Kumi Justice Retreats FAQs, 2026-2027

Kumi Justice Retreats is a retreat-based experience for 9-12^th graders from across the country to learn about social justice while building leadership skills and creating a multiracial Jewishly-diverse community of belonging.  

Participants learn skills to interrupt racism, antisemitism, and create inclusive Jewish communities in their own schools, youth groups, synagogues, and eventually college campuses. Each semester includes an in-person retreat, along with monthly virtual gatherings. 

Grounded in racial justice best practices, participants engage both together and in affinity spaces for Jews of Color Empowerment and for Anti-Racist Allies, allowing for meaningful learning, reflection, and support. 

There are two retreats that take place throughout the year:  

Kumi: Foundation introduces teens to core ideas and frameworks for understanding justice and equity through a Jewish lens, while reflecting on your identity in a supportive community in a beautiful camp setting. 
October 9–12, 2026 | Outside Chicago 

Kumi: Exploration brings together Foundation alumni to connect their learning to the real world by exploring justice in action. Teens must participate in Kumi Foundation to participate in Exploration. Each year, Kumi: Foundation alumni are invited to return for a new Kumi: Exploration experience. Because the program travels to a different city each year, teens can continue deepening their understanding of justice, equity, and Jewish community through new places, perspectives, and lived experiences. 
March 12–15, 2027 | Atlanta 

In Kumi: Foundation (October 2026), participants build foundational knowledge and practical skills for interrupting antisemitism, racism, and other forms of oppression in their everyday lives and communities. Topics from past years have included “Where is racism in my life?”, “Antisemitism and its connection to racism,” and “Jewish identity and storytelling.” Teens also explore what it means to build anti-racist Jewish spaces and practice having meaningful conversations across difference. Alongside learning sessions, Kumi includes Jewish community-building, creative activities, Shabbat, and fun traditions like “Kumi Olympics.” 

Kumi: Exploration (March 2027) allows teens to connect their learning to the real world by exploring how people and communities engage in justice and equity through a Jewish lens. Last year, Kumi: Exploration took place in DC and included visits to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, meetings with Jewish organizers in DC, a nighttime monument tour, and celebrating Shabbat together as a community. 

This year, Kumi: Exploration will take place in Atlanta and will include visits to museums and historic racial justice sites, conversations with organizers and community leaders, opportunities to reflect on Judaism and social change, and time to explore the city together. 

Kumi Justice Retreats are open to high school students of all genders, races, and Jewish backgrounds and practices. Eligibility requirements are outlined below.

• You are concerned about racism and antisemitism and want to join others to make a difference 
• You will be in 9-12th grade in the 2026-2027 school year

• You want to challenge yourself to learn and grow in a justice-minded Jewish community 

• You are excited to be part of a pluralistic Jewish community with teens from a wide range of backgrounds and practices 

• You can attend both in-person retreats*: 

• Foundation: October 9-12, 2026 outside of Chicago 

• Exploration: March 12-15, 2027, Atlanta 

• You are committed to deepening your learning by attending Family Orientation and the virtual Community of Practice sessions. 

*limited spots available for those who can only attend Kumi Foundation  

Kumi Justice Retreats is a pluralistic Jewish community. We have had participants from all walks of Jewish life, including Conservative, Culturally Jewish, Egalitarian, Humanistic, Interfaith, Just Jewish, Orthodox, Modern Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Reform, Questioning, Secular, Unaffiliated. Our community welcomes those who have never been to a synagogue or temple, and those who go daily. This list isn’t comprehensive or exhaustive, because there are so many ways for people to express their relationship to Judaism. If you don’t see yourself reflected in this list and you’re wondering if Kumi Justice Retreats is for you, reach out to Kumi Manager Rebecca Ezersky at rezersky@movingtraditions.org.  

Kumi is committed to creating an accessible experience for all participants. As part of the registration process, we ask participants to share any accessibility needs, accommodations, dietary requirements, or support that would help them fully participate in the retreat experience. If you would like to discuss accommodations or have questions before registering, please connect with Kumi Manager Rebecca Ezersky at rezersky@movingtraditions.org 

The fee to participate the 2026-27 Kumi Justice Retreats is greatly subsidized to $750. The fee to participate in Kumi: Foundation only is $500. (You must participate in Kumi: Foundation in order to join Kumi: Exploration*).  

This fee includes: 

• Valuable leadership and anti-oppression skill-building within a community of young Jews 

• Room board, food, and activities for the in-person retreats 

• Local transportation to/from the retreat center 

• Virtual community of practice sessions 

Travel is not included. Financial assistance is available, including travel subsidies. Financial resources should not be a barrier to participation, and requests for stipends can be made upon acceptance and registration. 

*To receive the discount for participating in both Retreats, you must pay $750 upon registration. 

We understand that joining a new program can feel like a big decision, especially one centered around identity and justice. If you’re still unsure whether Kumi is the right fit for you, we’d be happy to connect you with a past participant so you can hear directly about their experience and ask questions. 

We are also always happy to hop on a phone call with teens or parents/caregivers to learn more about what you’re looking for and help you determine whether Kumi feels like a good fit. 

We have more answers! Contact Kumi Senior Manager Rebecca Ezersky at rezersky@movingtraditions.org