Dallas Yachad will present an inclusive Shabbaton to take place the weekend of February 5-6, as part of Yachad/National Jewish Council for Disabilities’ North American Inclusion Month (NAIM).
Yachad/NJCD, an agency of the Orthodox Union now celebrating its 25th anniversary, is dedicated to enhancing life for those with disabilities. It has designated February 2010 as a month specifically to raise awareness and develop sensitivity of what it means for those who live with disabilities, and how to include them in the larger community.
Jason and Emily Lieberman will be the speakers at the Shabbaton. Jason is a longtime self-advocate of people with disabilities. On Friday, they will also visit a number of local Jewish day schools, including Yavneh High School and Akiba Middle School, where Jason will speak to students about his work advocating for those with disabilities and share his own experience growing up as a member of that community.
Rabbi Jay Weinstein, Dallas Yachad Coordinator and Assistant Rabbi, Congregation Shaare Tefilla, is organizing the weekend event, which is being co-sponsored by the Special Needs Initiative of the Greater Dallas Jewish Federation and The Gladys Golman-Faye Dallen Education Fund.
Rabbi Weinstein declared, “We’re excited that Jason will be visiting us to spread his experience, knowledge and insight as to how we can best include people with disabilities in the Jewish community. Jason’s experiences with the special needs community and as an advocate for members in it will resonate strongly and inspire everyone who hears it.”
The weekend will include a Seudat Shabbat (Shabbat meal) and training session for Yachad’s high school volunteers and advisors. Shabbat morning, following services at Shaare Tefilla, Jason will speak to the entire community followed by a private luncheon for families with special needs.
For more information, contact Rabbi Weinstein at jw15@aol.com or 972-661-0127.