Blog Posts

Our endeavor to make CBJ a more inclusive community has been, and continues to be, an ongoing process. From communal study, days of learning, and conferences, to undergoing long term training, we’ve engaged in discussions and re-envisioned what it means to be a community of love, learning, engagement, and inclusion. You can see signs of this endeavor throughout our community and facility in many ways, attempting to bring a greater sense of belonging to our members, visitors, and students. A few of these signs are:

• Our Cornerstone Certification in Special Needs Inclusion by Rosh Pina, a national leader regarding inclusion work in Jewish institutions. We continue to implement their best practices for inclusion of students with special needs in our preschool and religious school.
• An all gender restroom, located in our office, designated as such during our recent renovation. 
• The inclusion of non-binary gender selection choices on membership forms.

As the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) working group takes up the baton, we stand on the shoulders of the accomplishments made by our teachers, community leaders, and our clergy, such as the early Day of Learning on Special Needs held at CBJ and spearheaded by Preschool Director Ann Cauterucci.

CBJ Board Members Van Meak and Emily Greenwald join me in seeking ways to grow our sense of community and embrace all of the people who want to share their love of Judaism with us here at Congregation Beth Jacob. Stay tuned for future updates. If you have any questions, please reach out to barbarapowell@bethjacobrwc.org.