Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Mark your calenders! JRF joins the UJ Federation of NY in designating the Shabbat of Inclusion, a weekend designed to encourage the participation of our members with disabilities, for February 1-3. We encourage the various leaders of the affiliated Reconstructionist congregations in the NY/NJ region to begin planning for this event at their respective synagogues.

This particular Shabbat coincides with Parshat Mishpatim, which discusses the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The language of the text certainly resounds in our mission to create an accessible Shabbat service: "For you were strangers in the land of Egypt." Often, people with physical and developmental disabilities are aliented like "strangers" from our congregations. Our Shabbat of Inclusion aims to eliminate this notion of exclusion for all of our disabled congregants and their families.

Most of all, Reconstructionists have been on the forefront of creating inclusive communities. Even so, we can benefit from reminders to keep our doors wide open and to find new ways to be welcoming.

For leaders, please share with us what you do for this important Shabbat....for members, please come to pray, to learn, and to show your support.