"You shall not insult the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind." - Lev. 19-14
February has become the time to honor love. The Jewish community has adapted this idea to reaffirm our commitment to including all people in Jewish living, and to demonstrate respect and gratitude for each person's contribution. As Rabbi Mencher of the Union for Reform Judaism wrote, "It is Jewish to cherish each and every life and to support every struggle for dignity and justice...It is Jewish to dispel prejudices and misconceptions that contribute to isolation, underemployment, and lack of human rights."
Meredith Polsky, TBANS Developmental Support Coordinator and 2017 National Covenant Award Winner for Outstanding Jewish Educator, explains why early childhood centers should embrace 100% of families. She challenges us to "extend that ideal of diversity to include the two out of every ten Jewish families who are raising a child with special needs or disabilities." Read more....
Kesher: Connection
חֲנֹ֣ךְ לַ֖נַּעַר עַל־פִּ֣י דַרְכּ֑וֹ
Teach each child according to his way
-Proverbs 22:6
Kesher, which means "connection" in Hebrew, is the name of TBANS initiative to provide all possible supports for every child so each child may achieve optimal growth toward their potential. TBANS is recognized as a leader in Jewish Early Childhood, having developed a unique model for inclusion that benefits all children.
Read more....
Afternoon Activities Session 3 begins February 25.
Registration is open February 11-14. Information here.
