Jewish Family Concerns

Our goal is the full participation in the spirual, educational and communal aspects of synagogue life for people living disabilities and for their families.

While a person stamps many coins from a single die and they are all alike,
God has stamped every person with the die of Adam and Eve
and not one of them is like his or her fellow...
~Adaptation of Sanhedrin 4:5

Blessed are You Source of Life who makes people different
~Traditional Liturgy

Congregational Program of the Month

"A House of Prayer for All People,” at Temple Beth Shalom in Santa Ana on February 2008, brought together representatives from eight Orange County congregations. Becca Hornstein the keynote speaker addressed how to create a welcoming congregation. Since this workshop one congregation has created an Inclusion Committee, and two unaffiliated families with children with special needs have been connected to congregations for B’nai Mitzvah preparation.

Program Information:
February 2008-"A House of Prayer for All People" Program Agenda
An Inclusion Shabbaton: A Creative Prayer Service Booklet
Rabbi Heidi Cohen's reflections on the program

Special Needs B'nei Mitzvot

Al Pi Darco: According to Their Ways
A Special Needs Resource Manual


Educate each child according to their way
~Proverbs 22:6

Useful exerpts from Al Pi Darco:




An essential resource for Jewish organizations seeking to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for people with disabilities. By Shelly Christensen, MA, the Program Manager of the Minneapolis Jewish Community Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities.

 

 
People with Disabilities 2008 Resource Directory Published by the UJA Federation of New York