Mitzvah Day
On Or Ami's Annual Mitzvah Day, the community gathers to assemble hundreds of comfort bags for children and teens entering emergency foster care. When children are abruptly removed from their homes and placed into emergency foster care, they often leave everything they own behind, or they may be handed a trash bag and given 5 minutes to pack their belongings. Or Ami's Mitzvah Day Comfort Bags, thoughtfully filled with essential items such as toiletries and school supplies and comfort objects such as stuffed animals and journals, can make a significant difference in the well-being and emotional state of these children and teens.
Wisdom Wednedays
Rabbi Paul brings timeless Jewish wisdom to the realities of everyday life. Stop by for an hour of spiritual sustenance to help anchor the rest of your week. You bring yourself, your breakfast, and your questions. We'll bring the coffee, the community, and the conversation. Join us on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 8:30am.
Quick ways to get involved
However you like to show up, we've got something for you. Roll up your sleeves for the community, or just come have fun and make new friends. There's always something happening at Or Ami, and there's always room for one more.
A few ways to get involved are below. See one that speaks to you, or have an idea of your own? Reach out, we'd love to hear from you.
The Village
Or Ami Village is a vibrant community for those 55 and better. Through canasta games, museum trips, holiday gatherings, and conversations that nourish mind and spirit, Villagers find friendship, learning, and a Jewish life that keeps getting richer. For more info email: village@orami.org.
The Middle
The Middle is for those navigating the sandwich generation: raising kids while caring for aging parents, all while building a life of their own. We gather for conversations, programs, and community that meet you exactly where you are. For more info email: office@orami.org.
Mosaic Committee
Mosaic builds inclusion at Or Ami. Through programs and advocacy grounded in Jewish values, we help our community recognize what makes others feel unwelcome and create a place where every person and family belongs. For more info email: office@orami.org.
Book group
Or Ami Book Group meets monthly to dig into great fiction and the conversations it sparks. Held in members' homes with coffee and warm company, it's a lively circle for readers who love a good story and the friends it brings. For more info email: jessica.nedick@gmail.com.
Heynanu Caring Community Committee
Heynanu means "we are here." Join our team of volunteers who show up for fellow congregants through illness, loss, and major life moments, with meals, rides, visits, and the kind of steady presence that turns a community into family. For more info email: KarenGaspin@gmail.com.
Or Ami Softball Team
The Or Ami Challah Back Softball Team competes in the Synagogue Softball League alongside 30+ other shul teams across Southern California. Join us on the field for friendly competition, plenty of ruach (spirit), and yes, the best team name in the league. For more info, reach out to Will Springer will@springermg.com.
Yom Kippur study session
On the holiest day of the year, take a sacred pause. Our Yom Kippur Study Session gathers congregants between services for an afternoon of learning, reflection, and conversation rooted in the themes of the day. For more info email: office@orami.org.
HHD food drive
Each High Holy Days, our community delivers more than 3,000 pounds of food to SOVA, the Jewish Family Service pantry that feeds thousands across LA. Drop off your donation at Or Ami on Yom Kippur and turn fasting into feeding. For more info email: office@orami.org.
Social action
(tikkun olam)
At Or Ami, Tikkun Olam is more than a value - it's a way of life. From local volunteer projects to advocacy and education, our community shows up for others with compassion, creativity, and heart. Join us and help make an impact that matters.
We're Happy to Continually Support:
Brandon's Buddies
Create inclusive play and connection for children of all abilities through games, crafts, and shared joy.
Jill's Coats for Kids
Collect, prepare, and distribute coats so every child stays warm with dignity during the winter season.
Save a Child's Heart
Help provide lifesaving heart care to children worldwide while supporting global healing and medical training.
JFSLA's Special Needs Life Skills Program
Support adults with developmental disabilities through connection, community, and shared Jewish experiences.
Back to School Shopping Spree
Help at-risk youth shop for new clothes with dignity, confidence, and support from caring volunteers.
Chaverim: Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Build friendships and belonging by connecting with adults with developmental disabilities in Jewish community life.
Shoes That Fit
Support adults with developmental disabilities through connection, community, and shared Jewish experiences.
Israel ParaSport Center
Empower people with physical disabilities through adaptive sports, rehabilitation, and community in Israel.
Mini Mitzvah Day
Assemble gift bags for unhoused youth, bringing comfort, care, and encouragement through hands-on giving.