Accessibility

Let us bless the Source of life in its infinite variety,
that creates all of us whole, none of us perfect.

^{Judith Glass}

Congregation Har Shalom celebrates that “infinite variety” as we welcome all Jews, whatever their abilities and challenges. 

Our rabbis, leadership, staff and members are all committed to creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

We value each person as someone fashioned in the image of God and believe that everyone, regardless of limitations, has something to contribute. We know that like Moses, who was “slow of speech”; Isaac and Leah, who had weak eyes; and Jacob, who had an injured leg, disability does not define who we are.

To help us infuse this spirit into every synagogue activity—spiritual, educational, or social, we formed our Accessibility or Kulanu (All of Us) Committee. It has the following mission:

To ensure that Har Shalom welcome and offer support to all congregants with disabilities, making them feel part of synagogue life and striving to eliminate all barriers (structural, communication, and attitudinal) to full participation.

Here are a few of the ways our congregation has celebrated diversity:

• The Har Shalom Education department works closely with families whose children have special learning needs to develop a program that fits their learning style.
• A signed bat mitzvah for a congregant who is Deaf
• Weekly inclusion of a young man with physical and intellectual disabilities in our Torah procession
• Monthly attendance of friends from the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes at our services

We promise that you will find no physical obstacle to entering our beautiful sanctuary or fully participating in services. Our congregation is proud of the awards we have received from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism for our building’s accessibility.