OZ has a history of fostering relationships between new immigrants and our Jewish community. We all carry stories of migration with us– perhaps removed by some generations– but nevertheless as potent influences on who we are as Jews in the US. We believe improving the welcome experience for new immigrants is one way we can live out our duty as Jews to ‘heal the world.’
Active Programs:
- Our Shalom Shuk provides material support in helping get new immigrants set up in new homes when they arrive here in Burlington.
- Our community member volunteers have provided support for immigrants including from pro-bono legal advice, and sponsorship.
The following programs have been paused during the pandemic, and we are seeking volunteers and collaborators to bring them back.
- OZ has partnered with Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program to host English language classes for New Americans at OZ several times a week.
- OZ’s working group focused on immigration and sanctuary. This group led actions and efforts both for the OZ community and the wider Burlington community.
- A bi-yearly Interfaith Seder, a universalized version of the Passover Seder, has taken place to commemorate liberation. (This event is tentatively scheduled for 4/20/23!)
Ohavi Zedek won the Solomon Schechter Excellence Award in ‘Prophetic Voice’ for our work “Welcoming the Stranger” in in 2017. We strive to live up to our name Ohavi Zedek (Lovers of Justice) to welcoming migrants as our beloved family
If you wish to get involved, please contact us.
