February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, a national effort to ensure that all Jews, regardless of their abilities, have access to Jewish life and a place within our Jewish community. It is also an opportunity for our Federation to raise awareness about members of our Los Angeles Jewish community with disabilities.
“Our Federation believes that each member of our community has something unique and important to contribute,” said Miriam Maya, Director of our Federation’s Caring for Jews in Need Strategic Initiative. “Drawing on the theme from our Federation’s Super Weekend, we wanted to give these ‘superheroes’ in our community the opportunity to share their many gifts and talents.”
This year, we asked our Federation’s incredible partner organizations to identify such superheroes who participate in their programming. These individuals were asked to write about one of the following questions:
- What is your superpower that helps you gain strength and confidence in the Jewish community?
- Who has made you feel like a superhero and included in the Jewish community, and how?
Their stories will be shared weekly throughout February, right here on our blog. They will also be shared on the Inspire page of our Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month website, where you can find out how to get involved, spread the word and make our Jewish community more inclusive. “It’s a place to learn, be inspired, and act on issues related to inclusion and diversity,” said Miriam. “It also provides resources and ideas for families, our partners, and any organization looking to become more inclusive of people with disabilities.” The web page features an event calendar from organizations across Los Angeles that are holding celebrations, religious services and more in which people of all abilities are welcome and included.
“Making Jewish life accessible for all is one of our most important community responsibilities,” said Miriam. “What makes this month so important is the opportunity for awareness building, celebration, and reaffirming our commitment to people with disabilities and their families in our Jewish community.”
For more information about Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, please contact Miriam Maya, Director, Caring for Jews in Need, at (323) 761-8081 or MMaya@JewishLA.org.
