The Bach Jewish Center recently partnered with the Orthodox Union’s Yachad to host its annual Shabbaton filled with social, educational, and spiritual activities in honor of Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).
JDAIM was first inaugurated in 2009 to serve as the Jewish community’s organized celebration of North American Inclusion Month (NAIM), focused on celebrating each individual’s unique abilities and strengths within the framework of Jewish faith and tradition. The weekend retreat illustrates the Bach Jewish Center’s ongoing commitment to recognizing each person’s unique contribution to the broader Jewish community.
The event took place over the Shabbos before Tu BiShvat, February 7-8, offering community members and participants a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday together at shul. The Shabbaton kicked off with an inspiring Kabbalas Shabbos, filled with uplifting ruach and special Tu BiShvat tunes, followed by a delicious dinner and an oneg that offered both physical and spiritual nourishment. Along with refreshments, including a spread of dried fruits and Israeli delicacies, there was a Tu BiShvat-themed trivia game and a Brachah Bee.
Rabbi Benny Berlin of Bach also joined the festivities, sharing meaningful divrei Torah with the group.
“Celebrating each fruit and each flavor, both individually and together, is at the heart of Tu BiShvat, a time when we honor the mystical new year for the trees by enjoying their fruits and giving thanks for each unique taste,” said Rabbi Berlin during the Friday night oneg. “In the same way, each person brings his own unique strengths and flavor to his service of Hashem. That is what celebrating our unity is all about. We are so grateful to once again celebrate JDAIM with our friends from Yachad, continuing what has now become Bach’s cherished annual tradition.”
On Shabbos morning, the group joined in the Bach’s minyan, followed by a delicious lunch. Shabbos concluded with a musical Havdalah in the shul led by Rabbi Berlin and the synagogue’s musically talented congregants, with the Yachad members singing and dancing.
