Flashback to 1983. What does the Jewish community look like for people with disabilities?

For some it was being asked to leave services because they were too distracting. For others, it was never having a bar mitzvah because it was assumed they could not learn to read the Torah. For some it was spending Shabbat afternoon at home alone because no one ever invited them for a meal. For others it meant never having the opportunity to travel to Israel.

For most people with disabilities, there was no opportunity to meaningfully participate in Jewish communal life.

Our community has seen significant change over the past 35 years. There are now inclusive summer programs and trips to Israel that enable people with disabilities to participate. More and more synagogues have moved to make their physical space accessible. And community institutions are creating inclusion committees to make their programs more inclusive. Yet there is still work to be done.

We at Yachad New Jersey have dedicated ourselves to collapsing barriers within the Jewish community. As the only International Jewish organization solely dedicated to inclusion, Yachad connects individuals of all ages and abilities, so that together we can actualize our greatest impact in the world.

Because of your friendship and support, this past year alone we have launched a vocational training program with Five Star Catering, opened a regular Sunday social program and hosted social programs and Shabbatons (weekend retreats).

Last year we opened the Mendel Balk Community Center to provide regular inclusive weeknight programs for teens and adults with disabilities. The Center has tripled in size over the past year and been such a success that this year we are opening a program for younger kids. We believe this program could make a huge difference in the lives of our younger members, but we cannot make this dream a reality without your support.

Your gift will help Yachad New Jersey provide:

Day Habilitation (post 21 services)
Vocational Training
The Mendel Balk Yachad Community Center
Parent Support Groups
SIBSHOPS; peer to peer support for brothers and sisters
Sunday Social
Shabbatons
Holiday Programs
Summer programs
And spread the message of inclusion throughout the New Jersey Jewish Community

When you give now your impact will be tripled by our generous matchers, The Ruderman Family Foundation and The Orthodox Union Join us to celebrate the progress we have made over the past 35 years and show your commitment to moving forward. #35YearsOfInclusion

New Jersey Yachad Giving Day 2018

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