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When we search our tradition for teachings on inclusion, we need look no further than Parshat Yitro and the description of the Israelites standing at Mount Sinai to receive the 10 commandments. The text indicates that all the Israelites were there - all genders, adults, children, all abilities, the leaders as in priests, and the followers, as in the rest of us. There are midrashim that explain that each person heard the word of God, and sensed the presence of God, in their own unique ways.
Beth Emet's Inclusion Committee, chaired by Terri Michaels, aims to continually increase Beth Emet's capacity to be more and more inclusive of people with disabilities. Sometimes disabilities are visible and sometimes they are not. Beth Emet's Inclusion Shabbat, February 17, will feature a recorded D'var Torah by Rabbi Sandra Cohen focusing on opening our doors to people with mental illness. Emily Dana, who grew up at Beth Emet and is now a rabbinical student at the Hebrew Union College, wrote "It's Easier than You Think: Creating Inclusive Jewish Communities for the Disabled/Chronically Ill Community." The Inclusion Committee takes to heart Emily's message: "We are one people who should strive to create inclusive communities in every way that we can."
Witnessing the personal stories of people with disabilities are powerful tools to expand our understanding of disability. Beth Emet is privileged to bring Tellin' Tales to our Bima on Thursday, February 23 at 5:15 pm. Please be there, in person or virtually, to watch the production of Shattering Barriers: I Am Who I Am, by seasoned actors who share their personal vignettes about living with a disability. Sometimes personal stories are shared through humor. Perhaps you know Pamela Rae Schuller who wants to help us celebrate disabilities - with humor and her superpower, Tourette's syndrome. And she is Jewish.
Assuming the responsibility to learn and do more about inclusion is what we do at Beth Emet during JDAAIM, Jewish Disability Acceptance Awareness and Inclusion Month (February).
May we hear God's encouragement to be inclusive.
Shabbat Shalom
Warmly,
Marci Dickman
Director of Lifelong Learning
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