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.

Your Participation Matters: Jewish Disability
Awareness & Inclusion Month
AS PAPER CALENDARS TURNED and digital devices switched to the month
of February, the change also signifi ed another important time — national Jewish
Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month, better known as JDAIM. While disability
rights and inclusion is a year-round issue, this month is a concerted eff ort that
provides a platform for disability advocates to bring additional exposure.

In its 14th year, Jewish Learning Venture’s Whole Community Inclusion and the
Jewish Special Needs/Disability Awareness Consortium of Greater Philadelphia, which
includes the Jewish Federation, have channeled this national commemoration into a local
movement with a strong array of programming, educational resources and advocacy.

Th is year is no exception, with nearly 30 programs of learning and empowerment.

Out of this eff ort, more than 20 synagogues are involved in JDAIM Shabbat Across
Philadelphia, where they dedicate a Shabbat service to disability awareness themes.

Outside of local programming, people from around the globe can virtually join
the Jewish Federations of North America for Jewish Disability Awareness Day, or
JDAD, on Feb. 23 and 24. Over two days, participants will have the opportunity to
learn from disability rights champions, experts and legislators about the current
state of disability rights and what can be done to promote inclusion.

While February is at its halfway point, there are still a number of opportunities
to get involved. Find out some of the ways you can participate below:
Let’s Talk About Mental Health:
A Jewish Community Forum
Wednesday, Feb. 16 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Th e Jewish Disability Inclusion Consortium of Greater Philadelphia is excited
to invite the community to an important evening focusing on eradicating
the stigma of mental health challenges. Th e program will begin with Sharon
Rosenblatt, keynote speaker and accessibility professional, a panel of people with
lived experience with mental illness and experts in the mental health fi eld and
breakout groups for refl ection.

Clergy Lunch and Learn: Kavod Habriot with
Rabbi Lauren Tuchman
Th ursday, Feb. 17 | noon
In recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month,
Jewish Learning Venture invites Philadelphia area rabbis and cantors to join Rabbi
Lauren Tuchman — one of the fi rst blind women to enter the rabbinate — for an
hour of study focused on Kavod Habriot, which is honoring God’s creations, a
central value in Judaism. Explore two stories found in the Babylonian Talmud in
which individuals we might identify today as having disabilities exercise personal
agency and demand dignity in deeply undignifying situations.

Inclusive Grandparenting: How We Fully Celebrate
ALL Our Grandchildren
Tuesday, Feb. 22 | 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Disability inclusion specialist Lisa Friedman will lead us in a conversation
exploring how we can enrich our relationships with our grandchildren through the
use of inclusive language, ongoing learning and active listening. Discussion, framed
in Jewish text and values, will include practical tips for inclusive grandparenting
such as celebrating diff erences and recognizing the potential of every child. Th is
event is co-sponsored by Jewish Learning Venture and the Philly Friendship Circle.

Changing Landscape: Work and Inclusion for
Persons with Disabilities
Monday, Feb. 28 | noon
Join the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council and JEVS
Human Services to learn more about the important work JEVS does locally
to train adults with disabilities for jobs. A panel of experts will explore how
the pandemic impacted employment for people with disabilities and what
new opportunities have emerged for those seeking employment. Hear from
employers, advocates, service providers and clients with fi rst-hand experience
navigating the labor market during COVID.

Inclusive Classrooms and Universal Design
Monday, Feb. 28 | 7:30-8:30 p.m.

An evening of learning for educators. Join Whole Community Inclusion Specialist
and occupational therapist Alanna Raff el as she shares the approach of universal
design for creating inclusive classrooms. Raff el will share ways that you can
support students with learning and behavioral challenges by creating classrooms
that support all students. Bring your questions — leave with practical resources!
For registration details and a full roundup of JDAIM programs, visit
jewishphilly.org/jdaimlist. jewishphilly.org/give • 215.832.0899
16 FEBRUARY 17, 2022
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