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.

Making Philly More Accessible
AS THE MOTHER OF a 16-year old
autistic son, Gabrielle Kaplan-Meyer
understands the way disabilities can
pose challenges for families partaking
in Jewish communal life.

“For example, Purim is loud and
wonderful,” said Kaplan-Meyer, direc-
tor of Jewish Learning Venture’s Whole
Community Inclusion, supported by
our Jewish Federation. “But from a
sensory perspective, it can be over-
whelming to walk into a place with that
much stimulation.”
Kaplan-Meyer’s family is far from
alone. According to the U.S. Census,
one in five people has some kind of
learning, cognitive, physical and/or
developmental disability. Mindful of
the need to make Jewish communal 
life welcoming to people of all abili-
ties, Whole Community Inclusion was
formed to make Jewish programming accessible for families raising kids with
special needs.

That includes creating sensory-friendly jkidphilly programs (like a Purim
party with the noise level turned down, or with a designated “quiet space”);
expanding education for synagogue leaders and early childhood educators;
compiling downloadable lesson plans and resources; and advocating on behalf
of special needs families through the Jewish Disability Inclusion Consortium
of Greater Philadelphia, a group which
includes Jewish Federation.

And every February, Whole
Community Inclusion programming
kicks into high gear. February is Jewish
Disability Awareness, Acceptance and
Inclusion Month (JDAIM), an interna-
tional initiative now in its 11th year, cele-
brated locally with “JDAIM Shabbat” — a
month’s worth of services, panels, movies
and speakers at more than 20 synagogues
across the region.

Rabbi Phil Warmflash, executive direc-
tor of Jewish Learning Venture, points
out that the awareness raised on JDAIM
Shabbat ultimately benefits everyone.

“In order to create truly inclusive com-
munities, all community members need to
better understand the complex issues facing
people with disabilities — whether this per-
sonally impacts their family or not,” he said.

Or, as Whole Community Inclusion’s JDAIM downloadable coloring book for
kids puts it: It’s important to think about how you like to be treated and treat your
friends that way. Be kind!
When you take time to understand friends who are different from you, you are
showing kindness/chesed. That is an important Jewish value.

For more information about Whole Community Inclusion and to access a
calendar of JDAIM Shabbat programming, visit jewishlearningventure.org.

Super Sunday
Volunteers Sought
SHOW YOUR FAMILY the value of volunteerism. Bring them
to one of our five Super Sunday locations on Feb. 24 and do a
mitzvah together.

Make the calls that make a difference on the day when, working
together, we secure vital resources for our communities. Encourage
your children to bring their tzedakah boxes for donation to our
2019 campaign and teach them the importance of philanthropy.

Child care will be available at two locations and they’ll have the
chance to decorate their tzedakah boxes among other activities.

Spend time with your friends and neighbors while helping to
keep our Jewish communities strong as we kickoff our 2019 Jewish
Federation of Greater Philadelphia campaign.

Visit jewishphilly.org/supersunday for locations, times and
additional information.

JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISH EXPONENT
FEBRUARY 14, 2019
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