While most Israelis will mark Yom Kippur with joint prayers in synagogues, there are quite a few people with disabilities who cannot do so.
This is because many of the synagogues in Israel are still not accessible enough for them. There is not enough seating for wheelchairs, Braille prayer arrangements or accessible toilets. This prevents people with disabilities from taking an equal part in Judaism's holiest holiday.
Now, on the eve of Yom Kippur, ALEH is calling on Gabi and the entire public to think about how to improve accessibility and allow all members of the community to feel like they belong. In preparation for the holiday, the organization presents the Ten Commandments to make synagogues accessible to people with disabilities.
Open an opening for me: Tens of thousands of people in wheelchairs live in Israel today. Most places, such as stadiums and buses, already have their needs met, but in many synagogues the situation is still not optimal. Check that the entrance entrance is suitable for wheelchair passage and that there is seating for them near the tables. In this way, we can enable all worshippers to take an equal part in the prayers.
Safety railings:should be properly installed, and carry the weight of a person leaning on them. It is also necessary to make sure that they are at an appropriate height for the average population. Stable handrails at the right height provide a sense of security for all users.
For worshippers with visual impairment, it is worthwhile to purchase special cycles with Braille. The availability of accessible prayer arrangements will allow them to feel an integral part of the community and maintain long-term involvement.
Special accessories should be installed according to needs. Install special aids for people with disabilities and check that they are in the synagogue as needed. For example, special aids for people with hearing impairment. Adapting designated aids helps people with a variety of disabilities enjoy the spiritual experience.
Ramps at the exit and entrance of the synagogue: Yes, even one step can be the difference between a worshipper in a wheelchair or crutches arriving and not being able to enter the synagogue. Make sure that at the entrance and exit of the synagogue there are ramps that can be used by people with disabilities.
Synagogue. Arrangements for the blind, accessible passageways, photo: Lavi Furniture Industries
Accessible toilets: Most synagogues do not have accessible toilets. Imagine if there was nowhere to evacuate if you had to evacuate during the long prayers of Yom Kippur. Ensure accessible toilets and adapted handrails in the toilets.
Checking the existence of an accessible sink for washing hands suitable forpeople with disabilities and ensuring that it is installed if necessary are additional simple steps to enable equal opportunities. Check that the synagogue has an accessible sink for washing hands.
Handicapped parking. Making sure that a disabled person has a place to park his car near the synagogue, Photo: Tzachi Miriam
Get excited with a Torah scroll. Reaching the edge of the synagogue, photo: Beit Belev in Petah Tikva
Be sure to bring the Torah scroll out of the Holy Ark to the edge of the synagogueor to the place where people with disabilities are and let them kiss the Torah scroll as all worshippers do. Connect people with disabilities to prayer and community in this way.
Check that there is a regulated parking space for the disabled adjacent to the synagogue, some of them will arrive in their car to the synagogue on the eve of the holiday, this will help them enter the synagogue and pray like any other worshipper.
Understanding, understanding, understanding: Most importantly, understand the people with disabilities. There is a wide range of disabilities. We as a society need to accept those who are different from us. Once we know how to do this, we will be a better friend to each and every one of us.
Rabbi Yehuda Marmorstein, CEO of ALEH: "Check that there is room for people who use wheelchairs, they don't need to be outside the synagogue. Check that the entrance is accessible and that the various facilities are accessible to people with disabilities. A healthier society looks at the other, may our prayers be accepted willingly."
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