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What People with Disabilities (and Their Families) Wish Their Rabbis Knew
As a Jewish professional dedicated to issues of disability inclusion and awareness, I’m all about solutions. When I read this article, I wanted to yell, “This is exactly the type of piece that must be required reading in our seminaries!”
Do You Work Here?: Volunteers as Consultants and Facilitators
There was a time when congregational leadership roles were clearly defined. Staff members served one role and volunteers served another. When an “expert” was needed, congregations either turned to outside consultants, or, if they were part of a denominational movement, they called the movement office to ask, “Who on your staff can work with our synagogue?”
Times have changed.
How Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Revolutionized Our B'nei Mitzvah Tutoring Program
When students become Tzofim, they become essential: They have a valuable role to fulfill and an important place within our synagogue community.
Greening Your Congregation as One Way to Make It Holy
Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month is Here!
Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is here, and the number of communities and organizations around the world that participate in this awareness effort is growing! I’m excited to share some new resources with you.
7 Tips for Starting a Congregational Recycling Program
Our role as custodians and stewards of God’s earth is to protect and preserve the ecology and environment as best we can.
LGBTQ: Focusing on the "T" in Synagogue Life
In 2014, Congregation Kol Ami in Elkins Park, PA, hosted a “Kindness Counts” conference focused on welcoming LGBTQ Jews to the community. Recently, a small group of congregational leaders decided it was time for a second gathering, this time focusing on inclusion of trans and non-binary Jews in synagogue life.
Join the Conversation at the URJ Youth Summit - Even If You Can't Attend!
Can’t make it to the upcoming URJ Youth Summit, but wish you could be a part of the learning? You can!
A Month Later, How the Women's March Continues to Inspire Me
For me, the march meant taking inspiration from Shabbat services, joining hands with my friends from NFTY, and marching in a rejection of hate. A month later, I’m reflecting on the act of showing up and what it means for our youth engagement work.
5 Lessons from Camp for an Accessible, Inclusive Purim Carnival
Purim is often celebrated by dressing up as the brave and honest characters from the Megillah, who stood up for their peoplehood. Purim is also a wonderful opportunity to affirm our commitment to community. In keeping with the URJ’s core value of Audacious Hospitality, Camp Harlam is proud to call itself an inclusive camp, welcoming campers of all needs and abilities who want to be here. Here are 5 lessons from camp that can help make your synagogue’s Purim Carnival accessible to all this year: