Recognizing a pressing need to reduce stigma regarding mental illness, the four synagogues that are part of Jewish Family Service’s Jewish Disabilities Advocates (JDA) will focus on mental illness awareness during Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, & Inclusion Month (JDAIM) in February. With many people struggling with a variety of mental illnesses, exacerbated by the isolation and disruption brought on by the pandemic, the synagogues seek to raise awareness and understanding throughout the community.

During their special JDAIM Shabbat services, each synagogue will address mental health challenges, as well as opportunities for congregations to offer support to individuals and families impacted by mental illness. The services aim to give voice to those who have struggled, let others know they are not alone, and bring us closer to becoming the inclusive and supportive Jewish community we aspire to be. Join us as we engage with this timely and important topic.

Har HaShem JDAIM Shabbat
Friday, February 5, 6:00 p.m.

Bonai Shalom JDAIM Shabbat
Saturday, February 6, 9:30 a.m.

B’nai Havurah JDAIM Shabbat
Saturday, February 13, 10:00 a.m.

Rodef Shalom JDAIM Shabbat
Saturday, February 20, 9:30 a.m.

JDAIM Programs at Other Jewish Community Organizations:

Temple Micah JDAIM Shabbat
Friday, February 5, 6:00 p.m.

Temple Micah proudly joins in participating in our Jewish community's JDAIM. We take time during this sacred gathering to pay greater attention to the ways we might deepen and broaden our inclusivity for all in our community.

Judaism Your Way Shabbat Sing Featuring ASL Interpretation
Friday, February 5, 4:00 p.m.

Your family is invited to join us for a virtual Shabbat Sing! Rabbi Amanda Schwartz and Student Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary will be joined by Tofer Breuer, who will offer ASL interpretation as well as a chance for our families to ask questions about sign language and deaf culture. Join us for this fun and educational opportunity in honor of Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month! As always, we will celebrate Shabbat together with singing, dancing, and stories.

Judaism Your Way Mental Health Program
Wednesday, February 10, 10:00 a.m.

One year into the Pandemic, we are all starting to feel the long-term effects of this deadly virus. Not only has our physical world drastically transformed, but our emotional and spiritual well-beings have also been undeniably fractured during these trying times. Judaism Your Way is dedicated to helping support your mental and emotional health during the pandemic. Our February Mental Health Program is “How to Live Your Best Life in 2021.” For Adults Aged 60+.

Temple Sinai JDAIM Shabbat
Friday, February 12, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Judaism Your Way Shabbat aLIVE
Friday, February 19, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. 

The theme of this Shabbat service will be Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion

Temple Emanuel Torah Study with Cantor Elizabeth Sacks
The Gifts We All Bring: Parashat Terumah
Saturday, February 20, 10:00 a.m.

If you'd like a more participatory experience for Torah Study and the opportunity to ask questions and comment, please join us via Zoom by signing up by Friday, February 19 at 3:00 p.m.

For questions or more information about JDAIM, please contact Carol Morris, JDA coordinator at 720.459.3877.