JSDD News

In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to spotlight WAE to Connect’s “Let’s Talk About Us” class, where the work of understanding social justice issues is underway.

It should come as no surprise that the tradition of observing Shabbat allows many facets to celebrate life.   It is a constant reminder being Jewish you are continually learning and growing spiritually.  JSDD continued weekly learning sessions via Zoom with Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator. The welcoming of the Sabbath began this week with the lighting of the candles by Rachel and Stacy, followed by Daniel who recited the Kiddush – blessing over grape juice/wine and the Hamotzi – blessing for the bread. Hagit and the group chanted the song “May It Be” in Hebrew which inspired many of the participants to express their wish for world peace.  The weekly learning continued with a discussion about the upcoming joyous holiday of […]

Group for LGBTQ+ adults with developmental disabilities to meet via Zoom on February 16, 7pm, via Zoom. New members welcome!

LGBTQ+ WAE brings together people who share similar life experiences to enjoy the support of that community. The goal: to lessen the isolation and reduce stereotypes and misperceptions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who identify as LGBTQ+. Regularly scheduled online or in-person meetings allow participants to connect with others who deal with similar issues in a more diverse group than they might otherwise encounter.

The celebration of Shabbat is essential to Jewish tradition.   Residents of JSDD’s homes and friends certainly miss greeting each other in person, but the silver lining of this past year is that participation in the weekly ritual of greeting of the Sabbath on Zoom, organized by Hagit Oren, Judaic Coordinator, is more robust than ever. Lighting Shabbat candles is one of the oldest Jewish traditions and one of the most beautiful.  This week Rachel and Stacy joined together to light the candles and recite the prayer.  The Kiddush (blessing over the wine/grape juice) was recited by Kevin.  All the participants recited the HaMotzi (blessing over the bread). Hagit’s lesson this Shabbat was Parshat Beshalach – Moses leads the Israelites into […]

Community through Creativity – JDAIM 2021 virtual exhibit runs February 5 – March 5 February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month The mission of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is to unite Jewish communities worldwide to raise awareness and champion the rights of all Jews to be accepted and included in all aspects of Jewish life, like anyone else. JSDD’s WAE Center loves this season of synagogue exhibits For many years we have partnered with congregations throughout our community to shine a light on the artists, speakers, and worshippers who often go unseen because of their disabilities. The WAE Center sets up art exhibits and the hosting congregations arrange artist receptions, suppers, and Shabbat services, […]