Temple Beth David Joins the Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project

Temple Beth David joined the The Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project (RSIP). This project is funded through both Combined Jewish Philanthropies. and the Ruderman Family Foundation. RSIP’s aim is to improve inclusion of temple members without regard to their ability or limitations.

When asked why Temple Beth David sought to join the RSIP, Rabbi Karen Citrin replied “The core of who we are as a synagogue community is to be warm and welcoming and open to all who seek a Jewish home at Beth David. We knew that we had some limitations to this vision due to the building, current programming, resources, etc. Applying to be part of the Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project [has] opened doors for us to communal support, best practices, new ideas, and partnership.”

Temple Beth David made changes to increase accessibility of their temple including “expanded religious education opportunities for students with special [learning] needs, large print prayer books, dietary sensitivity, changes in worship communication (i.e. "Please rise if you are able"), communication/education to the broader temple community about this project…” per Citrin.

Citrin reported that there no push back to these changes has occurred. Information about the RSIP was disseminated through sermons and the temple’s newsletter and website. When asked about formation of the inclusion committee, she replied “We asked some people directly who we knew had experience working for disability inclusion or working with people with special needs. Some Board members volunteered to be part of it. After we communicated with the congregation and I gave a sermon, we received other interest. There are not currently people on the committee who are disabled. We hope to add someone. There are multiple people on the committee who have children or other family members with special needs.”

“There have been new temple members who have children with special learning needs. One family in particular has been very happy with the accommodations and individualized learning path we have now been able to provide. One member brought a service dog to services and this was widely accepted. Some seniors who cannot stand for long periods of time (or at all) have appreciated the sensitivity awareness,” said Citrin of the way that RSIP principles are in practice at Temple Beth David.

She reported that the temple hopes to make more changes with more funding, including “to make our bima (main worship space) more accessible, improve our sound system for people who need hearing assistance, increase our signage about accessible doors, bathrooms, etc, continue to improve the accessibility of our education offerings (for youth and adults), and enhance our communications around the value of inclusion.”

Temple Beth David is located at 7 Clapboardtree St. It offers Shabbat services and other resources to Westwood’s Reform Jewish community.

Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash.