JDAIM-Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month 2022
February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) and to mark the occasion, we are sharing the 8th Annual JDAIM Program that offers several online events, including these:
Tuesday Feb. 8, 12:00 - 1:00 PM: 2 Hats, 1 Voice: An Educator & a Parent on Inclusion Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom invites Nick Katalifos for a lunchtime chat. Nick is an educational leader in Montreal and the parent of an autistic child and directs the Giant Steps Foundation which offers community services for autistic individuals.
Friday Feb. 11, 7:30 PM: Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe will offer the guest sermon at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom shabbat services. Rabbi Dubowe is the first Deaf female rabbi in the world, and will share her reflection titled: "I Heard God's Call”.
Saturday Feb. 12, 9:00 AM: Torah Study with Guest leader Rabbi Dubowe “You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil…for kindling lamps regularly.” Parashat T’tzaveh, Ex. 27:20 The Torah says that we are commanded to maintain the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light. If this is our responsibility, what exactly does that mean for us, for others and for the greater Jewish community? Join Rabbi Dubowe and Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom to discuss and explore these questions from this week’s Torah portion.
Saturday Feb. 12, 7:00 PM: Drive-Thru Havdalah will be hosted by Chorale Shira Choir Montreal to celebrate Jewish Disability, Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month.
Saturday Feb. 12, 8:00 PM: Havdallah with Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe Join online for Havdalah and an interactive dialogue with Rabbi Dubowe called “Panim El Panim (God-talk).” She will share her own personal experiences on this ancient Biblical teaching and how it has impacted her life and the lives of others.
Sunday Feb. 13, 2:00 - 4:00 PM: The Power of Music in Honour of JDAIM Reverend Hazan Daniel Benlolo, cantor, rabbi and founder of the Montreal Shira Choir for special needs adults, will be speaking on The Power of Music -- how singing together builds community and promotes inclusion for people living with a disability. The presentation will be on Zoom and is available at no charge. Benlolo and his choir have been featured in a moving CBC documentary that recently premiered called Just as I am. The documentary is available for free viewing on the CBC Gem app. Some info about the documentary film is available on shiramovie.com This event is offered in collaboration with the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue of Montreal in celebration of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).
Wednesday Feb. 16, 7:00 - 8:00 PM: Armchair Interview with Stars and Creator of Becoming Big This film by Rabbi Mark Fishman Film, is the inspiring story of young West Islander, Maya Sinclair, and her journey with overcoming numerous physical and medical challenges leading up to her Bat Mitzvah. An inter-generational discussion will be moderated by Mark Bergman. See the event page for links to view the movie and register to attend the interview.
Wednesday Feb. 23, 7:30 - 8:30 PM: Of Medicine, Miracles and Mindsets Captain Rabbi Elie Estrin, Chabad Shilach and US Air Force Chaplain, in conversation with Rabbi Adam Scheier. Rabbi Estrin and his wife knew they would be in for a tough ride ahead when their child was diagnosed in utero with an extreme and rare form of cardiac disease. Join us as he shares their story.