Reinvention and Growth at Ammud: The Jews of Color Torah Academy
Dear Ammud Community,
We continue to work towards our vision of being a place known by every JoC where they will be beloved, and there is no ceiling that limits their Jewish education.
To reach that vision, we’re undergoing significant and exciting changes. First, we would like to introduce you to our interim board chair, Tema Smith. Tema Smith is an award-winning Jewish professional, diversity advocate, writer, and educator who found her way to Ammud by teaching a class. As our new interim board chair, Tema is working closely with Ammud leadership to ensure success as we enter this next chapter of growth.
We are also excited to share that Sarah Fried has been promoted to Senior Director of Operations and Impact. This will allow Ammud to accomplish more offerings this year and continue to set a strong foundation for the years to come.
This past year, we doubled Ammud's budget to create the foundation for thoughtful expansion and reinvention. In the near future, Ammud seeks to grow our in-person offerings. We’re working towards becoming a dynamic in-person community where members from all over the country and beyond can learn together. We also continue to deepen our online learning initiatives for members worldwide to learn with one another. We dream of creating a new branch of Ammud to bolster Jews of Color in attaining their rabbinical and cantorial school dreams.
In Pirkei Avot, Hillel says, "be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving humankind and drawing them close to the Torah." In this spirit, Ammud has a renewed commitment to drawing our members closer to Torah through dynamic programming, varied learning, compelling classes, and, ultimately, deep investment in the Jewish education of our members.
Our current programs are undergoing creative reinvention to bring us closer to our long-term goals. Although our programs are adapting and growing, our renewed commitment to creating high-quality learning programs rooted in community remains. We also continue to support our members to achieve their Jewish educational dreams.
As part of this re-envisioning, we've paused the current iteration of pastoral care while we reimagine how we can effectively meet the needs of more members as we grow. Instead of having a model where we have one to two part-time JoC rabbis and spiritual leaders, we're moving into a model where many JoC spiritual leaders can offer their wisdom. We sincerely thank Rabbi Kendell and Rabbi Mira for everything they've given the community through their formal roles at Ammud over the past years.
As we embark on this next chapter at Ammud, we will engage in a collaborative strategic planning process this next year. We will call on community members to help shape Ammud’s path forward. We will keep everyone posted on opportunities to stay involved as Ammud seeks to accomplish its mission to new heights. Please stay tuned for new programs and opportunities at Ammud to draw yourself closer to Torah and the community.
With warmth,
Alexandra Corwin, she/her, Executive Director and Tema Smith, she/her, Board Chair
