'In My Kehillah': Teaching Children the Jewish Value of Inclusion
by Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer
Children are naturally curious and ask wonderful questions about things that are new to them. While our society is becoming more inclusive generally, we can not assume that young children have met people who use different forms of accommodations or communication. If a young child hasn’t been taught that a service dog is different from a dog who is a pet, for example, we can’t expect them to know how to interact with a service dog.
I’m excited to share In My Kehillah: a book about kids with different abilities to educate young children (ages 4-8) about the Jewish values of inclusion.
In My Kehillah is unique among books that address disability for children because it is grounded in Jewish values, including: Adam Yechidi Nivra (every person is a unique creation), Chessed (loving kindness), Kavod (respect), and Kehillah (community). The cute cast of relatable characters with different abilities shows the values in action and illustrate what it means to be an inclusive community.
This book is not only for educators but for all of us adults to share with the important children in our lives–Parents, Grandparents, Clergy, camp directors. In My Kehillah gives adults an easy, natural way to introduce and talk about disability.
Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer is a writer, educator and spiritual director who currently serves as Ritualwell's Director of Virtual Content and Programming. Her work focuses on creativity, spirituality and disability. Her Eli Talk Standing With Families Who Have A Child With A Disability has been used to educate communities across the world.
She has shared talks, interactive study and creative sessions for conferences, book groups and Shabbatonim. Learn more about her at www.gabriellekaplanmayer.com.