Inclusion

Park Avenue Synagogue is committed to ensuring that every individual and family in our community can fully engage in all aspects of synagogue life. Our members, clergy, and staff are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for people of all abilities by making our campus, worship, and programs accessible to everyone.

Below are examples of ways that we accommodate many different types of requests:  

• Educational and social support in the Penn Family Early Childhood Center, Congregational School, and Youth and Teen programs.
• Accessible entrances, seating, and hearing and vision enhancements in all synagogue spaces, including our sanctuary and classrooms.
• Alternative spaces and programming to ensure everyone can participate in synagogue-wide events such as the Purim Carnival, Simhat Torah Evening Celebration, and Mitzvah Day.
• PAS honors Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM) in February, in addition to Mental Health Awareness Month in May and Pride in June.

Drop-off and Subway Information

There is a designated area in front of the entrance on Madison for wheelchair-accessible drop-off. And there is a parking garage on 87th Street between Madison and Park Avenue. We are two blocks west of the 86th Street subway station with service for the 4,5, and 6 trains. The Q subway station is on 86th Street and 2nd Avenue.  

Prayer and Program Spaces

The main sanctuary on 87th Street has several features to accommodate our community:
•    A ramp to the bimah is accessible on the left-hand side.
•    People in wheelchairs can sit in designated areas. 
•    The lectern on the bimah can be raised and lowered. 
•    Elevators and ramps connect the rooms in the building. 
•    Mezuzot are at two heights on main-level doors.

Live Streaming and Dial-In

For those unable to attend in person, live streaming is available for our weekly services and many of our programs. Please visit pasyn.org/calendar for details and PAS CONNECT for archives of recordings. 

Interpretation and Assistive Devices

PAS can provide assistive-listening headphone packs for the sanctuary. 
In every service, we have large-print copies of the Siddur Lev Shalem for Shabbat and holidays and the Mahzor Lev Shalem for High Holidays. Please ask an usher for help in finding these books.

Food Allergy Information

Please contact our event manager, Jade Grossman with questions about allergens. 

Penn Family Early Childhood Center

In addition to Penn Family Early Childhood Center’s exciting and rich curriculum, each room participates in weekly music and movement specialty classes. Our specialists work with the classroom teachers to create an integrated program that supports and complements our curricula. We also have a team of expert consultants available to work with the teachers and parents. They include a speech and language therapist, an occupational therapist, and a social worker.

Congregational School

Our Congregational School strives to create an environment where learners of all types and needs can be successful and belong. We ensure that students are met individually while being nurtured collectively among their peers. For students with IEPs, we offer in-person tutoring. By offering one-on-one Hebrew learning, we can modify each lesson to the learning needs of each student.

If you have requests or concerns regarding your child’s learning experience, please email Melissa Silverman Cohavi, Congregational School director, at [email protected]. 

LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Everyone is welcome here. There is an all-gender restroom on the main floor that is wheelchair accessible. There is an all-gender restroom on the lower level and one on the third floor that are not wheelchair accessible.

Financial Assistance

Please email Sarah Cohen, director of membership, [email protected], for a confidential conversation regarding dues assistance. 

Social Worker

PAS is proud to have a full-time social worker to assist in pastoral care and to provide resources and guidance to the community. Please email Suzanne Redlich to begin a conversation.

Additional Accommodations?

Please email Sarah Cohen to request accommodations for our programs and events.