Scotch Plains Synagogue Observed Jewish Disability Month

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains observed Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) with a variety of programs for all ages throughout the month of February. JDAIM is a unified initiative to raise disability awareness and to foster inclusion in Jewish communities worldwide.

Congregation Beth Israel has been recognized as an ABLE Awarded Congregation by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest for its commitment to inclusion and accommodation for all its members and guests. While CBI strives to be a welcoming community year-round, it devotes the month of February to strengthening its awareness of disabilities and focusing on ways to become even more inclusive.

Throughout February, students in CBI’s Religious School, from third through seventh grade, emphasized concepts of inclusion in all their enrichment activities, which included art, music, movement and cooking.

In addition, CBI hosted Dr. Ora Horn Prouser, CEO and Academic Dean at the Academy for Jewish Religion, for a Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, February 2-3. Dr. Prouser does research on Biblical Studies and Disability Studies and is author of the book Esau's Blessing: How the Bible embraces those with Special Needs. During her presentations, Dr. Prouser spoke about many of the people in the Torah who have special needs but are nonetheless admired as leaders and heroes. She even discussed how God can be looked at as having special needs as well.

On February 21, CBI hosted a program, “Facing the Music,” with Dave Schlossberg, award-winning pianist and composer. Mr. Schlossberg shared with listeners what his journey through spinal cord surgery was like and what lessons of perseverance could be learned from it.

On February 23, CBI held “Come as You Are Tot Shabbat” for young children, ages five and under, and their families. Participants were encouraged to wear their pajamas, their favorite Shabbat outfit, or whatever they enjoyed wearing or found most comfortable as a way of understanding that all are welcome to come together, despite differences.

Last, on February 25, CBI held “JDAIM Paint a Prayer,” which gathered people of all ages of the synagogue community to create a large mural highlighting how the synagogue’s sacred space is a place for everyone to come together. This cooperative art project will result in a new mural for CBI’s hallway, emphasizing how everyone is welcome to worship there.

“CBI and our Religious School are always working toward being a welcoming community, where all feel they have the ability to learn and participate,” said Aviva Tilles, Director of Congregational Learning at Congregation Beth Israel. “But in February, JDAIM gives us the opportunity to specifically learn about the importance of inclusiveness in our school, community, and the world. The Jewish tradition of inclusiveness dates back thousands of years.”

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, educational, cultural and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns.

Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ (corner of Martine Avenue). For more information about the synagogue or its Religious School, as well as to learn about the resources and accommodations that can be provided for you and/or your child, call 908-889-1830.