Looking for a Shabbat service this week that includes children and/or adults who might appreciate the ability to move about and make some noise?  Looking for a sign-language interpreter, spread out chairs, lower lights, sensory toys, and a shorter service?  And were you hoping that there will be something allergy-free to eat at the Oneg?  Then join us at Congregation Har HaShem at 6:00 pm this Friday night, February 27, in the north building sanctuary to welcome Shabbat together at our No Shushing Shabbat service.

The Boulder Jewish community’s commitment to inclusion is growing.  We now have three synagogues in town with active inclusion committees, some of which are collaborating on events like bringing in inclusion advocate Elaine Hall last fall, our community-wide No Shushing Shabbat & Havdalah services (which have been led by Rabbis Rose & Soloway), disability-needs surveys, and future educational, ritual, and community events.

One of the things we know is that many of our Jewish individuals and/or families do not connect to Jewish institutions because they have a child or adult with a disability, who may not act quite in accordance with typical synagogue behaviors.  In attention, those with mental health considerations, physical disabilities (such as hearing or vision), those who just can’t sit still, or who may need to roam, also may not feel comfortable.  Here everyone is welcome without worrying about a level of comfort!  So please let your family and friends know!

 The service, which is open to the community, happens during Jewish Disability Advocacy Month (JDAM).  This observance is a worldwide initiative to raise awareness and to support efforts to foster inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in Jewish communities worldwide.  After the service, please stay for the Oneg to join us for networking and relaxing.

For more information, contact Susan Glairon at sglairon@comcast.net.  Congregation Har Hashem is located at 3950 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80303.