OU’S Yachad Kicks Off North American Inclusion Month

21 Feb 2020

MORE THAN 200 EVENTS PLANNED IN U.S. & CANADA

NEW YORK – The Orthodox Union’s (OU) Yachad, the leading group for individuals with disabilities in the Orthodox community, kicked off North American Inclusion Month (NAIM) with more than 200 events taking place around the United States and Canada. Programs are aimed to provide social opportunity in addition to developing sensitivity and awareness of what it means to live with disabilities, and to educate communities on how they can do their part to make sure all Jews are included in all facets of life.

Programming is taking place in Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Los Angeles, CA; South Florida, New England, New Jersey, New York and Toronto.

Programming includes 14 Shabbatonim around the country, cooking classes, bowling outings, learning programs, exercise programs, family support groups, sensitivity trainings, etc.

“Yachad has a rich history of bringing best-in-class inclusive programming to communities throughout the U.S., Canada and Israel,” said Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane. “Finding opportunities to acknowledge and include people with varying abilities during NAIM has become a unifying event for the entire community.”

“NAIM has become a cornerstone event for our community and it unites us in making sure that each member of our community is valued and included,” said Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Allen Fagin.

“Each year we look to build upon the NAIM program and to host more programs and in more communities,” said Yachad’s NAIM Director Rebecca Schrag Mayer. “Our hope is that this event shines a broader light on the amazing programming we are doing year-round.”

Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union, (OU), serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.