The Yachad New Jersey annual gala will take place on Motzei Shabbat, January 6 at Congregation Keter Torah. Yachad aims to enrich the lives of Jewish individuals with disabilities and their families through social and educational programs and support services. Founded on the belief that every individual deserves a chance to thrive and reach their full potential, the organization has created an environment where people with disabilities are not defined by their challenges but rather by their diversity and unique strengths. This year’s honorees are a group of people who have dedicated their time and talent to Yachad, working together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Yachad Family Award

The Yachad family award will be presented to the Adlers. Jacob Adler has been a Yachad Participant for over a decade, and as a family, the Adlers have been actively involved in the organization and many of its programs. For Jacob’s parents, Debby and Hillel, Yachad has been a mainstay in their lives and a constant resource for Jacob throughout many stages of his growth and development. From programs at the Mendel Balk Yachad Center to summer camps and Miami marathons, Jacob has done it all. He is currently at Day Habilitation, a vocational program designed to facilitate growth and independence in young adults with special needs. “We want Jacob to follow a path that kids his age normally do,” said Hillel, who added that under Yachad’s guidance Jacob has worked at Gan Henel, Frisch and TVAC.

Debby and Hillel are grateful to Yachad for so many of their outstanding programs, but it was Jacob’s experience on the 2014 Yad B’Yad summer program that they believe changed the trajectory of his life. Yad B’Yad is a five-week summer tour throughout Israel that joins together mainstream teens and individuals with special needs. In 2014 Israel was at war with Gaza and Yachad was forced to reroute its program to the West Coast. Nonetheless, Jacob embarked on a journey that unbeknownst to him, or his family, would be one of the most memorable experiences of his life.

When asked what made the experience so unique, Debby and Hillel both said it was the friends Jacob made on the program, many of whom are still his closest friends today. Debby saw these kids embrace Jacob’s differences while also learning valuable life lessons about compassion. One might think in today’s day that it’s commonplace for people with special needs to be accepted in mainstream society, but it’s not always the case, she said. Yachad fosters a mindset that people are people, and programs like Yad B’Yad educate everyday teenagers to be kindhearted and responsible young adults. “The way these kids stood by Jacob is an indicator of something unique that Yachad is doing.” Jacob learned what real friendship is and that, she believes, set him up for life.

While the greatest impact has certainly been on Jacob, The Adlers have all been moved by Yachad in one way or another. Their oldest son Eli has been to many Yachad events alongside Jacob where he experienced what the organization does, not only for the participants, but for their families as well. Jacob’s other brothers, Sam and Zachary, both went on Yad B’Yad and, like Jacob, had extraordinarily meaningful experiences. At home Jacob is just their brother, Debby said, but when they were on Yad B’Yad, they saw what inclusion is through a completely different lens.

For the Adlers, their experience with Yachad and specifically Yad B’Yad is unique. Debby explained that they were able to observe the effects of the program from two perspectives, those with special needs and those without, and they quickly understood the significant impact it has on everyone who participates. Their sons matured and discovered parts of their identity that could only emerge through the Yachad experience.

Presently the Adlers are collaborating with Yachad on another challenge facing young adults with special needs. Hillel explained that since high school ended there are fewer outlets for Jacob to keep busy. Yachad has started introducing unique opportunities like Thursday night mishmar at the Yachad Center where adults throughout the community are encouraged to join. Jacob is enjoying the chance to socialize and participate in something fun and meaningful. The Adlers are grateful that Yachad continues to engage Jacob and would love to see the organization initiate additional programs for young adults, making sure these individuals are not left behind.

Woman’s Leadership Award

This year’s Woman’s Leadership Award will be presented to Rena Soclof. Rena’s involvement with Yachad began five years ago when they engaged her event planning services for their annual gala. Most people try to give a hundred percent to their work, said Rena, but at Yachad they give so much more. She quickly understood that Yachad is more than an organization, it’s a family who cares deeply for one another.

Rena is used to working behind the scenes, ensuring each of her events run as planned. This year, as a guest of honor, she will be on the other side of the table and is humbled to share the spotlight with the Adlers and the Israelis, both of whom she describes as pillars of Yachad.

The Soclofs have lived in Teaneck for 26 years and are dedicated community members. While they have always prioritized supporting meaningful organizations, Yachad has particularly impacted Rena in a profound way. She is grateful that her professional services have afforded her the opportunity to connect with Yachad and experience how important the message of inclusion really is. The work they do for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and the greater community is truly remarkable, she said, and added that no matter how busy she may be, she will never pass on an opportunity to work with Yachad. “If this is how I can be part of this treasured organization, then I am honored to step up and do it.”

The Young Leadership/Alumni Award

Rabbi Andrew and Racheli Israeli will be receiving Yachad’s young leadership award. For Racheli, Yachad has been a part of her life from an early age. Her parents were involved in the special needs community and even created a school in Monsey for kids with learning disabilities that existed within a school of mainstream students. Many of her older siblings were involved with Yachad through volunteer efforts and participation in summer programs, and as a family they often attended the annual Yachad shabbaton.

Growing up surrounded by the challenges faced by people with disabilities, Racheli developed a deep sense of empathy and understands the value of inclusivity. “The disability population felt natural to me and a regular part of everyday life, so getting involved with Yachad was very organic,” she said. Her formal introduction to the organization came during high school through her participation on Yad B’Yad.

Her connection to Yachad continued to grow throughout high school and college along with her compassion and determination to make sure kids with disabilities enjoyed the same opportunities as mainstream teens. Racheli ran in five marathons with Yachad, including the Israel marathon. “I’m not a runner,” she said, but I love Yachad and I would do anything to support the organization. Running through the streets of Jerusalem spreading the message of inclusion was particularly meaningful and an experience she said she will never forget.

Andrew grew up in West Orange where Yachad has a very strong presence, and he too was actively involved in the organization. Both he and Racheli currently teach Judaic studies at Frisch and Andrew is also part of the rabbinic staff at Roemer. In his spare time, he runs local mishmar programs for Yachad where he enjoys engaging with volunteers and participants.

“Yachad is an organization that represents fundamental Jewish identities,” said Racheli. Its core principles like Kol Yisroel Aravim Ze La Ze and Olam Chesed Yibaneh embody the framework for Jewish life. Both Racheli and Andrew have gleaned many valuable lessons working with Yachad, but the most significant takeaway has been the importance of community involvement. The transformative impact of providing support to those who need it has shaped who we are as people, Racheli said. Caring for the needs of everyone in the community and spreading the word about inclusion is something the Israelis prioritize on a very regular basis.

“The Yachad New Jersey Gala is a special time to spotlight members of our community that have shown a deep commitment to the organization and to raise crucial funds to support Yachad’s programs and services to the community,” said Rocky Selevan, director of Yachad New Jersey. “I’m truly inspired by each of our honorees. Rena Soclof, the Adler Family and Rabbi Andrew and Racheli Israeli each are advocates to their core, role models in the community and have a pure understanding and approach to the importance of the klal. We are so grateful to celebrate them and their contributions to Yachad and within the community at large.”

For more information about the upcoming gala please contact [email protected].