Imagine a place where Jewish children gather each day to learn, play, and grow as individuals committed to Torah ideals. Imagine boys high-fiving one another in the halls, girls waving over a friend to join their table at lunch, children inviting a quiet child to play with them on the playground, students in a classroom buzzing with conversation until the teacher tells them all to settle down. Now imagine that one of the children in each of these scenes has a disability–physical, social, intellectual, or academic. Hear the sound of all of their voices raised in tefillah together each morning, some clear and strong, some compromised by disability, but together, an inspirational chorus of inclusion. This place exists, and it is found in the community partnership of SINAI Schools and Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey.

On Saturday night, November 22, SINAI Schools and Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey jointly present “Bright Futures,” a gala Chinese Auction to benefit financial aid for students of both schools. The auction will be held at 8 p.m. at Congregation Keter Torah, and features dozens of prizes at several different levels.

Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey and SINAI Schools are bound together by a strong and enduring relationship. Both institutions, operated independently yet sharing an interconnected partnership, are committed to the ideal that Torah scholarship and academic excellence should be available to all of the children in our community, regardless of ability, within the same inclusive school.

SINAI Schools operates five schools across New Jersey, providing a Jewish education to children with complex special needs that cannot be met in a regular education environment. SINAI provides a critically needed place for children with autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, visual impairment, depression and anxiety disorders, complications of cancer survival, and many other disabilities. Yet at the same time, SINAI serves many children who appear at first blush to be just like any other child who does not have special needs, but who struggle with complex learning or social disabilities.

Through RYNJ’s partnership with SINAI, children whose needs cannot be met in a regular education environment are able to receive a Jewish education within the inclusive RYNJ/SINAI community. In nurturing a community that values the talents and special qualities of each individual, together RYNJ and SINAI Schools are creating a generation of children for whom inclusion is a natural, normal way of life. At RYNJ, it is natural and expected to talk to, play with, and learn together with those who have disabilities. By sharing the fabric of school life with one another, over the years the students of both schools have been imbued with values of acceptance and love for others.

“Bright Futures” marks the third auction fundraiser held by SINAI and RYNJ. The event is supported by several corporate sponsors, including Garden State Jewelers; Imani Brothers, LLC; The Jewish Link of Bergen County; Kosherica Cruises; The Schulhof Center at KinderSmiles; and Shevy Wigs. At the highest level of support, Links Residential is the auction’s Book Sponsor.

The event co-chairs are RYNJ parents Andrea Jutkowitz and Jessica Landa. Dozens of volunteers have already spent countless hours to make the auction a success.

The evening will feature food and entertainment, with a range of prizes including tickets to Israel, a cruise for two, ticket packages to various sporting and entertainment events, an iMac computer, gift certificates to various restaurants and eateries, and more. Mark your calendar now! You will have a great night out with friends while making a real difference in the lives of our children!

Tickets, including admission, may be purchased online at www.sinairynjauction.com.

WHAT: “Bright Futures” Gala Chinese Auction

TO BENEFIT: Scholarship funds for students of SINAI Schools and Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey

WHEN: Saturday evening, November 22, 2014 at 8PM; Auction at 11PM

WHERE: Congregation Keter Torah, 600 Roemer Avenue, Teaneck, NJ

COST: Auction tickets range from $15 to $100 each. Admission is $36, with a discount for registering online. Admission includes buffet dinner, valet parking, and one $50 coupon.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: visit www.sinairynjauction.com, or call Dassie Fuchs at 201-244-6348 or the SINAI office at 201-833-1134 x0.

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