KERUV* KORNER
*“Keruv” = to bring close, to draw near.
Next month, February, is once again Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month. We hope that Beth El will again provide programming to highlight the contributions of those who are “differently abled.” We are also thinking of joining forces with neighboring congregations to bring back a more robust Kulanutype, family-friendly service for families with members who have developmental or cognitive special needs once the pandemic is over. Will we be able to celebrate our LGBTQ members this year? Well, the virtual Jew York Pride “parade” online we helped sponsor last June was one of the most entertaining I’ve ever attended. So stay tuned—and share your ideas with us. Whatever your interest in inclusion, help us be more inclusive! Our current members are Elise Richman and Nina Luban (co-chairs), Alyssa Sherman, Beth Cohen, Bob Sussman, Carole Graham, Carrie Fox, Ellen Hollander, Dorothy Fox, Deborah Olstein, Elise Schepp, Jay Diamond, Joyce Goldklang, Judi and Rabbi Barry Kenter, Judy Schmeidler, Les and Marge Zimmerman, Pearl Sullivan, and Phoebe Gross. Feel free to contact any of us with your ideas, or, better yet, join the committee yourself! We will meet again on Sunday, January 17th, at 12:00 pm. We hope to see you (virtually) then. Elise Richman and Nina Luban, co-chairs
January can be a cold dark month, but, on the other hand, it is in January that the days start to grow longer. Tu B’Shvat, the new year for the trees, falls on January 28th this year. The holiday brings hope, reminding us that spring is on its way. The seedlings we plant now will eventually blossom and bear fruit. So it is with Keruv, our Inclusion Committee. Back in November we had a virtual committee meeting with a record number of attendees and the seeds of new ideas were planted. A few are working on the UJA grant with Beth El staff to develop a buddy system to provide technical assistance, as needed by phone, to anyone who has not been able to take advantage of Beth El’s rich offerings due to discomfort accessing or using computers, smartphones or the internet. We are also looking into devices that can assist those who are visually or hearing impaired to get online and participate. Other Keruv members reconnected with the women of Chai House, who have been unable to attend Beth El during the pandemic, by assembling and delivering Hanukkah goodie bags to their current residences in Westchester. “Let’s Talk About It” resumed virtually under the leadership of Shari Baum, reuniting and providing support and ideas to participants with family members who are intermarried. We are also talking about ways of raising consciousness about the growing proportion of American Jews who are Jews of color and potentially seeking help from the Jewish Multiracial Network or others on how to ensure that Beth El is welcoming and comfortable for diverse members.
KERUV (Virtual) MEETING
Sunday, January 17th • 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm • Open to all! Email Nina.luban@gmail.com or elisekrichman@gmail.com if interested and the link will be sent before the meeting.
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