Our Jewish values teach us that each of us is created in God's image and each of us is to be valued. The United Synagogue's Commission on Inclusion of People with Disabilities' mission is to sensitize and educate professional and lay leadership to the profoundly important responsibility of ensuring that the synagogue and all its programs are accessible to those who would otherwise be denied the opportunity to participate in all aspects of synagogue life, and to assist congregations in meeting the needs of members with disabilities by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
USCJ has passed two resolutions that directly affect people with disabilities.
Permission Granted
In accordance with copyright law, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism grants lay and professional congregational leaders permission to print and compile Torah/Musaf portions, as needed, in such alternate format as large print and Braille, as long as they are used exclusively within the leader’s own congregation, and as long as no financial return is expected or requested from these booklets.
Questions and Answers
How do we make our accessible seats remain available during the high holidays?
Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month
Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month is a unified effort by Jewish organizations worldwide to use shared programs to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities, their families, and those who love them. Established in 2009, JDAM is observed during February.
Readings on Inclusion
Tools and Resources
For People with Visual Impairments
- JBI International offers visually impaired people audio, large print, and Braille books, magazines and cultural programs; many are of Jewish interest.
Other Jewish Resources
- Learn why everyone in a synagogue benefits from an inclusion committee.
- A checklist helps synagogues and their leaders make the building and services inclusive.
Jewish Programming for Kids with Disabilities