(Courtesy of Cong. Rinat Yisrael) Teaneck’s Congregation Rinat Yisrael will be hosting its fourth annual inclusive Chanukah minyan on Sunday morning, December 29 at 9 a.m.. Co-sponsored by Makor Care and Services Network, the annual event is billed as being specifically designed “for people with specialized needs, their families, friends and fans.”
“So many people with specialized needs are excluded from davening with a minyan because they might appear to others to be disruptive or because they need to walk around a bit or require a little extra attention,” said Dr. Stephen Glicksman, director of innovation at Makor and a member of Congregation Rinat Yisrael. “Others may attend shul but haven’t been offered an aliyah since their bar mitzvah. This minyan isn’t just for people with an intellectual or developmental diagnosis; it’s aimed at giving everyone with or without specialized needs the opportunity to pray together in a welcoming, accessible, sensory-aware atmosphere. The hope is that everyone will see what individuals at all levels are capable of, and become more inclusive all year round.”
Rabbi Chaim Strauchler, rabbi of Congregation Rinat Yisrael, said, “I love davening, especially at the Rinat/Makor Inclusive Chanukah Minyan. Chanukah is about seeing Hashem in unexpected places. Each of our lives is a miracle from Hashem. We often need a little help to take in this truth. This special davening opportunity helps us appreciate, just a little more, the miracles all around us.”
The davening will be led by renowned singer Jeff Braverman, the layout of the shul will be set up to give space for individuals with varying sensory and mobility issues and the post-davening treats include gluten free donuts and gelt, along with sugar-free and more traditional Chanukah fare. “Imagine having to say to your child, ‘I’m sorry, you can’t have those’ every time they pass the doughnuts on the way out of a minyan or event on Chanukah.” said Glicksman. “We really try to design this minyan so that everyone can take part in every aspect, from the kibbudim (honors) to the treats afterwards.”
Debbie Marcus, whose son, Dov, has autism and attends Rinat regularly, added, “We look forward to the Rinat/Makor Chanukah Minyan every year. Our son has a very strong connection to davening in shul, and this minyan gives him an opportunity to really participate in a way not typically afforded to him. It’s truly a highlight of our Chanukah!”
The event is open to men and women of all ages, with and without disabilities. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred so that everyone’s needs can be accommodated. To register, visit https://www.rinat.org/inclusive-minyan.
