לֹא-תְקַלֵּל חֵרֵשׁ--וְלִפְנֵי עִוֵּר, לֹא תִתֵּן
מִכְשֹׁל; וְיָרֵאתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶיךָ, אֲנִי יְהוָה

"Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling-block before the blind, but thou shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD."

Holiness Code:  Leviticus / Vayikra 19:14

Beth El's Guiding Values include:

 - "Embraces Everyone ... inclusive ... for members of all ages and
abilities ... accessible gateway to synagogue life"

- "Creates Community ... welcoming environment"

- "Responds to Lifetime Needs ... support to deal with life's ....
challenges"

We of Beth El mean "abilities" and accessibility in the broadest senses -- physical, mental, and spiritual. As part of our commitment to accessibility to all we offer help and accommodations in many forms. If you need help for special needs or disabilities in a way that isn't included in the list below, please call the main office (301) 652-2606 or email info@bethelmc.org and ask to be put in touch with the B'ruchim Habaim committee. In Hebrew B'ruchim Habaim means "Blessed are they who come" or "Welcome" and our committee serves as Beth El’s Disability Inclusion Committee.

Our mission is to welcome and accommodate people with disabilities and their families, in our synagogue and in the Jewish community.

Some of what Beth El offers makes everyone welcome at Beth El and some is intended specifically for those with special needs or disabilities.   We offer programs for senior citizens through our Senior Caucus and Vatikkim ("Elders” in Hebrew) auxiliaries. Our Chesed ("Kindness") committee reaches out to those dealing with illness (as well as bereavement). Our Kesher Nashim ("Women's Connection") group supports female cancer survivors. Our Honor Thy (Aging) Parents group supports those who are now the care-takers of their parents.  

B'ruchim Habaim is sponsoring a new support group for parents of children with disabilities; the proposed name for the group is Cherish Thy (Special Needs) Child.  Our JSSA liaison, a licensed clinical social worker, is the facilitator.   

Beth El has a Disabled Access Fund to which donations can be directed. (If you click on the link, you will find it in the sixth section "Social Welfare" as the second item.)  Beth El is a co-sponsor of the annual Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning “Opening the Gates of Torah: Including People with Disabilities in the Jewish Community” conference and sends representatives. In addition, many congregants have been panelists and speakers at the conference.

The Beth El B’ruchim Habaim committee was formed in early summer 2005  * 5765.  We are proud of the progress we’ve made in addressing physical barriers and communication issues. In winter 2005  * 5766 at the third annual Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning “Opening the Gates of Torah: Including People with Disabilities in the Jewish Community” conference Beth El won an award for “Getting a New Accessibility and Inclusion Committee Off the Ground”. We are now turning our focus toward welcoming people with mental illness and people on the autism spectrum.

If you have concerns about a family member’s special needs or disabilities affecting community attitudes or creating social barriers please call the main office (301) 652-2606 or email info@bethelmc.org and ask to be put in touch with the B’ruchim Habaim committee.

"Beyond Access to Welcome"

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) offers information about including people with disabilities in synagogue life.
http://www.uscj.org/Accessibility7508.html

USCJ has passed three resolutions about accessibility.
http://www.uscj.org/Resolutions7509.html
http://www.uscj.org/Action_on_Behalf_of_6692.html

USCJ explains how ADA Title I Employment applies to synagogues with more than 15
employees. No other Title of ADA applies to synagogues.
http://www.uscj.org/The_Americans_with_D7512.html

The Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning has information from many perspectives. Use “special needs” or “disabilities” in the site search engine.
http://www.pjll.org/