Inclusion Awareness Month
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles believes that everyone in our community should have the opportunity to experience and celebrate our shared values, history and traditions. Making Jewish life more accessible for all is one of our top priorities, which is why we are part of a national effort to raise awareness about members of the Jewish community with disabilities. We invite you to join us!
Take our Inclusion Pledge
I believe that every person has his hour and her place, as taught in Pirke Avot/ Ethics of Our Fathers 4:3, and therefore pledge to be welcoming of all people, regardless of ability or disability.
As a member of my community, I pledge to ensure that everyone is an equally accepted participant and contributing member.
My pledge is to empower, advocate, support, and above all to include each person in the Jewish community.
IAM Blog
This blog is part of a series written in recognition of Inclusion Awareness Month by members of our community with a disability highlighting each of their visions for inclusion in our community. As the Rabbi-in-Residence for Chaverim and coordinator of Shlemut Network, Rabbi Deborah Goldmann had the opportunity to sit down with participants and ask them “What does inclusion mean to you?” Their answer is twofold and powerfully simple. First, as with anyone else, the participants feel that exploring new places as a group is easier and less intimidating. Second, all it takes is an invitation. When Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas called Chaverim to offer a space for activities and high holiday tickets to those who desired them, Chaverim members responded by accepting the invitation and coming out to Congregation Or Ami despite the distance from the Chaverim members. When Sinai Temple connected with Chaverim and invited us to Torah in the Round, Chaverim members responded by attending and participating in the discussion. These invitations are a reminder that…