SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Oheb Shalom will host Shabbat B’Yachad on Friday, March 23, at 8 p.m. Shabbat B’Yachad will be a musical celebration of inclusivity, welcoming and celebrating the gifts that people of different abilities bring to the community. The service will feature song, instrumental music, special readings and prayers, participation by honored guests, and time to mingle at a dessert reception afterward.
“Shabbat B’Yachad is part of a broader movement within the Oheb Shalom community to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all in our community,” said Denise Rekem, a member of the Oheb Shalom Inclusivity Committee and a board member of Jespy House. “We are excited to be partnering with Jespy House, Jewish Services for the Developmentally Disabled, the JCC and the Greater MetroWest special needs community, who will be participating in the service.”
“Shabbat is a time of joyous communal ingathering,” Oheb Shalom Cantor Erica Lippitz said. “At our synagogue, as at the Shabbat table, everyone has a place.”
Harris Engel, JESPY House and JCC client, and Shabbat B’Yachad piano accompanist, said, “I am excited to showcase my skills to my friends and the community.”
“The deep and rich traditions of Judaism have sustained our people for generations,” Rabbi Mark Cooper said. “But they ultimately lose their meaning if we do not open our doors and our hearts wide enough to welcome every person, regardless of life’s limitations, who wants to partake in our way of life.”
Everyone is welcome for this special service. Please advise Oheb Shalom in advance if you need any special accommodations by calling 973-762-7067. Oheb Shalom is located at 170 Scotland Road in South Orange.
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