Inclusion Committee
The Inclusion Committee consists of members of our congregation who care deeply about our community. As a group, we strive to:
• Raise awareness and understanding of tangible and attitudinal barriers to inclusion and how they impact our members and community
• Modify policies, practices, and programs to meet people’s needs and provide an equitable and inclusive environment
• Engage our community in inclusion efforts and create more opportunities to learn from each other
• Ensure that inclusion issues remain a focus and priority for our congregation
We are proud to be a JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates (JDA) Leadership Partner Organization and have the fortune to work with a professional consultant provided by the JDA program. Through the Jewish Disabilities Advocates Collaborative, we share ideas and programs with other congregations in the Boulder/Denver area, including Congregation Har Hashem.
Through the years, our committee has ensured a variety of accommodations at services, including reading glasses, magnifiers and large print siddurim for visually challenged individuals; noise-blocking headphones and ear plugs for those with sound sensitivity; an improved sound system in the sanctuary for hearing impaired; and supportive chairs, music stands and reserved seating for those with physical disabilities. We have encouraged the offering of gluten-free and lactose-free options for most kiddushim, and the labeling of gender-neutral bathrooms.
In 2020 and 2021, the committee focused on mental health issues, especially because of the added stress and isolation in everyone’s lives demanded by COVID. In 2022, the committee focused on issues of Chronic Illness/Chronic Pain. We have started a Chronic Health Conditions Support Group, which is still ongoing and open to new participants. Contact inclusion@bonaishalom.org for more information.
Our theme for this year is Connecting and Belonging, focusing on the need of people with physical and/or mental problems to be connected to and supported by the community. We are proud to have offered a six-session program on Managing Stress & Anxiety thanks to a generous grant by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. To watch recordings of any of the sessions, visit https://www.bonaishalom.org/managing-anxiety