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Home > About > Inclusivity

Our Inclusive Community

Our Inclusive Community

OJC strives to be a welcoming environment for a diverse community. Several committees actively work to ensure all people have equal access to and inclusion in the life of our synagogue, Jewish life -- and beyond our own community.

The OJC Keruv Initiative for Interfaith Families

OJC welcomes Jews and their family members of other religious traditions to participate in all we have to offer. Interfaith families participate in life-cycle events and celebrations from birth onward; in services, educational and recreational programs; and in synagogue life through various committees; forming our community's fabric. We offer education, mentoring, and guidance with our clergy and educational staff, and connections with other people making the same spiritual journey. See more details in the descriptions below.

If you have any questions, please reach out to one of the rabbis.

OJC Pride

OJC Pride is a committee of synagogue members, clergy and professional staff that works for full LGBTQ inclusion in our synagogue. OJC is proud to be part of the third cohort of synagogues and organizations to be trained by United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Keshet, a national grassroots organization that works for the inclusion of the LGBTQ community in Jewish life. Our accomplishments to date:

  • Create a print and social media presence that educates and advocates, ensuring that OJC is known as a safe and welcoming synagogue for people who identify as LGBTQ.
  • Train our committee and the synagogue Board of Trustees to better understand how to strengthen LGBTQ-inclusive programming, policy and culture.
  • Study synagogue and religious school policies to ensure that non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies include sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
  • Create ongoing engagement with the LGBTQ community through programming on LGBT themes.
  • We welcome your questions, comments, and offers to work with us! Contact the rabbis for more information. 

OJC Committee for the Inclusion of Special Needs 

Our Committee for Inclusion of Special Needs educates our congregation to demonstrate positive and embracing attitudes that foster engagement in the life of our synagogue by:​​​​​​ Emphasizing talents, strengths and gifts rather than labeling people by their disabilities."Walk the talk" by investing in accessible parking, large-print materials, improved sound and lighting and installing wheelchair ramps; Giving adults and children with disabilities opportunities to serve others, rather than always be the recipient of assistance; Don't let invisible disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mental disorders, cancer or heart disease, prevent people from being active members; Include children of all abilities in religious education classes and provide appropriate support; Provide accommodations so that religious and lay leaders can continue to serve if they become affected by disability, if they desire; Create a caring community  that connects with and supports families dealing with disabilities, offering assistance, respite and social support; Include the words “All are welcome."For more information and to get involved, e-mail Leslie Cooper.

OJC Cares 4 U - Our Mental Health Initiative

In these challenging times, please think about people in our lives who struggle with emotional and spiritual balance. Reach out to them and let them know they are not alone. If you are struggling and feeling isolated, reach out to Ojccares4U@gmail.com or one of the rabbis and you will receive a call.

When OJC honored advocacy and ending the stigma with a Shabbat dedicated to mental health awareness, congregant Sharona Levine offered powerful words about her experience living with mental illness. Thanks to a video created by David Seeger, we are now able to bring you her words.

 

Tue, September 16 2025 23 Elul 5785