COMMUNITY NEWS
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes
financial and volunteer resources to address the
communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and
around the world.

Working Toward an Inclusive Future: Local Jewish
Community Spotlights Disability Inclusion
FEBRUARY IS JEWISH DISABILITY, AWARENESS and Inclusion Month
a mixture of online and in-person programs that follow safety protocols. The
(JDAIM), a national commemoration with deep local roots within Greater
agenda this month includes something for every age: programs for children
Philadelphia for the last 14 years.

to discover the Jewish values of inclusion, a workshop for educators to learn
This year, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Community
about inclusive classrooms, an opportunity for clergy to study with Rabbi
Relations Council will honor the month by co-hosting a webinar with JEVS
Lauren Tuchman — one of the first blind women to enter the rabbinate — a
Human Services, a leader in connecting job seekers with employment opportu-
special program for grandparents and a community forum to address mental
nities for more than 80 years.

health. Scheduled for Feb. 28, the program entitled “The Changing Landscape: Work
Filling out the jam-packed month of nearly 30 programs are 20 area
and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities” will feature a panel discussion
synagogues participating in JDAIM Shabbat Across Philadelphia, where they
focused on the efforts being made in career advancement and inclusion for
will devote a Shabbat service to disability awareness themes.

people with disabilities throughout the pandemic.

Outside of local programming, the Jewish Federations of North America will
“We at the JCRC are thrilled to be working with JEVS, one of Jewish
host their annual Jewish Disability Advocacy Day (JDAD) on Feb. 23 and 24.

Federation’s grantees, this year to showcase their efforts to provide inclusion
Over the course of this two-day virtual program, people worldwide will sign on
and equity in the disability community,” said Jason Holtzman, director of JCRC.

to harness their collective power and break down barriers to advance policies
“It is our honor and responsibility as the Jewish Federation to continually strive
that can empower millions of individuals with disabilities to lead more indepen-
toward a more accepting, diverse and inclusive future, where Jewish spaces are
dent and fulfilling lives. The program will feature disability rights champions,
welcoming for all those who want to participate.”
experts and legislators to discuss the current state of disability rights and how
The Jewish Federation upholds this responsibility by providing funds and
individuals can make an impact.

needed resources to community partners and agencies that serve the disability
“Disability inclusion and advocacy is a 365-day-year priority,” said Kaplan-
community. Last year, the Jewish Federation allocated more than $450,000 in
Mayer. “But Jewish Disability, Awareness and Inclusion Month allows us to shine
Jewish Community Fund grants toward programs focused on disability inclu-
a light on this issue throughout the community.”
sion both locally and in Israel.

For more information and registration details for JDAIM programs, visit
JCRC’s virtual JDAIM event is just one out of an array of programs dedicated
jewishphilly.org/jdaim2022. to accessibility and inclu-
sivity this month. The Jewish
Learning Venture’s (JLV)
Whole Community Inclusion
and the Jewish Special
Needs/Disability Awareness
Consortium of
Greater Philadelphia, which includes
the Jewish Federation, have
organized numerous opportu-
nities throughout February to
spotlight disability awareness
and inclusion.

“We are excited to share
a number of opportunities
for community members to
connect, learn about and
engage in disability aware-
ness activities throughout
JDAIM,” said Chief Program
Officer Gabrielle Kaplan-
Mayer of Jewish Learning
Venture, an organization
supported by the Jewish
Federation. As opposed to last year’s
fully virtual lineup due to the
pandemic, this year maintains
JDAIM has a full lineup of programs focused on disability inclusion this February.
Courtesy of Jewish Learning Venture
16 FEBRUARY 10, 2022
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