The Jewish Disabilities Network (JDN), a program of Jewish Family Service, will host the fourth annual Jewish Disabilities Awareness Day event on Sunday, February 12 featuring Rachel Simon, award-winning author of The Story of Beautiful Girl.
Simon's new book is a fictional account of Lynnie and Homan, residents of the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, who fall in love. Simon guides us on a 40-year journey where people with disabilities were housed in massive institutions and were mistreated and abused, to our own time, where people have a much greater opportunity to live, work, learn, play, love and worship as they choose.
In preparation for this event, people from across the country are encouraged to read and discuss The Story of Beautiful Girl through a national Jewish Disability Awareness Month (JDAM) project, “JDAM Reads.”
JDAM challenges us to think about why it is so important to understand that all people have something to contribute to their communities. The act of reading allows adults and children to think critically, to develop attitudes of awareness and empathy, and to embrace Jewish values.
A discussion guide was developed specifically to encourage readers to explore the presence of Jewish values and concepts in Simon's novel. The guide will enhance the conversations that we hope will take place in your organization, with your family, and in your book club. Download your free copy of the JDAM Reads! discussion guide.
This book is featured at Tattered Cover Book Store in January and February and will be sold at a discounted price.
-Alaina Green and Kari Alpen, JFS Marketing Department
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