During the month of February, Jewish communities around the world will observe Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). Locally, there will be a number of programs and learning opportunities hosted by Jewish Learning Venture’s Whole Community Inclusion initiative and the Jewish Special Needs/Disability Awareness Consortium of Greater Philadelphia, which includes the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
“There has never been a more important time to shine a light on issues of disability inclusion, access and advocacy in our Jewish community,” said Chief Program Officer Gabrielle Kalan-Myer of the Jewish Learning Venture, supported by the Jewish Federation. “As we look at inclusion from the broadest perspective, the rights of people with disabilities need to be front and center. One in four people have a physical, cognitive, developmental, learning, mental health and/or multiple disabilities, and we can and must take the necessary steps to create full access in our Jewish communities.”
Check out the full list below for ways to get involved both in-person and virtually throughout the month to help make a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.
Wednesday, February 1 - Sunday, February 12
JDAIM Shabbat: Featuring Author Arielle Silverman
Friday, February 10, 2023 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Main Line Reform Temple
Join Arielle Silverman for a presentation about her book, “Just Human: The Quest for Disability Wisdom, Respect, and Inclusion.” The service will also include music and readings that speak to the theme of JDAIM. To register, click here.
JDAIM Shabbat: The Mental Health Crisis Among Our Youth - How to Talk to & Help Your Children
Friday, February 10, 2023 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Congregation Kol Ami
Join Congregation Kol Ami for a discussion on the youth mental health crisis and provide families with tools to help deal with what their children are experiencing. The speakers will engage in age-appropriate discussion of mental health concerns and enjoy a performance by the Student Choir. This will be an open, important conversation without shame or judgment. Children are welcome at this service. To register, click here.
jkidaccess: Sensory-Friendly Sunday at the Museum!
Sunday, February 12 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Join jkidaccess for a fun, interactive afternoon at the museum! To make the afternoon accessible for children with sensory sensitivity, the audio media at the museum will be turned to a low volume. Participants will enjoy crafts, a storytime and a kid-friendly gallery walk. To register, click here.
Monday, February 13 - Sunday, February 19
The Torah of Disability
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Virtual
Join Rabbi Elliot Kukla for an impactful hour for clergy to gather with their peers during Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion month (JDAIM). Participants will look at the writing of contemporary disabled activists like Mia Mingus and Leah Lakshmi Piepezna-Samarsinha on the topic of disability access. A passage of the Talmud will also be read to uncover a Jewish spirituality of accessibility. This event is for rabbis and clergy only. To register, click here.
JDAIM Community Forum: Judaism, Mental Health & Gratitude
Sunday, February 15, 2023 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Virtual
Join the Jewish Disability Inclusion Consortium of Greater Philadelphia for a meaningful evening with the Blue Dove Foundation focusing on mental health and the Jewish value of gratitude. Participants will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the consortium agencies and learn about how the Jewish Learning Venture supports people with disabilities and their loved ones. To register, click here.
Including All Students: Attention and Regulation Strategies
Thursday, February 16, 2023 | 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Virtual
Join Dr. Alanna Raffel, OTD, OTR/L, for an evening of learning about ways to support students around attention and regulation. Students with attention and regulation issues often need extra support in a classroom. This program seeks to turn attention to the Jewish value of including and educating all children. To register, click here.
Monday, February 20 - Tuesday, February 28
Hello Darkness, My Old Friend: A Discussion with Inventor, Entrepreneur, and Author Sanford Greenberg
Tuesday, February 21 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Virtual
Join JFCS and Jewish Learning Venture for an intimate and engaging discussion with inventor, author, public servant and philanthropist, Dr. Sanford D. Greenberg. At the age of 19, Sanford lost his sight. Through the help of his close friend, the legendary Art Garfunkel, he began to re-engage with the world and find his way through the darkness. From there Dr. Greenberg went on to have a remarkable career, including serving as an advisor to four different presidents. Participants will hear a first-hand account of how living with a disability has shaped Dr. Greenberg’s life and dive into his deeply personal new memoir, “Hello Darkness, My Old Friend: How Daring Dreams and Unyielding Friendship Turned One Man’s Blindness into an Extraordinary Vision for Life.” To register, click here.
JDAIM Shabbat: Featuring Sawah Sharma
Friday, February 24, 2023 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Shir Ami
Join Shir Ami for a special Shabbat Service with Sarah Sharma to learn about their family’s journey to see their son become a Bar Mitzvah. To register, click here.
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To learn more, get involved and find out about new JDAIM events, click here. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia provides support to community members in Greater Philadelphia and the world. Help create a more inclusive community by clicking here.