PAS aims for every individual and family in our community to participate fully in all aspects of synagogue life. Our members, clergy, and staff strive to welcome people of all abilities and to make our campus, worship, and programs accessible.
The Inclusion Committee welcomes your ideas and participation. Contact committee co-chairs Suzanne Aisenberg and Marissa Zackowitz.
Should you or someone you know require specific accommodations for synagogue events or programming, contact Rachel Zorbaron, Director of Membership.
INCLUSION INITIATIVES
INCLUSION COMMITTEE
Goals:
- Enable all PAS members to participate in existing programming, worship, education, and social events
- Create new programs and networks that address the specific needs of individuals, their families, and their caregivers
- Expand the opportunities for engagement and accessibility
- Ensure our facilities and rituals are accessible to all
- Raise awareness of inclusion challenges in the entire PAS community (clergy, lay leaders, congregants,and staff)
- Foster collaboration in addressing the issues of inclusion and growing sensitivity and establishing open lines of communication
PROGRAMMING
Current efforts to address the needs of our congregation include:
- Educational and social supports in the Penn Family Early Childhood Center, Congregational School, and the Youth and Teen programs
- Accessible entrances, seating, and hearing and vision enhancement in all synagogue spaces, including our sanctuary and classrooms
- Alternative spaces and programming to enable participation at synagogue-wide events such as the Purim Carnival, Simhat Torah Evening Celebration, and Mitzvah Day
- Programming during Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month, held annually February, that highlights issues that affect PAS members
LOOKING AHEAD
During 2019 and 2020, planning is underway to provide:
- Supported work environments for young adults with learning and other developmental disabilities
- Peer-to-peer efforts that enable the wider PAS community to meet and support one another, e.g., enhanced usher/greeter training, Food Pantry PALs, and the development of PALs programming in the YFE, Penn Family ECC, and Congregational School
- Website links to community resources, articles and events that emphasize inclusion
- Professionally facilitated training and support for clergy, lay leaders, congregants, and staff
- Collaboration with Shireinu to enable more inclusive worship opportunities
If you would like to join the committee, please email Alexis Arroyo, PAS Inclusion Staff Liaison.
RESOURCES
Here are additional resources links to sermons, lectures, podcasts, blogs, and other information.