Getting to the Bimah in a Wheelchair
The bimah is the heart of a temple's sanctuary – a gathering place for life cycle events, the focus of our High Holiday worship rituals, and the site that draws us together when we seek comfort from pain.
In 2007, I was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. In my case, it has lived up to its name, and has progressively weakened my body from the waist down, leaving me wheelchair bound. With the loss of my mobility, I also lost the ability to be called for an aliyah, to see the open Torah scroll, to participate in Selichot services, and to join with family and friends for birthday and anniversary blessings. For those of us unable to be on the bimah because of a physical disability, it is easy to feel left out of the Jewish community.
Why All Jewish Conferences Should Include Shabbat
Without fail, people responsible for scheduling and planning Jewish conferences repeatedly grapple with the same old question: what do we do about Shabbat?
What Can Camp Teach Us About Judaism at Home?
At camp, Judaism is a joy. It’s woven into camp stories, camp friends, and every camp experience.