Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month

Social support and community have been proven to be critical elements in our well-being, yet many with disabilities and their families often feel isolated and alone. For this reason, JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates and our JDA Partner Organizations will focus on Connection and Belonging throughout 2023. Our goal is to raise awareness and understanding, improve accommodations to facilitate connections, and further a true sense of belonging as individuals with disabilities contribute their gifts to communities that are made stronger because of their presence.

Let’s ask the question the CLAL (National Center for Learning and Leadership) Belonging Project asks: “What if we put belonging at the heart of Jewish Communal Life?” 

Supporting Connection and Belonging for Individuals with Disabilities and Caregivers handout

JDAIM Kick Off Event With Rabbi Lauren Tuchman and Rabbi Julia Appel

Many individuals with disabilities experience isolation and are often separated from community. How can we design programs, events, and even organizations for connection and belonging?

Rabbi Lauren Tuchman, educator and the first blind woman to enter the rabbinate, will describe patterns of isolation among those with a variety of disabilities. Rabbi Julia Appel, Senior Director of Innovation at Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, will teach us key principles in designing for belonging.

Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive implementation activity.

Wednesday, February 1 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM via Zoom

ASL and closed-captioning provided.

Our partner and other organizations will be hosting meaningful JDAIM Shabbat programs and events throughout the community.