Rabbi Asher Sofman, RRC ‘23, is Reconstructing Judaism’s inaugural justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) coordinator. Sofman (he/him) is passionate about disability inclusion, which is part of his portfolio. Last year, for Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) he spearheaded a social media campaign featuring Reconstructionist congregations.
Shortly after graduating college six years ago, Rakhel Silverman-Gitin (they/them) organized a Shabbat dinner and received a query from an interested participant. Would the dinner be wheelchair-accessible?
Like many Reconstructionists, Wendy Elliott-Vandivier, an artist and disability activist, has long imagined what a more inclusive Jewish world could be — and has worked to bring it about, particularly in her own community, Or Hadash in Pennsylvania.
What does it mean if our communities are not equitable — if the people who make and come into contact with our movements and congregations find unequal access to the sources of connection and meaning they seek?
From his childhood congregation to Camp Havaya and rabbinical school, Rabbi Asher Sofman found his spiritual home in the Reconstructionist movement. Now the 2023 Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC) graduate has joined the Reconstructing Judaism team to help even more people find the same kind of life-affirming, spiritually nourishing community.
Rabbi Sandra Lawson, Reconstructing Judaism’s inaugural director of racial diversity, equity and inclusion, has been selected to the Schusterman Fellowship. That’s a prestigious, 18-month program run by Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies. According to its website, the Schusterman Fellowship “is a holistic leadership development program for exceptional Jewish leaders
Emet Tauber, a rabbinical student facing terminal illness, devoted his last days to supporting causes and institutions that he values — including affordable and accessible rabbinic education.Â
With a welcoming ethos and a drive to break down barriers, Reconstructionist congregations and havurot have been part of a revolution that’s taken place in the public awareness of the importance of disability inclusion and related services.
In an article for the New York Jewish Week, Gabrielle Kaplan-Meyer describes the challenges families face in planning for the future of children with cognitive disabilities.Â
Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement
Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis
Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues
Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives
