Inclusion

Rodef Shalom is an accessible, inclusive community which celebrates individuality, respect for others and supports community. The Rodef Shalom Disability and Inclusion Committee was created to ensure that individuals of all abilities, and all members and guests can comfortably and fully participate in religious and communal life.

It is important to us that we meet you where you’re at and help remove the emotional and physical barriers that may impede you from enjoying a fulfilling Jewish life. To this end we offer a range of accommodations for people with differing abilities – to address both visible and invisible disabilities. Some of these challenges and/or impairments may impact mobility, accessibility, developmental, auditory, visual, illnesses, allergies and more. We do our best to accommodate all abilities. If you have a specific request please reach out directly to a member of our committee as we are always looking to improve. The following accommodations are currently available at Congregation Rodef Shalom:

Access to the Building (off Kearney):

• We have several handicap spots in our parking lot.
• There is a ramp from the parking lot to the sanctuary entrance on the south west entrance to the building. This handicap accessible entrance is open on Shabbat.
• During the week, the garden path from the sanctuary entrance leads to the office entrance. You can ring the doorbell and a staff person will assist you.

In the Sanctuary:

• For those who are unable to navigate the stairs, there is a ramp on the east side of the sanctuary leading up to the Bimah.
• We have accessible seating areas for individuals with wheelchairs/walkers and their attendants.
• A wheelchair-accessible bathroom is located off the Sanctuary, near infant room. This is also a gender-neutral bathroom.

Programs:

• We share tips for inclusion to our members throughout the year and at special holidays such as Passover.
• During February, we recognize JDAIM, Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, provide programs for our youth and present speakers from the pulpit on Shabbat.

Assistive Devices and additional accommodations:

• We have assistive hearing devices to enhance sound, ear plugs if you wish to lower the sound (disposable), magnifiers to help with the small print in the prayer books and large print prayer books.
• There is a wheelchair available, if needed. If assistance is needed with access to the building or with assistance with wheelchairs, ask for help at the main door; usually there will be someone to help during services or someone from the office.
• Signage is posted for bathroom facilities, the infant room, and preschool classrooms in Braille and English.
• Mezuzah is located at wheelchair height at our main entrance.
• Services are available for streaming.
• We will provide special seating if needed.
• For Kiddush and other programs, gluten-free and vegan food options are provided and labeled as such. Ingredients are not listed.

Preschool and R•School (our youth education program)

Whenever possible, we strive to meet the needs of all of our children.  Parents are encouraged to share any special needs their children might have with Dawn Spector, Director of Early Childhood Education & Programs or Rabbi Carrie Benveniste, Director of Congregational Learning.

If you or a family member have specific concerns regarding your or your family members’ ability to participate in a specific Rodef Shalom program or activity, please contact Amy Berkowitz Caplan: Executive Director or 303.399.0035.

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Rodef Shalom is proud to partner with Jewish Family Service of Colorado Jewish Disabilities Advocates to create disability awareness, promote inclusion, and ensure Jews with disabilities and their families can participate fully in a rich Jewish life. Our Disability Awareness and Inclusion Committee works closely with the JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates Advisor to address structural changes, policies and practices, and community awareness and engagement designed to further inclusion.

The Rodef Shalom Disability Awareness and Inclusion Committee

The Rodef Shalom Disability Awareness and Inclusion Committee meets monthly.  Contact Bonnie Merenstein or Janet Smith if you would like to get involved.

Anyone having events at Rodef must refer to the Event Planning Checklist. It covers everything!

Event Planning Checklist for Accessibility