We believe that we, as JOC Jewish communal professionals, deserve to bring our fullest selves to our work. That is a holy goal in itself, and, we know that our cultural experiences and wisdom are assets for the Jewish future - that Jewish communities will flourish when we are free to lead with Torah and ritual practice that speak to the particular experiences of today’s Jewish community. 

We recognize that working full-time in Jewish communal settings as a JOC can be challenging. We believe that community, meaningful connection, Torah, and practical learning that can be brought back into one’s work can help make that path smoother—so JOCs are supported in serving the Jewish community with renewed passion, confidence, and purpose.

Ammud: The Jews of Color Torah Academy is out to make sure Jewish communities and Jewish life are made whole through inclusive wisdom and practice that is representative of our full racial and ethnic diversity as a people. We focus directly on supporting Jews of Color build community and belonging, while deepening their Jewish education.

Ammud’s Culturally Sustaining Torah Methodology is made for Jews of Color, by Jews of Color. For over five years, Ammud has built spaces where JOCs can learn Torah in a way that honors our particular experiences, and affirms the way we learn. We bring research from Adult Learning and Ethnic and Racial Identity Development into traditional and creative Torah study. Personal experiences and knowledge are highlighted as assets for Torah interpretation, revealing new and needed understandings of our ancient wisdom. We center relationship building and emotional care, because we know that we learn best when we feel cherished for our full selves.

• Knowledge of how your current Jewish work is rooted in ancient wisdom, including words of Torah that describe your vision for Jewish life.

• Rituals to make your day-to-day work feel particularly Jewish and holy, all rooted in our words of prayer and spiritual rhythms.

• Practices you can bring to the people you serve to make the programs you lead and content your create feel inspirational and relevant.

• Colleagues with particular strengths who you can turn to when you’re brainstorming something new or refreshing a staple part of your work.

• Templates for adding powerful words or Torah to introduce and frame your gatherings.

• Affirmation and empowerment to bring your particular JOC stories and experiences as assets for interpreting Torah and motivating your Jewish life.

Kaniti supports both professional and personal growth and we encourage employers to contribute towards the cost at a sliding scale rate. Running Kaniti costs roughly $5,000 per Fellow when accounting for retreat transportation, accommodations, program materials, shared meals, guest faculty stipends, and the staff capacity required to facilitate the experience. 

Fellows contribute a portion of the overall cost, with tuition ranging from $500–$1,000, determined on a sliding scale according to the sponsoring organization’s budget. Because Kaniti deepens both professional skills and personal leadership, we invite employers to invest in their staff’s participation whenever possible. We are happy to provide materials to assist with internal requests for funding or professional development approval. Our priority is that finances not stand in the way of anyone who is a Kaniti Fellow.

We suggest framing Kaniti as a professional development opportunity that includes a meaningful cohort experience that sustains you in the work and skill building with applications to your current work. Please direct any questions your supervisor may have to Rabbi Sass.