#JDAIM19
February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a time when the North American Jewish community comes together to raise awareness and support efforts to foster inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in Jewish communities worldwide. The goal of JDAIM is to shift our attitudes to see that having a disability is part of the human condition, and to see the humanity in each person we meet. JDAIM is universally recognized in February, but the need to belong and be included goes on day after day, month after month, year after year.
Many Jews who live with disabilities, and their loved ones, still don’t have access to various opportunities to engage in Jewish life. People with disabilities have gifts and talents to share, as well as the need for community. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its partner agencies and organizations. Participating in JDAIM offers the opportunity to engage in the important work of ensuring that ALL Jews, without regard to ability, have access to Jewish life — to work, live, love, play, learn and worship as they choose, where they choose and to contribute to our Jewish community.
JDAIM has grown in the past 10 years to become a nationally supported effort to discover new, dynamic and interactive ways to develop insight and understanding about individuals with special needs in our own Jewish community, and to explore meaningful inclusion practices.
This year, Federation, in partnership with the Miami Jewish Film Festival and the Temple Beth Am launched JDAIM 2019 with its 6th Annual Awareness Film Screening on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 with the Florida premiere of the film Shoelaces.
Here is a look at what else is happening this month and how you can take part:
- LIKE the Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month Facebook page
- LEARN with Hineinu
- TAG your social media posts with #JDAIM19
- ENGAGE in Miami Jewish community awareness and celebration events.
JDAIM 2019 Community Events
The Association for Jewish Special Education
Sunday, January 27, 2019, noon – 3 p.m.
Temple Sinai of North Dade (TSND) | 18801 NE 22 Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33180
The Association for Jewish Special Education (AJSE) joins in to celebrate Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) with an exhibit of AJSE’s historical display from 2:15pm to 3:00pm. Attendees may also participate in TSND’s Annual Tu B'Shevat Celebration from 12:00 – 2:00PM. There will be games, crafts, music and refreshments. For further information, please contact Charlotte Klieman at 305-205-3846 or [email protected].
Volunteer Opportunities
Entire Month of February 2019
Jewish Volunteer Center, a program of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Join the JVC this February during JDAIM, and throughout the year! JVC offers volunteers a meaningful way to turn Jewish living into action through needs-driven, high-impact, hands-on programming throughout Miami- Dade County. Whether you have a lot of time to volunteer or prefer a one-time project, the JVC has many opportunities available, with at least one that is sure to meet your needs and interests. Join us this February during JDAIM, and throughout the year! Click here or call the JVC at 786.866.8404.
Donation Drop-Off
Entire Month of February 2019
Temple Beth Sholom | 4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach
Collecting items for people with disabilities during the entire month of February 2019 – walking canes, walkers, glasses, etc. For more information, contact Mark Baranek at [email protected] or 305.538.7231.
Sensory Friendly Movie Night
Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 6:30PM
The Center for Jewish Life at Beth David and the Gordon School | 2625 S.W. 3rd Avenue
The Center of Jewish Life at Beth David and the Gordon School and will be hosting a sensory friendly movie experience as part of our annual Parent’s Association movie night. In addition to the standard showing, we will be offering a “quiet space” movie room where children and their parents can enjoy the show in a dimly lit space and at a lower volume than the standard showing. We look forward to welcoming members of the community to join us at this event. For more information, contact 305-854-3911.
Guest Speaker Virginia A. Jacko, President & CEO of Miami Lighthouse For The Blind
Friday, February 8, 2019 at 7:45 PM
Ahavat Olam | 10755 SW 112 Street, Miami, Florida 33176
Virginia A. Jacko will speak about her book, Blind Visionary, explaining her inspiring journey through blindness, and how it is possible to lead a productive and full life while blind. On her watch, Miami Lighthouse has become an innovation engine heralded nationally for its leadership and management. From facilitating fully equipped mobile optometric offices traveling to schools throughout the state, a pre-school created for blind early learners, to providing consulting service for compliant websites for many types of business, Virginia has indeed achieved an enviable record of outstanding accomplishments. For more information, contact Kim Fielder at 305 412-4240 or [email protected].
Shabbat Together (with Havdalah and Film)
Friday, February 8th, 2019 - 6:00PM Inclusion Service | 7:10PM Shabbat Dinner
Saturday, February 9th, 2019 - 10:30AM Inclusion Service with Special Children's Program |12:00PM Shabbat Lunch | 7:30PM Special Havdalah and Film
The Family Shul | 2601 NE 211th Terrace | Miami, FL 33180
Join us for a Shabbat promoting inclusion and special health awareness and screening of the film, Front of the Class, about an individual who despite being challenged by Tourette's Syndrome at a very young age, defies all odds to become a gifted teacher. Click here to RSVP. For more information, contact Ezer Benaim at 305-770-1919 or [email protected].
Ending the Silence
Monday, February 11th, 2019 - 5:15PM
Temple Beth Sholom | 4144 Chase Avenue | Miami Beach
This program is a 50 minute presentation with film offered to middle and high school students to educate students and parents to increase knowledge and change attitudes. We are partnering with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to end the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness. It is also an educational tool for families and school staff to learn about the early warning signs of mental illness and how early recognition and prevention is key to positive outcomes. For more information, please visit www.tbsmb.org or call 305.538.7231..
Film Screening of “Shoelaces”
Wednesday, February 13, 7:00PM
Temple Beth Sholom | 4144 Chase Avenue | Miami Beach
"Shoelaces" tells the story of a complicated relationship between an aging father and his special-needs son, whom he abandoned while he was still a young boy.Through the film's portrayal of a relationship full of love, rejection and co-dependency, it manages to shed some light and question the importance of human life, human connection and if life is even possible without it either one of them. Nominated for 8 Ophir Awards (Israel's Academy Awards) including Best Picture of the Year! This screening is sponsored by the Sandra Mordujovich (Z”L) Fund. For more information, please visit www.tbsmb.org or call 305.538.7231..
My Hero Brother Special Film Screening
Wednesday, February 13, 7:30PM
Alper JCC, Robert Russell Theater, Builiding 4 | 11155 S.W. 112th Avenue | Miami
The Friendship Circle Miami, Alper JCC Miami and Jewish Community Services invite you to a special screening of My Hero Brother. A group of young people with Down Syndrome embark on a demanding trek through the Himalayas with their siblings. As they deal with physical and emotional challenges, unresolved conflicts come to surface and heartwarming friendships develop. Ticket price: $10 per person. Maximum $25 per family. RSVP at www.Friendshipcirclemiami.org/MYHEROBROTHER.
Special Shabbat Presentation by Mr. Alan T. Brown
Shabbat, February 16 10:45PM
Beit David Highland Lakes Shul | 2600 NE 209th Street | Aventura
At the age of 20, Alan T. Brown was injured and left a quadriplegic. For nearly 31 years since the accident, Alan and his family have, through the Alan T Brown Foundation to Cure Paralysis, provided support, education, and advocacy for the paralysis community. Alan is Director of Public Impact at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. He also has achieved many personal goals, including completing three New York City Marathons, skydiving, and scuba diving. His proudest accomplishment is becoming a father to his two young sons. A special Kiddush-luncheon will follow the service. To help sponsor this event, please let us know, or donate online by clicking here.
Bike Miami 4 Friendship
February 17-18, 2019
Friendship Circle of Miami Beach and North Dade
Join Bike Miami 4 Friendship in collaboration with Team Friendship, February 17- 18 2019 (Presidents Day Weekend), as we cycle a brand new waterfront route from Miami to Palm Beach. Together, you will ride with a group of cyclists sharing the same goal to raise awareness, to help others in need, and to raise funds for a truly special cause. Join the entire community at the finish line for a post ride celebration, see below! To register, visit www.bikemiami.org or call Rabbi Mendy Dechter at 347-225-1322.
Friendship Festival Celebrating Inclusion
Monday, February 18, 2019 at 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Miami Beach JCC | 4221 Pine Tree Drive | Miami Beach, FL 33140
Join us at the Miami Beach JCC, along with Friendship Circle of Miami Beach and North Dade to welcome the Bike Miami riders as they cross the finish line. Celebrate Jewish Disability Awareness Month with a Friendship Festival. Bounce Houses, Games, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Obstacle Courses, Food for Purchase and more. Free and Open to the Community. For more information, contact Daryl Johnson, [email protected], 305-354-3206 ext. 234.
Speaker followed by Extended Oneg
Friday, February 22 at 6:00 PM
Temple Beth Sholom | 4144 Chase Avenue
Oliver Stern, a High School Senior at Ransom Everglades and winner of the National Diller Teen Award will speak about “Disability through the Jewish Lens: A Personal Reflection”. For more information, please visit www.tbsmb.org or call 305.538.7231.
