February Is "Focus on Inclusion Month"

In conjunction with Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM), Beth Am’s INCLUDE committee invites the congregation to several opportunities for learning, reflection and growth in our capacity to be an inclusive community, welcoming and appreciating people of all genders, ethnicities, abilities and more. Jewish tradition teaches that when we see a person who is different from us, we are supposed to recite a blessing:

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, m’shaneh ha’b’riyot.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who makes creatures different.

Let’s see and celebrate the blessing of our diversity!

Beyond Bubble Baths and Breathing: Teen Mental Health Series for Parents and Educators
Taught by Melissa Kelley, LMFT and Shari Grande, LCSW
Wednesdays, February 3 and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM

Focus on Inclusion of Those with Special Needs: Erev Shabbat Service With Guest Speakers
Friday, February 5, 6:15 PM
We will hear from guest speakers, Beth Am congregant Abby Tamara and Emma Nathanson, who will share their experiences of having physical and mental differences or caring for a loved one with physical or mental differences.

Focus on Transgender Inclusion: Book Discussion of Mimi Lemay’s What We Will Become
Led by Beth Am Congregant Loren Michael Ford
Saturday, February 13, 3:30 PM

Film Screening and Discussion of Crip Camp
February 20: Screening at 3:00 PM, Discussion begins at 4:45 PM

Screening of House of Healing, a Film About Beth Am’s Beit R’fuah Program, During the Erev Shabbat Service
Friday, February 26, 6:15 PM

February Fund in Focus: INCLUDE Beth Am
Consider a donation to Beth Am's INCLUDE Fund to educate and inspire action around Inclusion in our community, which has already meant so much to the families who need it. Learn more.