This February is Inclusion Awareness Month in the Jewish community. Organized by The Jewish Federation, it’s a time to explore, as individual institutions and synagogues, ways to be more inclusive to our Jewish brothers and sisters with special needs. At a time when 1 in every 91 Jewish children is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, we are asked to look at the ways that we marginalize those with special needs and their families from Jewish communal life and make concrete steps towards “inclusion.” Most of us in the Jewish community have been touched by the diagnosis of autism or other special needs, either within our own families, or within the circle of friends with whom we share our lives. Yet, as a community, most of us are confounded as to how to “include,” even if we may want to.
Through my work in Vista Del Mar’s Nes Gadol (Great Miracle) Program, supported by Federation, a Jewish learning program for children and teens with autism and other special needs, I have been blessed with the lessons my students have taught me regarding the meaning of inclusion… most importantly, that even the most severely challenged child is longing for connection – is yearning to be received by the community in joy. For all of us, it is only being truly witnessed for who we are at our essence that allows us to step forward into authentic relationships and share our most sacred gifts. For children and teens with autism and other special needs, it is the same – to have one’s being witnessed beyond one’s symptoms is akin to being born into a relationship and is life saving.
“Inclusion” is not about tolerance, but rather involves a search for wholeness within a community. It is only the awareness that something exquisite is missing from our midst – something essential, that can propel us beyond our fear and into relationship with those who move through the world in ways different than most of us. How else will we receive their gifts and share our own? In the Nes Gadol classroom, I have been bathed in my students’ love and compassion, strengthened by their bravery – their resiliency, and humbled by their patience with me as they teach me the language of the heart.
This coming Shabbat morning on Saturday, January 28th, amidst great celebration, The Jewish Federation is joining with Vista Del Mar’s Nes Gadol program to inaugurate “Inclusion Awareness Month” in Vista Del Mar’s temple. Our “Better Together” Shabbat morning service will honor our Nes Gadol students and their families before the community. Our students will lead prayers, learn Torah, and share their insights. They will stand before us with their incredible light… hoping that the image of G-d they carry within, will be witnessed and received by the Jewish community. Please join the celebration! To learn more or to join us on Shabbat click here.
Rabbi Jackie Redner is the Rabbi in Residence for Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services in Los Angeles, CA, where she heads Vista Del Mar’s Nes Gadol Jewish Life Programs and provides spiritual support to Vista Del Mar’s residential program. Inclusion Awareness Month (I.A.M.) is the Los Angeles Jewish community effort headed by Federation to raise awareness about welcoming all people, regardless of ability or disability.
