Jewish Disabilities Advocates Partners Celebrate Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month
The synagogues and community organizations that are part of Jewish Family Service’s Jewish Disabilities Advocates (JDA) will focus on chronic health conditions and pain during Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM). Chronic health conditions and pain are often invisible disabilities that receive less attention, and about which less is known. Examples of chronic health conditions can be found across the age spectrum, making the theme relevant to all age groups.
The programs and services listed below are open to anyone in the community.
JDAIM Kick Off Event with Maggie Whittum
Maggie Whittum, a re-emerging artist who survived a massive brainstem stroke at age 33, will share her story of illness and identity. Her goal is to help others understand the physical and emotional impacts of chronic pain as well as her experience with loss and resilience. Her JDAIM presentation will also draw from her upcoming documentary, The Great Now What. Watch the event recording below!
JDA Partner Events
Har HaShem JDAIM Shabbat Services
Friday, January 28, 6:00 p.m.
Streaming live and in-person
Madeline Cohen will speak about her experience living with Long Haul COVID.
Hillel of Colorado JDAIM Wellness Month
Hillel students will have programming each week of February supporting student mental and physical health and wellness while raising awareness about chronic health conditions and chronic pain.
B’nai Havurah Inclusivity Shabbat Service - Living with Chronic Health Conditions: Learning from our Community
Saturday, February 5, 10:00 a.m. on Zoom
Join us at our annual Shabbat recognizing Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM). B'nai member Dr. Dave Gordon will moderate as four congregants, all living with chronic health conditions, share their stories, their conditions’ impact on them, and how we as a community might provide support through awareness and inclusivity. The schedule is as follows:
10:00-10:35: Shacharit Service
10:35-11:15: Panel and Q & A, moderated by Dr. Dave Gordon with four B'nai Havurah members
11:15–11:30: Conclusion with Prayer for Healing and Mourner's Kaddish
Bonai Shalom JDAIM Shabbat Service
Saturday, February 5, 9:30 a.m.
Streaming live and in-person
Rabbi Charna will lead part of the service and give the D’var Torah drawing on her personal experience living with a brain injury.
Bonai Shalom Panel Discussion - Living with Chronic Health Conditions/Chronic Pain
Sunday, February 6, 4:30 p.m. on Zoom
Our five panelists will share their experiences living with chronic health conditions/chronic pain. They will inform us as to how the Jewish community has supported them and also offer suggestions as to how our Bonai community can improve our support. The presentations will be followed by Q&A. Presenters are Rabbi Charna Rosenholtz, Dr. Robert Winer, Katie Schwalb, Rachel Balows, and Debbie Garelick.
Rodef Shalom JDAIM Shabbat
Saturday, February 12, 9:30 a.m.
Streaming live and in-person
Three speakers will share their experiences living with chronic conditions.
Judaism Your Way Youth Spoon Havdalah
Saturday, February 12, 6:30 p.m. on Zoom
Youth ages seven and up are invited to join Rabbi Amanda for an exploration of what it’s like to live with chronic health conditions and pain. We will do this through playing a game using spoon theory and listening to a guest educator and expert on the topic. We will also make encouraging cards for students at Morgridge Academy, a school in Denver serving students with chronic illness.
Judaism Your Way JDAIM Shabbat aLive
Friday, February 18, 5:00 p.m. on Zoom
This month’s Shabbat aLIVE service will focus on this year’s JDAIM theme of raising awareness about chronic health conditions and pain. The service will feature JYW community members sharing about their experiences living with chronic conditions and pain as well as discussion around the topic. ASL interpreting will be offered.
Other Community JDAIM Events
Temple Sinai JDAIM Shabbat
Friday, February 11, 6:00 p.m.
Streaming live
Join us for a Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion (JDAIM) Shabbat. Our very special guest speaker is Rabbi Sandra Cohen, who will share her story about living with chronic conditions.
Temple Emanuel Torah Study
Saturday, February 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Join Cantor Elizabeth Sacks online for Torah Study on Tetzaveh: Building Together Toward an Inclusive Community. Three ways to join:
Denver Jewish Film Festival Film: Here We Are
Sunday, February 20, 1:00 p.m. at Elaine Wolf Theater at Denver JCC or watch on demand February 21-27
Sponsored by Jane E. Rosenbaum
Aharon has devoted his life to raising his son Uri. They live together in a gentle routine, away from the real world. But Uri is autistic, and now as a young adult it might be time for him to live in a specialized home. While on their way to the institution, Aharon decides to run away with his son and hits the road, knowing that Uri is not ready for this separation. Or is it, in fact, his father who is not ready?
Additional Programs Offered by the 2022 Bikur Cholim Conference
At Intersection of Spirituality and Disability — How to Support Individuals and Families with Shelley Christensen
Monday, February 21
February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). JDAIM founder and award-winning expert on inclusion and belonging in Jewish life taps into ways to understand disability and mental health and the intersection with spirituality, Torah, and support for individuals and those who love them. Shelly will also share her experiences, insights and knowledge of parenting an individual with a disability or mental health condition, focusing on four specific needs that parents have as they navigate the journey. Over 20% of the population live with a disability or mental health diagnosis and recent data indicate that one in 44 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, making the need for support greater than ever.
B’ZELEM ELOHIM – IN GOD’S IMAGE: Integrating Spiritual Practices into Programming with People with Disabilities with Lisa Ney, Rabbi Tsurah August
Monday, February 28
This interactive workshop will demonstrate how JFCS of Greater Philadelphia’s programs for people with disabilities integrate the premise that all humans are “B’tzelim Elohim”. We will show how we integrate spiritual practice, mindfulness, and Jewish values into our offerings for participants. We will also discuss best practices and the concepts of: neurodivergence as a natural part of the human experience, disabling ableism, and how we create belonging.
For questions or more information about JDAIM, please contact Carol Morris, JDA coordinator at 720.459.3877.