EMBRACING INCLUSION
A foundational Reform Jewish value is to welcome with open arms Jews and seekers of all backgrounds and abilities. It is a key part of the URJ’s mission that congregational life, our youth, travel, and camping system, gatherings and learning opportunities, and all other programmatic offerings reflect inclusivity of individuals of all abilities. We continuously strive to find innovative methods to raise the bar in providing enriching, meaningful experiences that can be enjoyed by all.
Organization-wide Inclusion Efforts
Our partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation changed the culture in our congregations and other settings to ensure that people who are “differently-abled” can participate and engage fully in Jewish life. We are extremely grateful to the Ruderman Family Foundation for helping us focus on and create this new culture within our organization.
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These changes are reflected in our daily work and were evident, too, during the 2017 Biennial, which was more accessible than ever, and more open and responsive to the concerns of people with disabilities. NFTY Convention also incorporated accommodations for individuals needing a less intense sensory experience by incorporating a “Chill Room” for the first time. URJ Camp Harlam was one of seven camps selected to enhance and expand their efforts to support campers with disabilities as a part of a pilot program of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, generously funded by the Ruderman Family Foundation. This initiative enables Camp Harlam to employ a year-round inclusion coordinator, who is a vital part of the Camper Care team and works most directly with campers and families who may require a greater level of support to be successful at camp.
Keshet Youth Leadership Program
The Keshet Youth Leadership Project was launched in April 2017, following passage of a ground-breaking resolution on transgender inclusion at the 2015 Biennial. This new yearlong, collaborative program between Keshet -- the leading non-profit that works for full inclusion of LGBT equality and inclusion in Jewish life -- and the URJ, provided tools, resources, coaching, and training for youth programs, including camps, NFTY, Mitzvah Corps, and Israel experiences. Action plans, such as incorporating physical changes in designs of facilities and making staff and leadership training available, ensure that this work will keep growing.
