I’ve known Noa Brickman her whole life. She lives two houses away from me, and our families have been close friends since I was young. I often hang out with Noa at her house, playing ball, reading books and singing songs. What makes my relationship with Noa extra special is that she does not communicate or function like a typical 7-year-old. Noa was born with a brain malformation known as Lissencephaly. It is extremely rare and she is affected physically, cognitively and developmentally. She is unable to talk, walk, feed herself or do basic activities without assistance. Despite all of these challenges, Noa is a happy, smiley, fun kid who brings joy to all those around her.
Last year, Noa was the first child to participate in our Inclusion Program at Kehilat Kesher. On most Shabbat mornings, I pick Noa up for shul and bring her to spend a few hours with a shadow in the kindergarten groups. The other children in groups and in shul have benefitted from getting to know her, and her shadows have grown to love her as well.
Kesher’s inclusion program has now been increased to seven participants. Every participant has his or her own shadow who helps navigate the shul environment while giving their charges’ parents some much-needed respite. From individualized activities and games to davening while enjoying a movement break, our resourceful and innovative committee and teen shadows are invested in helping our participants integrate in the most comfortable and effective ways.
Recently, several members of the inclusion committee learned that Noa did not have a costume for Purim. They took it upon themselves to create their own costume committee, and worked hard on a plan incorporating Noa’s wheelchair so that she could participate in all of the community festivities. I was so excited to be able to join in this amazing endeavor. The committee came up with so many creative, out-of-the-box ideas, but ultimately settled on “Noa’s Ark.” Not only did we design and construct a costume, but coming together for this special cause was incredibly meaningful and motivating in itself.
Instilling and celebrating inclusion and diversity has become a part of the fabric at Kehilat Kesher. Our strength comes from our togetherness.
Liat Saposh lives in Englewood and is a sophomore at SAR High School.
