This month, we honor Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, a time to bring together Jewish communities around the globe to increase awareness that every member of our community, regardless of ability, deserves access and opportunities to engage in Jewish life.

Individuals with varying abilities may face challenges in connecting with others, but they possess a deep and meaningful bond with G-d. This connection can even be more profound than a typical bond. As a community, it is our responsibility to cultivate a sense of belonging and integration into the wider community, which is essential to our Jewish practice and heritage. When a person with special needs is included in the community, it provides them with a real sense of belonging. Although this may not be immediately evident in a child with special needs, over time, a visible sense of inner security will emerge.

The Rebbe, Rabbi Schneerson, encouraged focusing on the tangible practice of mitzvahs that can be heard, seen, and smelled by individuals with special needs. This includes placing Jewish items, like a charity box, in their room.

We proudly emphasize the remarkable contributions of the Friendship Circle, a program managed by Chabad of Suffern. This program is rooted in the profound principle of V’Ahavta L’Reacha Kamocha (Love your neighbor as yourself), which asserts that every person has a soul that is equal and deserving of boundless love. With this inspiration, the lives of the families we serve are enhanced while the volunteers reap the rewards of selfless giving.

The Friendship Circle provides home visits, recreational group activities, and interactive holiday celebrations, ensuring that Jewish traditions come to life. These programs not only offer essential respite and support for families but also serve as a platform for inclusive development and community involvement. We owe a heartfelt thank you to the Jewish Federation for their invaluable partnership in this mission.

Inclusion is a transformative force that benefits individuals with special needs and enriches the entire community. As Elissa Koenig, a supporter of the Friendship Circle, notes, inclusion is not a weekend project or a one-time event; it is an ongoing dialogue that must become part of our mindset. It requires a change in attitude where we actively consider how to support each person and offer opportunities for participation. By doing this, we create a more inclusive community where everyone feels valued. The sense of belonging is one of the most vital gifts we can offer, as Devorah Gancz, Director of Chabad of Suffern, highlights. For those facing barriers, it is crucial to work with them to ensure they feel comfortable and accepted. Embracing this mindset transforms our approach to interacting with people in all areas of life. Witnessing the effects of friendship firsthand is a profound experience that motivates us to continue this important work.