Temple Beth-El is recipient of Pathways.org Open Hearts Award

NORTHBROOK, IL – The Inclusion In Worship Ministry of Pathways.org, a Chicago based not-for-profit, is recognizing Temple Beth El, Northbrook, IL with a cash grant to support their efforts to welcome individuals of all abilities.

Temple Beth-El has made great strides in welcoming and including individuals of all abilities in worship, education, fellowship and leadership. A few examples of some of the ways the congregation has become inclusive and welcoming are:

• A lift to the bimah in the main sanctuary
• Additional, lower mezuzah by the entrances so everyone can reach them
• a ramp to the bimah in the small chapel
• clergy no longer ask the congregation to “rise" but instead the assembly is asked to "prepare" for prayer
• speakers, such as Sen. Tammy Duckworth, have spoken to the congregation to educate and inspire.

Temple Beth-El applied for a 2017 Open Hearts Award grant to offset the cost of a $15,000 renovation to their existing sound system and to hire a sign language interpreter for Shabbat services and next year's High Holiday services. The goal is to improve the prayer experience for people with hearing loss while exposing the entire community to sign language as an additional way to be a more inclusive community.

“Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Open Hearts Awards grant and giving us, and other congregations, the opportunity to be more inclusive worshiping communities," said Janice Hadesman, Executive Director.

For more information contact Janice Hadesman, Executive Director, Temple Beth El at jhadesman@templebeth-el.org or Joanne Meyer, Inclusion In Worship Program Manager at friends@pathways.org.