Community-wide Inclusion Celebration
Sunday, February 22, 2009
3:00-5:30 pm
Sabes JCC
See this award winning film followed by a discussion of the film.
View flyer (PDF)
Darchei Noam
At Darchei Noam, we will be observing the month in several ways:
All four divrei Torah during the month will include some discussion of disability and inclusion. (February 7, 14, 21, and 28. Shacharit services at 9:00 am)
The dvar Torah for parshat Yitro will be devoted to the subject of disability and inclusion. Shelly Christensen, Program Manager for the Jewish Community Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities will deliver brief remarks on the program. (February 14. Shacharit services at 9:00 am)
For at least part of the month, the shiurim at Shacharit and Ma’ariv will focus on halacha relating to disability or inclusion issues. (Dates to be announced, times according to weekly schedule)
Rabbi Ozarowski will speak on Whose Life Is It, Anyways? An Introduction to Jewish Medical Ethics after Friday night dinner during his next visit. (February 20, Mincha: 5:30, Dinner: 6:45, Talk: 8:15)
While most people see disabilities in people who are visually or hearing impaired or who are in a wheelchair, disability extends far beyond that. It is important for us to recognize all forms of disability. Far more important, however, is knowing how to be an inclusive congregation and community so that all members, of all abilities, are welcomed and can realize their full potential. Please join Darchei Noam in February as we look into this very important subject.
For more information on the February programs, or on disability and inclusion, please contact Bob Kusnetz, Darchei Noam’s liaison to the Minneapolis Jewish Community Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities, at DarcheiNoamMN@yahoo.com.
Bet Shalom
February 20 8pm. Inclusion Shabbat Services. Special showing of a film Dale Bluestein created with members of Bet Shalom who have disabilities and their families. The chair of the Inclusion Committee, Sharon Palay, who has a disability, will also be chanting Torah that evening. She has chanted a few times now and enjoys it! Oneg Shabbat follows.
B’nai Emet
Saturday, February 28
Inclusion Shabbat Services
Young adults who have disabilities share their journey as participants in a Birthright Trip to Israel will speak about their experiences during services.
B’nai Emet Book Club is reading two books in February for discussion at the Book Club in March.
Grief Dancers by Susan Zimmermann. She tells the story of life with her daughter Katherine - a child who developed normally until she was a year-old and then drifted into the world of the profoundly handicapped. Susan describes her loss with honesty and directness, but goes beyond that to tell of the odyssey she and her husband undertake to embrace, and eventually celebrate, their altered life with Katherine and their three younger children. A soul-searching journey through grief, loss, hope, anger, and despair to a place of unconditional love and acceptance, Grief Dancers’ underlying message is that the challenge of grief can be a starting point for the most valuable, powerful life journey that you will ever undertake.
As Dog is My Witness by Jeffrey Cohen
“In Cohen’s third Aaron Tucker whodunit (after 2003’s A Farewell to Legs), the aspiring New Jersey screenwriter and occasional freelance journalist again puts on his sleuthing hat after a young man with Asperger’s syndrome is arrested for a senseless murder. Despite damning evidence, including the accused’s confession and possession of the murder weapon, Tucker, who has an autistic son, finds the nature of the crime incompatible with his understanding of the suspect’s symptoms. Persisting even after a local mobster warns him off, the amateur detective uses his son to pursue the truth. Cohen succeeds in injecting humor and humanity into this clever puzzler. Parents of Asperger’s children are a natural audience, but this work should appeal to a broad cross-section of the mystery market.”
Mayim Rabim
Friday, February 20
6:30 p.m. Service
Kabbalat Shabbat service, potluck, and discussion on what Mayim Rabim can do to become even more inclusive.
Adath Jeshurun
Saturday, February 28
Shabbat morning Services
Rabbi Lily Kaufman, Director of Jewish Life and Learning will give the d’var Torah about inclusion. Congregant Paula Fox will talk about her personal experiences of having a disability.
Also on February 28. Learn After Lunch will focus on results of the housing study and a discussion on adult inclusion in the Jewish community. Guest Speaker Shelly Christensen, Program Manager, Jewish Community Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities.
Shir Tikvah
Friday, February 20
5:30 p.m.
Informal gathering
6:00 p.m. Shabbat Services.
Rabbi Stiffel will provide a Jewish context on inclusion. Panel of congregants will speak on how they connect to the theme of inclusion. Services will be followed by a potluck dinner and a guided conversation.
Congregant Caryl Barnett will visit Religious School classrooms during the month to share with them her experiences living with a disability.
Temple Israel
Friday, February 20
Nefesh Shabbat service 6:00 p.m.
Members of Caring Connections will attend the service and enjoy Shabbat dinner with the congregation following services. During the service Rabbi Zimmerman and a member of the congregation will speak about inclusion.
The Religious School kindergarteners participated in a special ability awareness program during classes January 31 and February 1.
Special Programs in Recognition of Disability Awareness Month |
