Nineteen of the 2026 Kumi Justice Retreat Participants and three staff members (Rebecca, Tamara, and Elizabeth) came together Oct. 9-12 in Oconomowok, WI for Kumi: Foundation.
As the first retreat out of two that comprise the Kumi Justice Retreats experience, participants took a deep dive into foundational justice and equity concepts like identity, privilege, and allyship. Participants learned about organizing for change, focusing on using one to one relationships to interrupt antisemitism and racism in our communities. They also took part in the Jews of Color Empowerment and Anti-Racist Allies tracks to further support their learning and community-building in affinity-group spaces.
The long weekend featured a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat and Saturday morning service where teens volunteered to lead prayers and chant Torah. To deepen their relationships with one another, participants also took part in social activities including a ropes course, Kumi Olympics, and mispacha (family) groups, led by our teen leaders.
Kumi participants left the weekend feeling more connected to one another and equipped with essential equity and justice knowledge.
“I had a very eye opening and formative experience with a community I never knew I needed. I learned ore about myself in context of my race and religion than any other experience,” one teen shared.
“Experiencing Kumi this year allowed me to understand and learn how to make real change. Kumi game me tangible tools, unforgettable memories, and unforgettable friendships,” another fellow reflected.