After 10 Years of JDAIM, It's Time to Advocate
Begun as a grassroots initiative in 2009, JDAIM makes our Jewish community more understanding, welcoming, and supportive of people with disabilities and their families.
My Chinese and Jewish Family Celebrates Three New Years
My father is fond of reminding my family of how lucky we are to be Chinese and Jewish. “Three New Year celebrations means three chances for a fresh start!
Those Who Cross Over: a Reflection on Rallying for DREAMers
Before my people were known as Jews, we were known as ivrim. We translate this to “Hebrews.” But ivrim iterally means "those who cross over." My people have been defined by moving from one place to another, in search of a safe place to call home. We are ivrim, border crossers, imprinted with the memory of fleeing persecution. We are ivrim, hated because our neighbors did not see us as one of them, no matter how long we lived side by side. We are ivrim, ready to rebuild our lives and our communities whenever we must.
Take Action to Protect the Americans with Disabilities Act!
Legislation that creates waiting periods for people with disabilities to exert their rights is unacceptable.
Behind the Scenes at “Semi[te] Sweet: On Jews and Chocolate – The Exhibition”
An exhibit in a Manhattan synagogue invites visitors on a first-ever visual journey into the mysteries, opportunities, and resilience of the Jewish chocolate story.
A Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World
When the world is changing quickly, unpredictably, in new and confusing ways, it seems to be human nature for us to look for ways to try and slow down that change or control it. Or, failing that, we look for someone to blame.
Some in our great nation, in this "VUCA" world, are falling back on the oldest scapegoat in the world, in a desperate move to try to slow the rate of confusing change. They want us to blame 200,000 El Salvadorians who fled earthquakes and gang violence 16 years ago. They want us to blame the 800,000 "DREAMers"-- young people who were brought to this country as children by their parents. They want us to blame the 11 million undocumented residents of this nation who live in the shadows, all while working hard, raising American children, contributing greatly to our nation and, oh, by the way, committing crimes at a much lower rate than native-born American citizens.
How to Bring Balance and Order to Purim’s Chaos
Purim is a holiday of excesses and extremes. For someone who thrives on control, order, quiet reflection, and decorum, it can be troubling and uncomfortable.
Takeaways from an Inspiring Jewish Disability Advocacy Day
At this year's Jewish Disability Advocacy Day (JDAD), more than 200 disability rights advocates and Jewish leaders came to Capitol Hill to push legislators to support crucial health care and education services for people with disabilities.
The Value of Experimenting: Why We Invited a Golden Retriever to Shabbat
Like the pied piper, Betsy the dog led us cheerfully into the sanctuary, and as her owner walked up onto the bimah with her, the younger kids automatically followed.
Takeaways from an Inspiring Jewish Disability Advocacy Day 2018
I am so grateful for the experience I had at JDAD 2018, and I am inspired by the unique approach the Jewish community takes to advocacy on these complex issues.