About Ami — עמי
A Jewish community for gay and lesbian Jews rooted in tradition, belonging, and a living connection to Israel.
My People
Ami (עמי), meaning "my people," is a Jewish community for gay and lesbian Jews rooted in the belief that Jewish identity, tradition, and belonging are stronger when experienced together.
Our mission is to strengthen Jewish identity, communal belonging, and an enduring connection to Israel among gay and lesbian Jews by creating meaningful opportunities to gather, celebrate, learn, and serve. We welcome Jews and allies from across the spectrum of Jewish life, from Orthodox to secular, and from deeply observant to those just beginning to explore Judaism, who share a desire to build authentic Jewish community.
Ami is committed to Jewish religious life and to preserving the traditions that have sustained the Jewish people throughout our history. We believe that a vibrant Jewish community is built through Jewish learning, ritual, community, and Avodat Hashem, creating opportunities for participants to deepen their connection to Judaism in meaningful and lasting ways.
Our mission comes to life through four core pillars
Gay Shabbos.
Shabbat has brought Jews together for generations around the dinner table, creating space for community, conversation, and connection. Ami Shabbat continues that tradition through welcoming dinners and gatherings where gay and lesbian Jews and our allies can celebrate Shabbat together. Throughout the year, we'll also offer themed Shabbat experiences and celebrations tied to Jewish holidays and other special occasions, creating meaningful opportunities to enrich Jewish life in community.
Find your chavruta.
Inspired by the centuries-old Jewish tradition of learning in partnership, Ami Chavruta brings people together to explore Torah, Jewish thought, and the questions that matter most. No lectures. No prerequisites. Just meaningful Jewish conversation. Ami Chavruta launches in Autumn 2026. Participation is offered at no cost. Sign up below to receive updates and learn more about the program.
Be part of the conversation.
Ami Forum creates space for thoughtful conversations about the ideas, issues, and experiences shaping Jewish life today. Through speakers, podcasts, discussion groups, film screenings, and other engaging programs, Ami Forum explores topics relevant to the lives of gay and lesbian Jews and the world around us. Whether responding to current events, examining Jewish thought, or bringing our community together around shared interests, each program is designed to inform, inspire, and foster meaningful conversation.
Connect with Israel.
Inspired by the enduring bond between the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland, Ami Israel creates opportunities to deepen our connection to Israel through travel, service, learning, and partnership. To understand Israel is to better understand ourselves as a people. A living connection between Jews in the Diaspora and our Israeli counterparts is an intrinsic part of Jewish life, and a commitment to Zionism will always be a core part of Ami's mission. In the past, Ami Israel has brought participants to Israel for a volunteer mission and to celebrate Tel Aviv Pride. As we grow, we're exploring new types of trips, different times of year, and a variety of experiences and areas of focus to deepen our connection with Israel in meaningful ways.
Rooted in Jewish Tradition
Every Ami program is conducted in a manner that allows participants who observe kashrut and Shabbat to participate fully and comfortably. We believe a Jewish organization should be welcoming to every Jew while remaining rooted in the shared practices that have united and sustained the Jewish people for millennia.
By maintaining these standards, we strive to create an environment where Jews of every background and level of observance can come together in a single community.