Inclusion
Temple Emanu-El strives to provide a welcoming,
inclusive, environment which values the feelings of kinship, belonging and
spiritual enrichment in daily life as well as in times of transition.
As a vibrant Jewish community, we deem it
important to uphold certain values:
Ahavat Yisrael (love
of fellow humans/Jews)
Rachamim
(compassion)
Chesed (loving
kindness-how one treats others)
DO ONE THING.... YOU'LL FEEL GOOD
The Temple Emanu-El community
wants every member and guest to feel included. Each of us can fulfill the
mitzvah of reaching out to others who may feel alone or excluded. Here are ten
ideas:
1. Say hello and introduce yourself
2. Sit next to someone who seems alone
3. Call someone to offer them a ride to
shul
4. Call someone who has been absent
5. Hand someone your prayerbook; help someone
find the page
6. Help someone find their way around the
building
7. Ask, "May I help you?"
8. Make eye contact and smile
9. Invite someone to join you
10. Help someone at kiddish find a seat, fill
their plate, get a drink
ARE THERE AREAS OF TEMPLE EMANU-EL THAT CAUSE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW DIFFICULTIES IN TERMS OF PHYSICAL ACCESS, PARTICIPATION, ETC.?
Over the years, the synagogue has addressed
many of the physical barriers to full participation, including installing
elevators, a new sound system for the hearing impaired, large print Siddurim,
and the ramp leading to the Main Sanctuary. Our professional Staff and the
Inclusion Committee are working together to develop programs addressing the
religious, educational and social issues and concerns of our community. If you
have any further concerns or questions, please contact a member of the inclusion
committee via our staff person, Miriam Stark at : email:
Miriam@teprov.org or by calling our
office: 401-331-1616. All communications will be kept confidential.