedication in your honor or in memory of a loved one, a signed copy of The Future is Peace by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon, a silver plaque on our Etz Hayim, a personal phone call, and recognition in annual communications.

Builder — $360

A personal note from Rabbi David and recognition in annual communications.

Supporter — $180

Recognition in annual communications.

Friend — Any amount

Every gift is an act of partnership.

 

CHAI ONE ~ What we build for others
Am Kolel has always believed that Jewish values aren’t just for Jews — they’re for the world. That belief led us to found and incubate organizations like Jews United for Justice, the Sanctuary Retreat Center, and SongRise.  This year, we launched DC Musical Shabbat, a thriving new initiative for young families in the DC area.
Through our grants and mentorship, we help people turn their passion for justice into lasting institutions. That is rare. And it is worth sustaining.

CHAI TWO ~ For our community
At our core, Am Kolel is a community that shows up for one another. We celebrate Shabbat together. We are present for life’s milestones — births, b’nai mitzvah, weddings, losses, and everything in between. We continue to innovate: this spring, we are piloting Olamot, a Jewish Wellness Festival. And Am Kolel remains committed to pursuing justice and peace — locally, nationally, and in the Middle East. Tikkun Olam is a daily practice of this community. Our Tikkun Olam Committee engages deeply in human rights work.

Thirty-six years in, we are not winding down. We are building forward.

Am Kolel is in the midst of a strategic planning process to clarify our vision for the next era. We are strengthening our systems and expanding our leadership.

Early conversations have already surfaced compelling possibilities — Jewish seniors in residential communities whose spiritual and cultural needs are going unmet, individuals with learning differences who would thrive with music, arts, and wellness programming rooted in Jewish values. The strategic work ahead will help us determine where Am Kolel can make the greatest impact.

None of this-- not a single program, not a single life touched, not a single organization launched has been possible without you.