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Information

Congregation Kol Ami
After school / Supplemental Hebrew School
Reform
9149494717
252 Soundview Ave
White Plains, New York 10606
United States

About

Our community has long been recognized as a place where LGBTQ+ individuals and families are not simply welcomed, but genuinely embraced. For many years, inclusion has been woven into the fabric of our congregation through our values, programming, leadership, and relationships. Families have repeatedly described Kol Ami as their "safe space"—a place where they can be fully themselves, knowing they and their children will be accepted, respected, and celebrated. With a vibrant community that includes many LGBTQ+ members, teens, children, and families, our congregation reflects the diversity we cherish. More than a statement of inclusion, we have built a culture of belonging where authentic connections flourish, every voice is valued, and everyone is empowered to participate fully in Jewish life.

At Kol Ami, we strive to live the Jewish value of b'tzelem Elohim—recognizing the divine image in every person—through authentic relationships, personal engagement, and a genuine commitment to knowing and caring for one another. We believe that true inclusion is built through everyday interactions: learning each person's story, celebrating milestones together, supporting one another during difficult times, and creating opportunities for every individual to contribute their unique gifts to our community. This culture of belonging extends across generations and is reflected in the warmth, respect, and compassion that define our congregation. Our goal is for every person who walks through our doors to feel not only welcomed, but known, valued, and at home.

Listing Details

Organizational Policies

  • Benefits such as health insurance, parental leave, etc. are gender-neutral and LGBTQ+ inclusive
  • Has written anti-bullying policies that specifically address identity-based bullying
  • Has written nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy that mentions gender identity and expression
  • Has written nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy that mentions sexual orientation
  • All registration forms have been updated for LGBTQ+ belonging (i.e. adult 1 / 2 , parents or guardians, expansive gender options, pronouns, etc)
  • Strategic priority of LGBTQ+ engagement

Programming

  • Engages with LGBTQ+ civil rights in a way that is consistent with our engagement with civil rights for any core constituency
  • Curriculum and educational materials reflect LGBTQ+ people and identities
  • Has regular programming on LGBTQ+ themes
  • Observes LGBTQ+ days of significance (such as Pride, National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Visibility, etc)
  • Speakers/presenters/scholars in residence include LGBTQ+ people

Ritual

  • Offers and frequently uses gender-expansive ritual language
  • Celebrates LGBTQ+ life cycle events
  • Requirements for ritual wear are trans- and nonbinary inclusive

Spaces

  • Has all-gender restroom/s and locker/changing rooms (if applicable) available
  • Works with gender-expansive individuals on a case-by-case basis to assign bunking or accommodation that affirms their gender
  • Has all-gender bunking or overnight accommodation available

Staff & Leadership

  • Has working group or task force for LGBTQ+ belonging
  • LGBTQ+ people are represented in our senior leadership
  • LGBTQ+ people are represented on our board
  • Leadership and staff/volunteers have been trained on LGBTQ+ belonging within the past five years