YACHAD, an organization that brings together individuals with special needs and includes them in mainstream Jewish life, also brought together the South of Cedar Lane community in Teaneck for a YACHAD shabbaton on March 8-9. The shabbaton was co-hosted by Arzei Darom, Netivot Shalom, and Ohr Saadya, the three synagogues in the area.
“It was exceptional to have YACHAD join us for Shabbat for the first time,” said Rachel Cyrulnik, who headed up the host committee comprised of members from the participating synagogues, “it was extraordinary to have all three shuls participate, and to do so with such enthusiasm.”
Twenty three members of RAYIM, YACHAD’s adult division, accompanied by twenty college-aged advisors, came on buses from Brooklyn, Monsey, and New Jersey on Friday afternoon. “Our YACHAD members were very excited to come to a new community and meet new people,” said Michael Adler, Assistant Program Director of Rayim Yachad.
Each synagogue hosted a portion of the shabbaton. A Friday night oneg at Arzei Darom was open to the community. Shabbat morning tefillah and Kiddush took place at Ohr Saadya, a luncheon for YACHAD guests, host families, and the rabbis and leadership of each synagogue was hosted at Arzei Darom, and seudah shlishit was held at Netivot Shalom.
“It was a busy Shabbat, with a lot of walking, but each shul welcomed the shabbaton with warmth,” noted Chani Herrmann, who served on the host committee and works for YACHAD as Director for the New Jersey Region. Each portion of the weekend was well-attended, with over 125 people filling the social hall at Arzei Darom to capacity for lunch.
The shabbaton offered many opportunities for local families to interact with YACHAD members and many parents expressed appreciation for the chance to expose their children to a different population and model kind and accepting behavior.
Planning for the shabbaton began several months ago. “I was pleased with the willingness of the rabbis and shul boards to support this event and was impressed with the professionalism of the YACHAD staff, who were timely and attentive to detail,” said Cyrulnik.
“The response of our community in support of this new program was overwhelming,” Yosef Rothstein, who also served on the host committee, observed. Over 50 local families volunteered to host YACHAD visitors and/or sponsor the shabbaton. After expenses incurred in relation to the weekend are paid, the additional funds raised will be given to YACHAD. “The most sure sign of its success,” Rothstein added, “was the agreement of the committee, the rabbis, YACHAD staff, and community members to make this an annual event.”
Yachad / The National Jewish Council for Disabilities, is dedicated to enhancing the life opportunities of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their participation in the full spectrum of Jewish life. Yachad members participate in activities each month. There are Yachad Chapters located throughout the United States, Canada & Israel.
