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 a beautiful change is happening in our communities: More and more synagogues are thinking about what it means to be inclusive. We are thinking about who belongs and who is missing. We are declaring loud and clear, “You are welcome here! You are a member of our community.” However, learning to be inclusive is a process. In this journey many of us are learning that stating our desire to be inclusive is not enough. To declare “welcome” with open arms doesn’t necessarily bring people in.
In honor of Inclusion Awareness month, we should look at our calendars and consider what kinds of activities would be especially appropriate to invite a special needs group to. Maybe if you have a mommy and me group, you could let HaMercaz know that your group welcomes young children with special needs. Perhaps if you have a book club, you could extend an invitation to a local group made up of adults on the autism spectrum.
Sometimes we worry that extra efforts are needed to welcome someone with special needs into our community. However, this is not something that the participants stress over. They know that if they are invited, they are welcome. Next time I’m invited to an event where I’m unsure how I’ll fit in, I hope to emulate the Chaverim and Shlemut Network participants and remember that if I’m invited, I’m welcome.
Compiled by: Rabbi Deborah Goldmann with the following JFS/Chaverim and Shlemut Network programs participants:
Tamar Belillti volunteers at Abilities First. In her spare time, she loves to participate in Chaverim activities and hang out with her friends.
Margie Berger survived a car accident when she was 3 ½ years old. 47 years ago, there were not the kinds of medical advances we have today. Margie is very proud that she recovered exceptionally better than anyone expected her to. She lives with her parents and helps take care of her dad. In her spare time, Margie enjoys going to the movies, and spends a lot of time with her closest friends.
Jordan Feinstock is a Chaverim member who volunteers five days a week at One Generation Senior Center. He likes to go hiking, to the theatre, and enjoys cooking class.
Rafi Katzir loves riding the buses and going to visit different places all over Los Angeles County and is very good at remembering dates. Rafi also loves coming to Chaverim activities.
Iain McDonald, 25, attends Shlemut Network events and works two days a week at Chilli’s. He enjoys being with friends at his day program, spending time with family, and reading about boats, cats, dogs, and trucks. Iain enjoys exploring King Harbor Marina on the weekend with his friend Tommy. And he is an expert on Titanic history; just ask him anything about the ship.
Dan & Ellen Schwartz have been married for 35 years. Dan works part-time at Box Bros., a position he has held for 12 years. Ellen has been working for 17 years in Food and Nutrition Services at the VA Hospital. They enjoy attending Chaverim activities and spending time with their friends. They host Chaverim activities at their home including Shabbat Dinners and Video Nights.
Michael Sher is one of the founding members of Shlemut Network. He is about to graduate from El Camino Community College. In his spare time he loves to listen to music and play video games.
Ann Young has been a Chaverim member for a long time. She loves to participate in the activities and going out to dinner with her friends.
Chaverim is a social friendship program of Jewish Family Service. Chaverim welcomes individuals with special needs ages 18 and over. Chaverim hosts 6-12 evening and weekend events per month at area synagogues in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. The community is invited to join Chaverim for their Chaverim in Charmony Karaoke event on Sunday, March 3 2013, 2-4pm at Temple Judea in Tarzana.
Shlemut Network serves Jewish young adults with special needs in the South Bay of Los Angeles. We invite you to explore our website and join us for one of our upcoming events. Visit us at www.shlemutnetwork.org or email us at shlemutnetwork@gmail.com
Jewish Federation 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. Go to www.jewishla.org/Inclusion for more information.
