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February is my favorite month of the year for many reasons. Yes, I am partial to Valentine’s Day chocolates, and yes, February is my birthday month. And yes, who doesn’t love watching AJFF films?! However, I also love February because it marks something about which I am very passionate - Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM).

In the Book of Isaiah, we are taught: "For my house shall be a house of prayer for all people." As a Temple Sinai Community, what are WE doing to make Sinai a house of prayer for all people? How are we living up to the mandate that the Book of Isaiah, and JDAIM outline for us?

As you may know, the mission of JDAIM is unified among Jewish organizations and communities to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities. Serving on the Hineni Committee (Temple Sinai’s Inclusion Committee) is one of my most cherished roles, and we have a lot going on to raise awareness and education.

On February 25th, during Friday night Shabbat Services, we will hear from our very own Hannah Alexander (10 years old) who recently wrote
the book The Princess Plays at the Museum. Hannah has cerebral palsy, though this does not define her. Hannah spreads light and joy to everyone she meets, and we cannot wait to learn from her during Shabbat.

In addition, the Greater Atlanta Jewish Abilities Alliance (JAA) is proud to sponsor the film The Specials as part of this year’s Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. This uplifting drama is based on a true story of two friends of different faiths joining forces to fight for teens with autism and those marginalized by society. Thankfully, this movie will be introduced by Marc Serowitz, an Atlanta native, who has autism and communicates by way of spelling on a letterboard.  We hope you will consider selecting this movie as you are making your AJFF film selections.

Another opportunity I wanted to share with our community is Melton: Members of The Tribe. An Inclusive Class for All Adults. This is an inclusive course for people of all abilities and all types of learners. The curriculum and pace of the class has been modified to allow time for additional questions, clarification, and repetition. This specialty cohort is crafted for adults with learning and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. The first session begins Wednesday, February 23 and you can register here.

In this week’s Torah portion, God tells Moses that Betsalel will be the chief artisan in creating the mobile sanctuary. In a rare exception to the biblical rule, God says explicitly why God chooses Betsalel…for three reasons; his wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. In elevating all those 
around us, we strive to embody these fundamental traits and continue this crucial legacy. Our fearless biblical leader, Moses, was himself no stranger to disabilities. Though he was a man of many talents, he also faced numerous challenges. From our text we learn that he had some form of a speech impediment.  When God asks Moses initially to lead the Israelites, he responds that he is “heavy of mouth and heavy of tongue.” This is interpreted to mean that he has a stutter. In response, God affirms Moses' many capabilities and insists that Moses is the right guy to 
lead our people, and that he will be supported by his community and his brother Aaron, as he leads the Israelite People.

This month, and every month,  we vow to be that community for everyone who needs it; to support, include and celebrate ALL members of our community. We promise to encourage Jews around the world to become genuinely welcoming toward people with disabilities and to be better allies and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. We hope you will join us in our efforts.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Sam and the Hineni Committee