Belong 2015

A publication of the Orthodox Union Supplement to Jewish Action

the yachad magazine • 2015-2016

YACHAD EXECUTIVE TEAM Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman

International Director

Eli Hagler

Associate Director

Ken Saibel

Associate Director

Mitchel Aeder

Chairman, Yachad National Board

YACHAD DEPARTMENT HEADS Nicole Bodner

Director, New York Yachad

Liz Fishel

Director, National Yachad

Jack Gourdji

Executive Director, Jewish Union Foundation

Dr. Joe Goldfarb

Director, Summer Programs

Chani Herrmann

Director, New Jersey Yachad

Michelle Mintz

Supervisor, Social Work Services

Esti Shulman

Coordinator, IVDU School

YACHAD NY/NJ PROGRAMMING Michael Adler

Program Director, Rayim Yachad

David Weintraub

Program Director, Senior Yachad

Ron Hirschhorn

Program Director, Junior Yachad

Rebecca Schrag

Director, School & Community Programming

YACHAD REGIONAL LEADERSHIP Deborah Rockoff

Director, National Programs

Ahuva Stern

Administrator, National Programs

Batya Jacob

Director, Educational Support Services

Rabbi Eliezer Lederfeind National Director, Our Way

NATIONAL CHAPTERS Baltimore, MD Chicago, IL Cleveland, OH Dallas, TX Detroit, MI Houston, TX Los Angeles, CA

BELONG

New England

All rights reserved.

© 2015 by Orthodox Union.

New Jersey New York Omaha, NE Philadelphia, PA

A publication of the Orthodox Union Supplement to Jewish Action

South Florida Toronto, ON, Canada

because everyone belongs

the yachad magazine • 2015-2016

Israel

Gwen Bloom Eli Hagler Abby Ravski Carrie Beylus Esther Berger Deena Katzenstein

ORTHODOX UNION Martin Nachimson

President

Howard Tzvi Friedman

Chairman of the Board

Allen I. Fagin

Executive Vice President / Chief Professional Officer

Rabbi Steven Weil

Senior Managing Director

Rabbi Dr. Tzvi H. Weinreb Executive Vice President, Emeritus Mayer Fertig

Chief Communications Officer

Shlomo Schwartz

Chief Financial Officer / Chief Administrative Officer

Rabbi Lenny Bessler

Chief Human Resources Officer

Sam Davidovics

Chief Infomation Officer

Clockwise from top left: Akiva Marder (White Plains, NY) & Yedidya Cohen (New York, NY) Camp Nesher Tamar Lesser (Toronto, ON), Deena Moskowitz (Brooklyn, NY), & Shani Beilin (Teaneck, NJ) Camp Lavi Feivy Zafran (Brooklyn, NY) & Jonathan Gardner (New Brunswick, NJ) at the Celebrate Israel Parade Chaya Reich (Brooklyn, NY) & Lala Schwartz (Toronto, ON) Camp Moshava

Executive Editor Associate Editor Assistant Editor OU Director, Design & Branding Art Director Graphic Designer

HOW TO REACH US: Yachad/National Jewish Council for Disabilities 11 Broadway, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10004 212-613-8229 • Fax: 212-613-0796 • yachad@ou.org • www.yachad.org

@YachadNJCD

www.facebook.com/yachadnjcd www.youtube.com/yachadnjcd www.instagram.com/yachadnjcd

TABLE of CONTENTS 2 4 6 8 11 12

EXECUTIVES' MESSAGES Mitch Aeder | Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman Ken Saibel | Eli Hagler

YACHAD IS MY HOME

A YACHAD FAMILY Gwen Bloom

THE ABLE ACT BECOMES LAW

RICHARD BERNSTEIN: NO WAY BUT FORWARD Bayla Sheva Brenner

RECONNECTING & MOVING FORWARD

38

TRADITIONAL SERVICES VS. SELF-DIRECTION Batya Rosner

16

YAD B'YAD

19

AN ADVENTUROUS LIFE OR A MEANINGFUL LIFE

22

AN UNEXPECTED CELEBRATION

Batya Rosner

42

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

44

INTERVIEW WITH SARA COOPERMAN Grace Berman

Michael Silverman

48

24

ARIELLA BARKER: A LIONESS OF GOD - NO MATTER WHAT

26

HARD WORK AND A HELPING HAND

30

50

YACHAD YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL: MAKING THINGS HAPPEN

52

A SERVING OF SUCCESS

54

FROZEN & AS WARM AS CAN BE

55

A VERY SPECIAL GIFT

56

WHAT INCLUSION MEANS TO ME

Bayla Sheva Brenner

Michael Orbach

Gwen Bloom

YACHAD'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER Gwen Bloom

33

YACHAD'S RELATIONSHIP BUILDING COURSE Zvi Volk

Batya Rosner

Jonathan Spiller

THE JOEL DANER YACHAD COMMUNAL FELLOWSHIP

36

CELEBRATING PURIM WITH OUR FRIENDS IN STATEN ISLAND

I

am new to Yachad, but Yachad is not new to me. I have known for a long time what Yachad means to my niece, Zahava, a Chicago Yachad member. Wherever she goes, Zahava meets friends she made at a Yachad Shabbaton (weekend retreat) or on Yad B’Yad, Yachad’s flagship summer program in Israel. Wherever her siblings go, they meet people who say, “You must be related to Zahava!” Yachad makes Zahava feel important and included.

I am writing these words shortly after my family and I attended Yachad’s 29th Annual Northeast Family Shabbaton. Over 900 people, including 135 Yachad members and their families, joined together for an extraordinary Shabbat. While the Yachad staff and dozens of tireless volunteers led programming for the Yachad members, their parents and siblings attended lectures, shiurim (classes), panel MITCH AEDER Chairman, Yachad National Board discussions, and workshops covering a wide gamut of topics – political advocacy, psychological issues, sibling support services, job training, financial planning, networking – all geared specifically to families of those with special needs.

It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming to hear the families’ stories. Painful challenges faced with resiliency and faith—parents sharing their experience with and providing advice and encouragement to other parents. Siblings of children with special needs who understand each other instinctively and can laugh and cry together. A number of parents said to me, “I do not know how we would survive, literally, without Yachad.” Or, “this Shabbaton is our lifeline.” This was a rare event, where a wide spectrum of Jews – secular, modern Orthodox, Chassidic, Ashkenazic and Sephardic, sat side by side as a community. What connected us was not overwhelmed by what usually divides us. Empathy and the desire to learn from one another replaced judgment.

The advisors present, college age students who volunteer at Yachad programs together with high school students and even eighth graders, exhibited such maturity, patience and caring that it is evident these volunteers get as much from Yachad as they give, if not more.

There is so much more that Yachad can do. The imagination and aspirations of our staff is limitless, but our resources are not. We need to be more efficient in providing services and more effective in conveying to the broader community the imperative of inclusion.

And there is so much more that each of us, and each of you, can do. Encourage your employer to sponsor a Yachad Shabbaton. Invite Yachad into your community for a lecture or a workshop or a Shabbat. Make your shul (including the bimah) wheelchair accessible. Encourage your children to build relationships with Yachad members they meet in school or camp. Promote inclusion in your schools. Give a job to an adult with special needs. Sponsor a Yachad camper this summer. Join Team Yachad in the Miami or Jerusalem Marathons.

Share ideas. Contribute.

I can be reached at mitch.aeder@gmail.com.

I

n my position as Yachad's associate director, I am often asked why one should contribute to our organization.

Quite simply, we need your support to continue and expand upon the vital work we do. However, let’s dig a bit deeper to learn more about Yachad. Today, Yachad is an international organization with 15 chapters around the United States, Israel, and Canada. We are the largest provider of summer camp experiences for Jewish individuals with special needs with 27 different programs. We have sliding scale counseling services for individuals and families. We have a school for those with disabilities. We have a Day Habilitation program and an extensive vocational program in order to stem the high rate of unemployment among our members. And as the only national organization whose mission is to promote inclusion, we have thousands of Shabbatonim (weekend retreats), and social and recreational programs throughout the year for Yachad members and KEN SAIBEL their typically developing peers.

Associate Director

Additional funds are needed in order to meet the increasing programmatic demands of our communities. Scholarship assistance remains our greatest need if we want to ensure that everyone can participate in our activities. The decision about whether to attend a summer camp, a Shabbaton, or a recreational program is often a strictly financial one for many Yachad families. We do our very best to ensure that every member of the community can participate, but we need your help. Funds are scarce. The needs are great and sometimes very difficult decisions must be made.

Often, people will ask, "how many individuals do you serve?” The answer is never simple. When just one Yachad member attends a program we are actually impacting multiple lives including those of the Yachad members’ siblings and family. They may then get the chance to do things that they ordinarily cannot — such as taking a much-needed respite. We also impact the lives of the typically developing teen and their families, who are immensely affected (often for the rest of their lives) by their participation.

As a proud beneficiary agency of the Orthodox Union, Yachad does indeed benefit by costs being subsidized through the generosity of the OU, thus ensuring that your hard-earned dollars go directly to the cause you wish to support.

Space does not permit me to share with you the countless stories of those whose lives have been forever changed by their interaction with Yachad, so I invite you to be in touch with me directly to further discuss our amazing organization. I can be reached at saibelK@ou.org or 212.613.8165.

In the meantime, if anyone asks you, “Why do you contribute to Yachad?” You can tell them, “I do so because I know my dollars will make a meaningful impact!”

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BELONG 2015-2016

E

veryone wants to belong. It is a human instinct shared overwhelmingly by people the world over, no matter their culture, their language or their upbringing. Individuals with disabilities share this desire — magnified exponentially. As Jews, our sense of belonging extends to our own communities, synagogues, yeshiva/day schools, or any environment in which Jewish people may be found. I am profoundly pleased and thankful that within Yachad’s communal reach in the U.S., Canada, and Israel children and adults with disabilities are welcome, treated with respect, and given the opportunity to lead full Jewish lives in an increasing number of communities each year.

Thanks to Yachad, and its incredible work over the past thirty years, inclusion of individuals with disabilities DR. JEFFREY LICHTMAN has become a priority for our Jewish communities. Over the years I’ve had the honor to work with a variety International Director of highly motivated professionals and lay people who devote countless hours to their work with Yachad, its staff and members. We have been privileged to have Mr. Aaron Kinderlehrer serve as the Yachad national chairman for the last 6 years. During that time Yachad has experienced phenomenal growth. Having said that, I am thrilled, to welcome Mr. Mitch Aeder, a member of the OU Board of Directors as our new Yachad chairman. I look forward to working with Mitch over the months and years to come to continue to advance Yachad’s mission and goals.

I am not exaggerating when I use the word “phenomenal” with regard to our growth. Here are a few developments for your consideration:

• Recently, we held our 29th Annual Northeast Yachad Family Shabbaton, which drew a capacity gathering of more than 900 people; we

have expanded these wonderful events to the Midwest, West Coast, and soon to Canada.

• Our North American Inclusion Month (NAIM) in February reached more synagogues, schools and other Jewish institutions than ever

before, while our Purim PowerPoint presentation, which allows everyone to participate in the Megillah reading, was screened in more

than 220 synagogues, schools and community centers­—its audience grows every year.

• We were thrilled when President Obama signed the ABLE Act into law. This vital legislation provides a tax-deferred savings vehicle for

persons with disabilities, much like the “529 Education Savings Plan.” Yachad members, staff and leadership joined with the OU Advocacy

Center to go to Washington, meet with senators and representatives. Congress listened and the President followed through.

• New York synagogues are requesting so many Yachad Shabbatonim (weekend retreats) that there simply aren’t enough weekends in

a year to accommodate their requests.

• The New Jersey Vocational Program has doubled in its two years of existence.

I invite you to sit back and enjoy this fascinating issue of Belong as you absorb the thrilling and heart-warming developments at Yachad that we are so proud to relate in these pages.

Have a good, restful summer and we’ll see you again soon, B’Yachad!

W

ho does Yachad aim to include in the broad Jewish community? Is it individuals with special needs?

Their parents? Their extended families? The kid in the classroom who doesn’t read so well? The girl on the volleyball team who never plays? The answers are yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. Yachad’s slogan of “Because Everyone Belongs” really describes Yachad very well. We believe that everyone — yes, everyone — has the right to be a part of our community. It’s my responsibility to accomplish that. It’s your responsibility, too; it is our collective responsibility.

With this in mind, we are making a strong effort to bring elementary school-aged students into Yachad programming. Our Junior Yachad division has always programmed together with local elementary schools, but with Yachad’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah Program we try to offer young men and women who are becoming bnei ELI HAGLER or bnot mitzvah the opportunity to include Yachad in their celebrations/parties or to work with us on a Associate Director chessed or project that includes and benefits everyone.

Additionally, for the first time, our Team Yachad fundraising program that participates in endurance races, has participated in a 5K, a much more manageable distance for younger participants than a 26.1 mile marathon or a half-marathon. In November 2014, we had almost 200 runners in Manhattan’s Riverside Park, including a group of close to 50 elementary school students from Manhattan Day School (MDS). Due to that great success, we are now participating in 5K races in the Five Towns, The Bronx, Manhattan and New Jersey and looking at additional events in Chicago, Florida, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

At 2014’s 28th Annual Northeast Yachad Family Shabbaton, a weekend retreat for the entire Yachad family, we launched an eighth-grade leadership program. Twenty select eighth-grade leaders joined us at this event to see firsthand how impactful a Yachad experience can be with the hope they would bring that passion back to their communities, friends and new high schools. This year 23 eighth-graders joined us at the 29th Annual Shabbaton in Stamford, CT.

Having more young people participate in our programs affords us the opportunity to educate the next generation of leaders. Today’s elementary school students have the great fortune of growing up in a community that has already been exposed to Yachad for 30-plus years. Their schools, synagogues, homes and communities are already more inclusive of people with special needs than that of their older siblings or parents. We are so proud that Yachad has played an integral role in making that happen!

In this, our fourth edition of BELONG, we introduce you to people, programs and happenings from all over the world as the message of inclusion continues to spread. Please enjoy it!

BELONG 2015-2016

3

o me, Inclusion means being welcomed into the group. At Yachad I feel that I am always included

Expanding my Jewish Identity

I am always eager to learn more about my Jewish identity, holidays, and customs. At Yachad, friends of mine have helped Shabbatonim. Friends and staff make an effort to me daven (pray), and practice reading Hebrew. By the end of talk to me and reach out if I have questions. No one judges me the Yad B’Yad summer travel program based on my disability or teases me. in 2014, I could read a couple of pages Everyone is accepting of me just as I am. of Hebrew without hesitating. I gained

Inclusion is an important part of more confidence in myself. I choose to Yachad, and everyone believes in making daven with my friends because they help an effort to reach out to others and to me to follow the service. Often I take make sure each individual is given the deep breaths when I pray as a way to attention that they need. I believe that stay focused and to concentrate. every person is unique and special in It is important to me that I am a part his or her own way. of the larger Jewish community. I always

Sometimes I get nervous when I enjoy doing the Walkathon for ROFEH Jonathan decorates the Yachad Sukkah speak, and hesitate, but my friends are and being a part of Yom Chessed (day patient with me because what I have to say is of charitable pursuits). I make a difference by important to them. I have learned how to start conversations making cards and paper flowers for people that are sick in with people — I used to be quiet but now I feel comfortable hospitals and being visible at community events. Attending the Megillah reading, a Maccabeats concert, or going to a basketball going up to people and introducing myself at Yachad events. and not left alone during meals, at events, or at

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BELONG 2015-2016

Jonathan and Emma Gelb on Tu B'shvat

game at the local Jewish day school help me to feel that I am part of the Jewish community.

in Shabbat services and this year I even received an aliyah (being called up to the Torah during prayers). And if you have ever been to a Yachad Shabbaton you know that we always sing my favorite song — “Pizza man.” I sang it loud and proud.

I love Yachad because it is a supportive, friendly

At Yachad I have participated in many new activities such environment and a place to belong. I can talk about my hobbies as indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf, painting pottery, hearing — photography, watercolor painting — and anything on my the Maccabeats live in concert, watching the Boston Celtics, mind with my friends and they always want to hear what I have attending a monthly Jewish social group, and enjoying a to say. chocolate Seder — which is a very silly but fun event. Yachad

Yachad events are fun, well-structured, and organized, and has enabled me to expand my horizons beyond the local level. at each event I get the opportunity to introduce myself and Last year my Aunt Rachel and I attended the Yachad Family make new friends. I now have 436 friends on Facebook and Shabbaton in Stamford, Connecticut with over 900 people. I most of them I met through Yachad! had never before been at a gathering that large and I met a lot

Being me isn’t always easy. Sometimes I have hard times of new people. The video I made for the “Lights, Camera, Take in my life and Yachad is a special organization that makes me Action” video contest played on a large screen and some people feel good about myself and gives me self-confidence. Recently, recognized me and shook my hand.

I wasn’t treated well by a teller

Last summer I traveled the furthest ever at a bank branch, so I emailed in my life when I went on the Yad B’Yad "Yachad is a place where the manager and I was able program. Although I was disappointed that to tell him the problem I had. we couldn’t go to Israel, I loved exploring He called me back and we the West Coast of the USA and visiting places I can be who I really am." spoke on the phone and he I never dreamed I could have. In particular, didn’t mind my speech delay.

I went on a safari in Arizona, saw the Golden Now any time I go to my bank the manager is happy to help Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and prayed at the Grand Canyon me. I attribute my ability to advocate for myself to the confidence as we watched the sun set and the moon rising. I visited the I have gained at Yachad.

Hoover Dam and spent a day in Disneyland — it was great!

I spoke this year at the Brandeis Shabbaton and I said that,

Yachad has helped me open up to new experiences and “Yachad is a place where I can be who I really am.” Ever since new people. Whether it is expanding my knowledge of Jewish I became a member, I have more confidence in myself, have holidays like the custom of eating apples and honey, shaking formed strong friendships, and I am not afraid to share my the lulav and etrog, learning about the miracle of Chanukah, ideas for events. I had dinner recently with some friends at and tasting the different fruits for Tu B’shvat. I now welcome Taam China in Brookline, Massachusetts and got a fortune that learning, doing, and being open to new things. read, “Show your true face to people that really matter.” What that means to me is that I don't have to pretend to be someone I am not. Yachad is a place I call home because I don't have to

January 30-31, 2015 was my 3rd year attending the Brandeis hide my true self — at Yachad I can be me and that’s just fine.

Shabbaton. It went by really fast. As always, I had a lot of fun and made new friends. I enjoy staying in a dorm, participating Jonathan Spiller is a member of New England Yachad

Trying New Things

Why I Love Yachad

BELONG 2015-2016

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The Joel Daner Yachad Communal Fellowship

T

hroughout his career Joel Daner spent time mentoring those who would follow him in Jewish communal leadership — acting as a sounding board for ideas and offering advice on dealing with particular situations. Many of today’s Jewish professional and lay leaders were mentored and guided in some way by Joel.

Yachad takes great pride in naming the Joel Daner Yachad Communal Fellowship as a tribute to this great leader. It is presented annually to outstanding recent college graduates who want to learn and grow under Yachad’s auspices — promoting inclusion for all Jewish people. Joel Daner laid a path for the fellows to follow, paved with Jewish ideals, leadership, excellence and professionalism.

"There is such a need for this program and this is such a fitting way for Joel to be remembered," Mrs. Selma Daner said of the fellowships named for her late husband. "He lives on, his memory lives on, and what he believed in still lives on."

When Joel Daner passed away in November 2010 at the age of 72, he left behind a four decade-long career in Jewish civic and community service, in which he had an enormous impact on the professionalism of the men and women who devote their lives to the Jewish people. Among the highlights of Joel’s work was his role as a board member of the Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled (JSDD) of Metro West, New Jersey for 10 years. As president, he led the agency

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through a period of remarkable growth.

As a lay leader, Joel was also an enormous asset to Yachad and its mission of inclusion. He laid the infrastructure for the flourishing lay leadership boards in Yachad’s New Jersey, Chicago, and Florida chapters. His two daughters were intimately involved with Yachad as members; participating in many programs and services that Yachad offers such as Yad B’Yad’s summer travel camp and vocational services.

Joel was born to serve the Jewish people. As vice president for social planning and human resource development at the Jewish Federation of Baltimore, Joel mentored many graduate students from the Baltimore Institute of Jewish Communal Service, guiding them into careers in Jewish education and community service. In recognition of his commitment, Joel Daner was presented many honors, including the Saul Schwartz Distinguished Service Award, the most prestigious honor of the New Jersey Association of Jewish Communal Service.

Cultivating Jewish Leaders of Tomorrow. . . Today

The Joel Daner Yachad Communal Fellowship (JDYCF) is a year-long fellowship, at the intersection of the Jewish community and the disability inclusion movement. It is designed to support the fellows’ development in working as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team that aims to meet the social and inclusion needs of Jewish individuals with diverse disabilities.

JDYCF is intended to shape emerging leaders who are planning careers in social work, psychology, medicine, education, not-for-profit management, development, public relations, policy planning or organizational leadership; or those who hope to serve the broad Jewish community in a lay leadership capacity.

"Please God, each year there will be a new cadre of Daner Communal Fellows and they will have the privilege, in some small way, of knowing that hopefully they are learning, if you will, to become Joel Daners," noted Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, international director of Yachad.

Yachad seeks applicants with a strong interest in social services and disability advocacy. Applicants may be on any career path.

Candidates must also be concerned about, and dedicated to, the global Jewish community.

“We are looking for focused and motivated individuals who

Top: Selma Daner speaking at Yachad's 30th Anniversary Dinner

possess a vision for what they want to accomplish and the drive to perform,” said Eli Hagler, Yachad’s associate director. “Our goal is to provide our fellows with the opportunity and guidance to develop, establish, and implement a plan that will create a lasting impact on Yachad and the global Jewish community.”

Fellows function as full time Yachad staff members, working out of the Orthodox Union’s national headquarters in lower Manhattan.

Fellows are assigned a primary mentor — a staff member under whose tutelage and guidance they will directly carry out their diverse range of duties within the agency. Additional mentors will provide integrated training and experiential opportunities in other areas as needed.

Together, the mentoring team will offer opportunities for the fellow to acquire proficiency in disability culture and Jewish organizational leadership.

Meet the Inaugural Fellows

Right: Our Fellows with Dr. Jeff Lichtman, Richard M. Joel, Selma Daner and Ken Saibel

Robbie Grad As an aspiring physician, I not only want to provide excellent medical care for my patients, but hope to be involved in health policy and advocacy as well. For this reason, I decided it would be an invaluable opportunity to work at Yachad where I have endeavored to shape the world toward my ideal of inclusion. I believe working for Yachad has provided the tools necessary to continue this pursuit throughout my career and help me develop the ability to create change in other sectors. As a Da n e r f e l l o w , I a m f o c u s i n g o n community and school outreach where I empower our young leaders and create sensitivity in our schools.

Nomi Gofine As a fellow, I primarily work with Yachad’s Birthright trips and New York Yachad’s so cial and recreational programming. Much of my focus is from the clinical services perspective, as well as working with Yachad’s advocacy department. I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges those individuals with disabilities and their families face, and how to effectively address them as an agent of change. I plan on pursuing a joint degree in law and social work when my fellowship comes to an end.

Stephanie Weprin I am using my role as a fellow to help Yachad continue its amazing work for the special needs community, specifically by working in vocational training as well as development and fundraising. I believe that this position will serve as a stepping-stone to my future in healthcare by allowing me to interact with so many people, especially a group that I feel so strongly about. Yachad is an amazing organization and I’m extremely honored to be a part of the team.

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d a h c a Y

By Gwen Bloom

M

eet David and Nicki, Max, Jake, Ariana, and Mackenzie Taller – a genuine Yachad family. The Tallers epitomize not only the literal meaning but also the spirit of Yachad in the truest sense. They face challenges, joy, and most anything that comes their way b’Yachad – together – as one.

Max, Jake, and Ariana are Yachad members. Their mother says that since joining Yachad her children have blossomed socially. They have made many deep-seated friendships and (happily) travel to Shabbatonim and events anywhere they’re held. Yachad has changed their world.

The three Taller children have attended programs in public schools all their lives. They have received excellent educations and have "Nicki and David together have had warm and caring teachers done something incredible." along the way in the Lawrence, NY school district. However it has not been easy for them socially.

"Yachad welcomes each member regardless of their level of ability or disability," Mrs. Taller explains. "Each of my children is very different and their needs and expectations are different.

Our son Max is an easy-going guy. He really doesn’t see the differences in people. To Max every person is a potential friend.

He is a kind, sweet, and thoughtful person. As he has gotten older we have worked with him to establish boundaries. The more time he spends with his peers and the Yachad staff, the more he learns about interacting with others. He is learning to give people space and let relationships develop where they may.”

Rebecca Shrag, Yachad’s Yad B’Yad program director concurs. “Max has been one of Yachad’s ‘mayors’ for years", she says. "His friendly and enthusiastic nature makes him very popular amongst participants.”

Arianna’s success and popularity within the Yachad arena is squarely matched with Max’s; as she tells it, she has a very busy social life. She now goes out with her friends and hangs out on Central Avenue and is enjoying her independence. Her mom, Nicki added that, “for Ariana, Yachad has been a life changer. She had a very limited social life before joining Yachad.

She’d been intimidated by the students with such different backgrounds at school. Now she has become friends with so many people in the community. Ariana is constantly learning from her experiences; she now recognizes her limits, is calmer, and more confident. Her people skills have improved so much.”

“Seeing Ariana open herself up to more social experiences over the summer was a highlight of the trip,” noted Rebecca Schrag. “But the real magic happened once we returned to

New York. Ariana was back in a familiar environment, with every reason to again shy away from peers, but her friends wouldn’t allow it. While at times needing encouragement, Ariana can now be found out bowling, sharing pizza, or at the movies with friends on any given Saturday night. Ariana has a social life of her own and now she is often the one introducing her brothers to new friends.”

Michael Fagin, a high school peer on Yachad’s Yad B’Yad summer program points out, “I have known the Tallers all of my life, my mother and Nicki have been friends forever.

Throughout the years I never really found much to talk about with Ariana. Thankfully, over this summer’s trip we finally grew close and we are now in frequent contact with one another.”

Eytan Aryeh, a fellow peer agrees. "I met Ariana on Yad B'Yad this past summer. She wasn't the easiest person to get to know, but once you make the connection she really opens up. Over the last couple of months she's become one of my best friends."

“Jake is a homebody,” Nicki says of her younger son. “Up until last summer he had never spent a night away from home.

He would always tell me, ‘I’d miss you too much - I am not going!’ No amount of cajoling or suggesting would change his mind. Then in the midst of one long, hot Shabbat afternoon last summer he informed me, “I’m really bored; I am going with Ariana on the next Yad B’Yad Shabbaton.” And that was that – he was ready to spread his wings.”

The Tallers first learned about Yachad from Tzippy Posner at Kulanu Academy, a Cedarhurst, NY school for children and young adults with special needs. Tzippy had previously worked on Yachad summer programs and Shabbatonim and

Nicki & Max celebrate with the family after competing in Miami Marathon with Team Yachad

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after meeting the Taller family she suggested that Nicki and to watch them develop their independence,” Mrs. Taller reveals.

David contact Yachad and look into its unique and varied “Max never misses a Shabbaton; he is always looking forward social programming. “The Tallers are amazing parents,” Mrs. to going anywhere and meeting everyone. Ariana goes whenever Posner says. “They do so much to help their children reach she can because she knows the advisors and looks forward to their full potential, with no pressure. They give them every seeing them along with her friends. Jake had informed us that opportunity to grow as individuals.” he was not going over state

The Taller’s youngest daughter, lines,” she said with a smile, "Nicki and David are committed Mackenzie is in her first year of high “but has recently gone on a scho ol. She is a capable and Shabbaton to New Jersey where understanding young woman, who he stayed with Ariana’s friend to parenting each of their very shows great sensitivity and guidance Jessie Zuker. My son told me, to her siblings. Her mother tells us ‘I miss you, but I’m fine.’ This she believes that those with siblings brought tears to my eyes. different children in the way who have special needs often grow “Each of our children is up to be extraordinary individuals making great strides due in that suits each best.” because they learn, at an early age, large part to the wonderful staff not to judge others and to accept that Yachad provides,” Nicki things as they are and make the expounds. “Counselors seem to most of them. stay about six to ten years; there is so much energy and no one

Gayle Fremed, the director of the Special Needs gets burned out.”

Department of the JCC of the Greater Five Towns shares that,

“Nicki and David together have done something incredible.

“Mackenzie has been a counselor here for three summers; They are true role models of what it means to be good parents. she is so gentle and focused. She has great instincts and is Not only to parents of children with special needs, but to all incredibly patient and cool like her mother, Nicki. Max works parents,” notes Eli Hagler, associate director at Yachad. “Their here as well and is doing a great job as a counselor. Jake and sense of humor and dedication to their children is second to Ariana are happy when they are here; they are great none. I saw this first hand when Nicki ran her first half contributors. Nicki has done tremendous research and is marathon with Team Yachad in January 2015. She had never tireless in her search for programs and people who can help run before, had never trained before, and didn’t think she her children.” could do it… but her hard work and dedication carried her

“My children are each so different and it’s heart-warming over the finish line.”

“When Nicki spoke at the Pasta Party the night before the race,” Eli enthused, “you could hear a pin drop. Everyone there knew Nicki was participating in this event to improve the lives of her children and all Yachad members. It was impactful for all our runners and participants to hear her tell what Yachad programs and staff mean to her and her family and the importance of inclusion. She was amazing.”

Rebecca agrees, “Besides being hilariously funny, clever, creative, and caring, Nicki’s realistic and on-point parenting is awe inspiring. Nicki and David are committed to parenting each of their very different children in the way that suits each best.”

“We have so many wonderful people in our lives who have made our journey so meaningful,” Mrs. Taller shared.

“My husband David and I are thankful for the many professional and lay people who have kept us moving forward.

Mackenzie enjoying the Team Yachad experience with her mom

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Gwen Bloom is the editor of Belong

Yachad's lobbying mission to Washington DC - March 2014

I

t is the American dream to work hard to get ahead. We all want to move up the ladder and do our best. Until recently, those with special needs were unfairly discouraged from saving for the future but, thanks to a new federal law, this is no longer the case. Yachad’s families applaud the passage of the Stephen J. Beck Achieving a Better Life Experience (“ABLE”) law.

Yachad, together with the OU Advocacy Center, the non-partisan public policy arm of the Orthodox Union, has been advocating for the passage of this law for several years.

The ABLE Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt accounts for families of individuals with disabilities. Funds from these accounts may be used for expenses such as transportation, education, housing, and employment services.

For the past five years, Yachad and OU Advocacy have actively promoted this legislation by bringing frequent missions to Washington as part of Yachad's North American Inclusion Month (NAIM) and organizing advocacy campaigns that urged members of Congress to support this bill. “For too long, individuals living with disabilities have faced a ‘Catch-22’: they must rely on government assistance to live, but if they get a job in order to become independent and more self-sufficient they face the risk of becoming ineligible for the very government assistance they need,” said Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, international director of

THE T C A E L AB S E M O C BE L AW Yachad. “Untold potential has been squandered because medical costs and other expenses have prevented those with disabilities from attending a university or pursuing their professional goals.”

The ABLE Act allows individuals with disabilities to have full-time employment and still qualify for Medicaid and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Up until now, individuals with disabilities could not accumulate more than $2,000 in savings without becoming disqualified from receiving these benefits. Through the ABLE Act, individuals with disabilities can now save up to $100,000 without being suspended from government support—which, in turn, allows them to take control of their finances and be fullyparticipating members of the workforce.

The OU and Yachad commend U.S. Senator Robert Casey (D-PA), U.S. Representatives Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and the many other sponsors of the bill.

“Too often, those with disabilities are required to focus only on meeting their expenses, rather than achieving their potential, which should not be the case,” said Nathan Diament, executive director of the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center. “The ABLE Act delivers meaningful help to families with special needs members.

The passage of this law provides invaluable support to thousands of Americans.”

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By Bayla Sheva Brenner

THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF RICHARD BERNSTEIN

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R

ichard Bernstein, Michigan’s newly-elected Supreme Court justice, has never let anything stand in his way. As a former Detroit-based powerhouse attorney, he took on airlines, airports, universities, the American Bar Association, and the Department of Transportation in both Detroit and New York City in order to make life easier for individuals with disabilities. He’s run marathons (eighteen, so far including two half-marathons with Team Yachad in Miami), competed in Ironman triathlons, hosted a radio show and traveled the globe to speak about facing life’s challenges.

He should know. He’s blind.

Obstacles don’t exist in Justice Bernstein’s world. Blind-from-birth, he learned early on that the key to a successful life — blind or sighted — is to create your own light. He’s been busy spreading a beacon of light to individuals across the globe, bringing the message of accessibility and inclusion to cities throughout

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the U.S. and beyond.

He’s visited Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, London, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Jewish communities interested in launching special education and athletics programs call on him to hear his vital message that if you give it your all, Hashem will make it possible. “I’m grateful that I’m able to give voice to people who otherwise don’t have it,” he says.

Although Justice Bernstein’s days are anything but dark, he admits it hasn’t been easy. “When you’re different, you struggle,” he says. Richard Bernstein was blinded from birth as a result of retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease in which there is damage to the retina. “But, an easy life doesn’t necessarily mean a good or fulfilling one. How you choose to respond to life, that’s how you’re going to live.” His response to a life in the dark is to become a veritable blaze of optimism.

“He loves connecting with people,” says Tzippi Rosen, program director of Florida Yachad.

Rosen welcomed Justice Bernstein as a guest speaker for his second Florida Yachad Shabbaton.

“Yachad Shabbatonim are great,” says Justice Bernstein, whose visit to Florida Yachad drew a crowd of 600 captivated listeners.

“You could feel the impact it has on the participants. It’s transformative for them.

They crave these things that everyone takes for granted.

They crave the normalcy. ‘I’m doing what my brother or sister does!’ ‘My child has this incredible opportunity to go to a Shabbaton and m a k e f r i e n ds . ’ If t h e synagogue lets us speak ‘from the pulpit,’ more schools and synagogues would participate. You have to introduce people who have never been exposed to disabilities. If you have disabilities and want to learn more about Judaism, Yachad is the place. It’s been my total pleasure to go.”

Evidently, the feeling was mutual. “He blew everyone away,” says Rosen. “They said he was the most amazing person they had ever met. When you could hear a pin drop in an audience of students, you know they’re taking in every word. I said to myself, if he could do as much as he does [with his life] and always with a smile, I could at least do half.”

As a lawyer, he travelled to Columbia, South Carolina, to speak at synagogues and schools about the necessity of inclusion, advised the Sao Paulo Jewish community on how to

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promote and implement greater inclusion. He appeared at twenty speaking-engagements in ten days to audiences throughout Australia, as well as London. “Many families [abroad] don’t have the special education opportunities we have in the States,” he says. “My goal was to help them to realize what is possible.”

He’s keeping a promise he made years ago.

Justice Bernstein knew he wanted to pursue a law career from a very young age. And it’s not just because he comes from a family with three generations of attorneys. “I love what it represents,” he says. “I could literally make life better for people.

If a big entity is discriminating, it doesn’t matter how powerful they are, a government or corporation — you can make real change.

When there’s injustice, the law allows for change and making things right.”

Getting through law school is no easy feat in the best of circumstances. While at Northwestern University, Bernstein had to memorize lectures, test questions and entire “fact patterns” (the basis for the questions), some of which were multiple pages long; he often put in thirteen hours of study a day.

“I made a deal with Hashem,” says Justice Bernstein. “I said, ‘If You get me through this, I will dedicate my life to representing the special needs populations.’” He received his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago in 1999 and promptly informed his father of his aspirations to establish a public service division in The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, the family law practice in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It turned out to be the firm’s fastest growing division.

“Richard’s my hero,” says older brother, Mark, who serves as the president and managing partner of the family firm. “He had to figure out how to navigate a world that wasn’t as accommodating to him as it was for others. I think that’s what enabled him to do the extraordinary. No matter what disappointment or setback, he picks himself up and uses it to motivate him. He’s redefined the meaning of vision.”

Racing for His Life

The ultimate fulfillment of his promise to G-d came after he discovered his other great passion, athletics.

He joined Achilles International, a non-profit organization providing training and racing opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

(Founded in 1983 by Dick Traum, an above-knee amputee, Achilles has 65 chapters within the United States and abroad.) Justice Bernstein’s involvement led to his manifold achievements in the world’s most arduous races.

“Athletics gave me a self-confidence I hadn’t had before,” says Justice Bernstein, who was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame this past April. “In high school, I was unable to participate in sports. I was [relegated to] sitting on the sideline.”

This newfound assertiveness inspired him to take on Herculean legal contests. “My father would come into my office and say, ‘Richard, did we just sue the city of Detroit?’ ‘Did we just sue Delta?’

I was able to break free, to have more control over my destiny.”

He partnered with the United States Department of Justice to legally push the City of Detroit to repair broken wheelchair lifts on the city’s buses. In a landmark settlement against Delta Airlines and Detroit Metro Airport, he gained access-ibility for fliers with disabilities, setting the precedent for Richard Bernstein completes the 2012 airlines and airports to Miami Marathon with Team Yachad comply with the mandates in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. He also fought the State of Michigan and proved victorious in preserving special education funding throughout the state. Ironically, he filed a suit against his employer, the University of Michigan, on behalf of the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America. The suit claimed that Michigan Stadium (a.k.a. “The Big House”) violated the ADA in its approximately $300-million renovation by failing to add enough seats for fans with disabilities or accommodate their needs via accessible restrooms, concessions, and parking.

Thanks to Justice Bernstein’s efforts, the legal settlement called for 329 seats with an equal number of “companion seats.” In its first football season after compliance to the mandate, the university reported in a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice that 74% to 89% of the available wheelchair-accessible seats were sold for each of its seven home games. The case helped to define the compliant guideline as it pertains to the differences between “alterations” and “repairs” for commercial facilities on a nationwide basis.

One of his most recent lawsuits was filed from his bed at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan. In August of 2012, while Justice Bernstein walked through Central Park, winding down from a workout for his eighteenth NYC marathon, a speeding cyclist (going 35 mph, 10 mph over the speed limit) struck him from behind causing him to fall face down onto the asphalt. He suffered facial abrasions requiring surgery, tooth damage and a broken and dislocated hip, which required a ten-week hospital stay. The suit (filed in federal court against the City of New York and the New York City Department of Transportation) claimed Central Park was inaccessible to blind, visually-impaired and disabled visitors, that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 by failing to stop reckless cyclists using the roadways. The lawsuit stipulated that the city come up with a plan to make Central Park safe for people with disabilities.

Months before the accident, Justice Bernstein had committed

himself to attending Yachad’s High School Leadership Shabbaton in Stamford, CT. Despite his long recuperation in the hospital, he was determined to honor that commitment. He arranged to be released the Friday of the event, and secured transportation to take him directly from the hospital to the hotel where the event was taking place.

Spirituality of Disability

Although he grew up with a limited Jewish education, he found himself reconnecting to Judaism after his accident. Upon hearing of his injuries, Orthodox rabbanim in the community came to visit. “They were there for me every single day,” says Justice Bernstein, not as yet married, but hoping to someday. “That level of support inspired me to learn more and to grow. I had an incredible sense of belonging.”

Despite his disability, he considers his life truly blessed. “People who know and appreciate struggle every day are given the greatest life,” he says. “You find that you have an incredible ability to differentiate [between] what is important and what is not. You have a resiliency to push forward and do things that people never thought were possible.”

Timothy Maclean, 27, his “reader” for the past five years, benefits firsthand from Justice Bernstein’s perpetual positivity.

“Here’s someone who has every excuse to let his disability hold him back; no one would bat an eyelash if he complained or had a negative attitude,” says Maclean. “Yet, he takes his challenge and turns it into something he could use to benefit others. He sees no other option.”

Difficulty doesn’t faze Justice Bernstein. His new position has him working fifteen hour days memorizing stacks of legal files, preparing for oral arguments with the six other justices on the court. Nonetheless, he relishes the opportunity the position affords him to enhance lives and to educate. “My colleagues, who have never worked with a blind person, have had to realize there is someone in the room who can’t see,” he says. “They have had to be amenable to working with the challenges that I face. At the end of the day, it has to work.”

He sees this as a chance to give people an appreciation and understanding of what people with disabilities contend with and of what they are capable. “I’m hoping [through my example] that employers will see the benefits of hiring a person with disabilities.

That, if given the chance, they could rise to the occasion as loyal hardworking employees.”

Although Justice Bernstein experiences constant pain from his Central Park injuries, his spirit never wavers. To him, there’s no other way to go but forward. “The people who make the most of their lives have to work the hardest. If you have a disability, it may be more daunting and difficult, but your life is going to be nothing less than extraordinary.”

Bayla Sheva Brenner is a senior staff writer at the Orthodox Union

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a y ' B d Ya & n o i s u l c n I

s r e d r o B o N w o n K p i h s d n e i r F

osner R a y t a B By

S

ome of life’s most important moments occur when you take someone’s hand and begin your journey together. Many toddlers take their first steps hand in hand with a parent.

Newlyweds start their lives together, literally or figuratively, hand in hand. Hebrew for hand in hand, Yad B’Yad (YBY) is one of Yachad’s most popular summer programs. This groundbreaking program brings typical high school students together with Yachad members for a four-week Israel experience.

Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, international director of Yachad, shared with parents: “In a world of sound bites and Instagram, it’s hard to grapple with what you experience here. Yad B’Yad is an opportunity for young people to come together, to learn together, to learn from one another. This is an opportunity for those who are quieter to find a voice and speak up. The youngsters learn not just about inclusion, but also to appreciate that we all have challenges just as we all have gifts. It’s all about perspective.”

For the first time, this past summer, YBY created a second trip to accommodate the growing number of applicants.

“Registration for Yachad summer programs generally opens in late October and by early winter YBY tends to be full,” noted Rebecca Schrag, MSW, director of Yad B’Yad programs and Yachad coordinator of high school programming. Rebecca leads one bus,

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while the other is under the leadership of Ron Hirschhorn, program director of Junior Yachad.

Jacob Shamash, of Deal, NJ, a second year YBY counselor together with his brother Saul explained, “One of the primary reasons I come back to YBY is because of the attitudes and values the program instills; inclusion should be the goal for everyone.

As a college student, I miss seeing inclusion on my campus. I love being recharged and bringing the message back with me.”

Tami Drapkin of Skokie, Illinois, whose son Eitan was a first time participant wrote, “I find myself amazed over and over again at how well the program runs; if I'm feeling so grateful for this program, I can only imagine how the participants feel.”

The trips in summer 2014 were to the West Coast due to the unrest in Israel.

The Spirit Out West

From San Francisco to Las Vegas, Phoenix to San Diego and Los Angles, Yachad teens from across the United States experienced America this past summer.

High school student Abby Stiefel of Teaneck, NJ said, “I feel that in every activity we had everyone was included in different ways, and our group got closer every day. It’s the people who matter.”

The YBY groups visited famous attractions including Disneyland, Warner Brothers’ Studios, the Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance, Hoover Dam and the San Diego Zoo. Participants

d a

Dr. Lichtman joined the YBY groups as he does every year.

On another conference call with parents he emphasized that, went tubing in Arizona’s Salt River; took jeep rides through Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon; visited Sunset Crater, a dormant volcano; and held a kumzitz (sing-along) at the Grand Canyon.

They rode the Palm Springs Tramway and held a scavenger hunt at Newport Beach in California. They experienced Shabbat in Las Vegas, Scottsdale, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

“I had so much fun on Yad B’Yad. One of my favorite experiences was horseback riding,” Ted Cohen, of Monsey, NY, a returning Yachad member enthused.

But more important than where they went and what they did, every activity was inclusive. Weekly emails were sent out to parents with various highlights contributed by participants.

Participant Merrill Brenner of Los Angeles wrote, “on YBY, we learn when to lead, and when to step back and allow others to showcase their abilities and talents. This style of leadership is what identifies Yachad and Yad B’Yad as a one-of-a-kind organization. For me, this was by far one of my most meaningful lessons. YBY trips emphasize growing as an individual and using these skills to become a better leader.”

“Yachad is blessed with amazing staff. Rebecca and Ron, our young professionals leading each trip, are amazing; they are highly competent, and do a wonderful job. They not only take care of participants but also supervise and mentor staff and support and facilitate growth as a group.”

Pamela Shuman, of Milford, MA (outside of Boston), whose

daughter Jessica was a new Yachad member on the program, agreed. “The level of care and love that was given to Jessica was incredible and to be able to see our daughter smile and feel like part of a group is all that any parent wants,” she said.

Dr. Lichtman ended the call by saying, “When your children

come home, hopefully you will see how much they have been positively affected. Ask them about the experience — not just where they went, but what moved them? What did they learn? I think you’ll be amazed at how much they will have grown over the past few weeks.”

Batya Rosner is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union

Top: Hands on experience at Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Arizona Bottom: Yad B'Yad participants on a train ride through Calico Ghost Town, an Old West mining town in California

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e g n a s n a a ch l of p

W

hen events in Israel last summer rerouted the 190 Yad B’Yad participants to the West Coast, the message was loud and clear that inclusion and friendship know no borders. In one week, Yachad’s remarkable staff was able to accomplish what normally takes months of planning.

As rockets continued to be launched toward central and southern Israel, and ground forces entered Gaza, Dr. Lichtman, together with the top professional and lay leadership of Yachad and the Orthodox Union, reluctantly agreed that the program would not be able to continue with its original plans to tour the Holy Land.

“Yad B’Yad is much more than an itinerary — Yad B’Yad really could take place anywhere. We wanted it to be in Israel, we prayed for that, but it wasn’t meant to be,” noted Dr. Lichtman, on a conference call to YBY parents.

Ron Hirschhorn points out, “this is a barrier-breaking trip and a leadership program for teens. Every participant walks out with 100 friends. It’s the people who make the program.

Inclusion is not a place or a trip, it is a mindset and an attitude.”

To accommodate all physical needs of participants across Israel, inclusive activities had been mapped out and reserved months and weeks in advance. A mass effort was launched by the entire Yachad staff to figure out how to make alternate arrangements. Could tickets still be booked? Where could

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wheelchair-accessible buses be found? Who could cater the food? What options were available during the Three Weeks, the Nine Days and Tisha B’Av? Every bit of manpower from top leadership to interns was vital to make Yad B’Yad 2014 a success. Some planned the Shabbatonim, others oversaw the daily itineraries, others were in charge of researching activities, hotels, etc.

Challenges definitely existed. In the summer especially, the West Coast is a popular destination for conventions, concerts, and general vacations, so finding hotels that could accommodate 45 rooms, along with space to eat and daven wasn’t a simple matter. Bus drivers are only able to drive 12 hours a day and be on call 14 hours a day. Each bus also needed to be equipped with a sefer Torah, to be used for daily prayers and Shabbat.

A conference call was held with parents explaining the decision and how the YBY program was scheduled to proceed.

Yachad offered a full refund to any participant who wished to opt out; not one did.

“All the planning in the world could not have foretold the ominous situation that Israel would have to endure,” noted Michelle Sitzer, of Brooklyn, NY, whose son Akiva attended YBY 2014. “Yet Yachad rose to the occasion and organized a magnificent trip — an amazing experience that my son will treasure forever.”

In one week, Yachad staff rearranged the entire itinerary for a four-week inclusive touring experience of the West Coast — and a good time was had by all.

An Adventurous Life or a

MEANINGFUL LIF E

By Michael Silverman

Watching the film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2014), I was a bit disappointed to find no moral at the end — or was there a moral?

Mitty is an average guy who has a boring life, a boring job, and a bad habit of daydreaming about imaginary adventures (that constantly get him into trouble). But when he goes on the hunt for a mysterious photographer, Mitty begins a real-life adventure. In addition, it is interesting to note that when he travels in the wilderness of Greenland and the Himalayan Mountains, his daydreaming episodes begin to decrease.

Not everyone can travel and explore the world in search of adventure (it costs a great deal of money, and in reality, it can also be boring). I believe that the moral of the movie is not to live a life of adventure, but that the answer to a humdrum life is to try to find meaning in the things you do.

I think that there are five ways you can make life more meaningful:

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Find ways to make your religion more meaningful (if you have one).

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Concentrate on your relationships —

4

Try to find work that means a lot to you

5

Spread the word. Find a cause that you

Choose entertainment that has meaning. love and friendship.

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(or if you can’t, then try a hobby that does). most believe in and share this knowledge with the world (this can be political action or maybe writing a book, article, or song).

There is a lot of repetition in life and yes, it is sometimes tedious, but this should not be the focus of your life. To develop a meaningful life takes much thought, effort and patience, but when you do it, it will be worthwhile.

If you think about it, doing the same thing often on the job is not unusual; that is how the world works. Just as the sun rises and sets each day, and electricity hums constantly, it is often the same for people and the things they do. So the next time you are stuck doing an unexciting project, look on the bright side — unlike the routines of nature and science, people can take breaks to smell the roses.

Yachad Gifts 855.505.7500 or info@yachadgifts.com

Michael Silverman is a member of New England Yachad Because Everyone Belongs

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Yachad

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summer programs

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AN UNEXPECTED CELEBRATION

By Batya Rosner

T

he moment arrived to call Josh Kadysiewicz to recite the blessings before the Torah as a bar mitzvah. At 26, the long awaited and eagerly welcomed opportunity was particularly moving as Josh found himself in Israel’s holy city of Tzfat surrounded by hometown pals and new friends on his Taglit-Birthright Israel: Israel Free Spirit Yachad trip.

For Josh — Yehuda Aryeh Binyamin ben Chaim (his Hebrew name) — the first day of the Jewish month of Elul was a day he will never forget.

“The smile didn’t come off his face,” shared his mother Brenda, months later after watching a video of the ceremony recorded by the Yachad Birthright staff. “Josh was so proud of the fact that he’d become a bar mitzvah. He’d phoned us that evening from Israel to share every detail; he was so excited!

Everywhere he goes, he tells people about traveling to Israel with Yachad and his bar mitzvah celebration.”

“Yachad Birthright is accessible to everyone,” explains Nicole Bodner, the director of Yachad’s Taglit-

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Birthright Israel program and director of New York Yachad.

“We adapt the itinerary in ways that make sure everyone can participate in all activities. For example, we take the cable car to Masada, and our hikes are all wheelchair accessible. The focus is on connecting to our Jewish homeland and identity and building upon social skills, as this is the first time many of our participants are given an opportunity for independence.”

At the start of each trip, Nicole and her staff ask if there is anyone who had not experienced reciting the blessings over the Torah in celebration as a bar mitzvah. On this trip, only Josh had not, so a celebration was planned.

In preparation for the big day, Josh was given a transliterated version of the Hebrew blessings. He learned the blessings with Akiva Maresky, a Yachad Birthright staff member who was also a friend from Josh's hometown in Toronto. The pair also prepared a brief speech that Josh gave in honor of his special moment.

Since birth, Josh has had developmental delays and his speech is not always clear. Still, he says he wasn’t nervous about speaking in front of this crowd.

Josh celebrating his bar mitzvah with Birthright friends in Tzfat

“I am so happy that I can celebrate my bar mitzvah with all of you in Israel,” Josh read.

“Although I really miss my amazing family in Toronto, you are all like family to me! This past week on Yachad Birthright has been really, really fun. I loved spending time with everyone, and seeing the incredible sights around Israel. One of the highlights of this week was becoming an Israeli Army commander. I think that I was a really good commander, and it was a lot of fun. Bar mitzvahs are about growing up and becoming an adult. I think that I am becoming more mature and I am happy to finally celebrate my bar mitzvah.”

Josh was praised and supported by "You could see on his face his new friends, honored with that he felt important." speeches and even received small gifts from Yachad staff and guests. The celebration continued with singing and dancing in honor of the new bar mitzvah. Josh’s brilliant smile grew wider and wider as the hours went by.

“You could see on his face that he felt important,” noted Aryeh Spiegel, another friend of Josh’s from Toronto Yachad and a member of Yachad's Birthright staff.

“The point of this Yachad Birthright trip is that you are special because you are Jewish, not because of a disability,” Aryeh continued. “After the trip, you could tell Josh felt a

greater connection to his heritage because now he was a bar mitzvah.”

“Josh is a super helpful, energetic, friendly, and easygoing guy. He is genuinely interested in both Judaism and new friendships,” added Nicole. “A fellow Yachad Torontonian celebrated a birthday while on the program and Josh did not let the event go unnoticed. He brought a card with him on the trip."

Josh’s parents, Brenda and Harold, were so proud that they wished to celebrate Josh’s bar mitzvah (again) in Toronto.

Shortly after Josh returned home from Israel, family and friends gathered to celebrate this milestone in his life. Guests watched the moving and joyous video of Josh’s experience that day in Tzfat, and wished him a hearty mazal tov.

“He was so proud!” Josh’s mother noted. “As far as I’m concerned, we owed this to Josh. Due to medical issues as a child and an ill grandparent that left the family busy, Josh missed out. When this opportunity arose, I jumped on it. Even if we could’ve given Josh a bar mitzvah ceremony in Toronto it wouldn’t have compared to what went on in Tzfat. That ceremony, in that atmosphere, with those friends—that couldn’t have happened here in Toronto.

“The best part of the Toronto bar mitzvah celebration was when Josh went to bed that night, and turned to me and said ‘Mommy, I’m so happy for my day.’”

For more information about Yachad Birthright contact Nicole Bodner at bodnern@ou.org or 212.613.8266.

Batya Rosner is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union

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A LIONESS OF GOD – NO MATTER WHAT

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By Bayla Sheva Brenner

t the age of three, Ariella Barker was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic disorder marked by advanced muscle weakening and loss. Despite predictions that she wouldn’t be able to walk, SMA was no match for Ariella’s stalwart spirit.

She walked, up until the age of eleven.

And even then, she refused to let life pass her by. She just revved up her wheelchair and set out to catch her dreams.

In the face of an increasingly bumpy road, marked by additional, often painful, illnesses, Ariella attained many of those dreams. She became an accomplished attorney, law professor, and chose to become a Jew.

Growing up in a wheelchair wasn’t easy. Although her North Carolina school tested her as academically gifted, she was assigned to the special education classroom. Fortunately, that same year, the ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act) passed, enabling Ariella to join her peers in the school’s honors classes.

Nevertheless, her social life suffered.

Visibly different from her classmates, she endured daily taunts. “I didn’t have a lot of friends,” she says. “I would get home at three and study until eleven at night; it got my mind off not being accepted just because I was different.” Her family, however, encouraged her to believe in herself. “They told me if I put my mind to it, I could do whatever I wanted to do.”

And that she did.

Ever since the age of six, Ariella knew she wanted to pursue a career in law. As she matured, and had to fight for her own rights as someone with a disability, she sharpened her focus on how to attain justice for individuals with disabilities via the legal system.

She earned her law degree at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and set out for New York City to look for work. She anticipated that people in a big city would see beyond her disabilities. “There are

so many people on the street who are different from others, left everything she knew here,” says Rabbi Kelman. “She had a many of whom are a lot more colorful than I am,” says Ariella. job; she knew how to navigate the city; to pick up and move “I could feel accepted, not stared at, not treated differently.” to another country is awesome — unbelievable.”

She landed a position as an attorney for the City of New York

“The moment I got off the plane, I felt I was home,” says in employment discrimination and labor law claims, under Ariella. She quickly cultivated a group of friends and began Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration. hosting Shabbat meals. “Everyone who meets her is enamored

“She’s a tenacious attorney,” says William Fraenkel, by her,” says Yosef Adest, one of her chevra of olim (recent a litigating senior counsel with the New York City law immigrants), originally from Staten Island. “She’s a mover and department and former colleague. “She’s a clear thinker and a shaker; she’s not a spectator in life. Ariella loved being in advocated for her clients remarkably well.”

Israel and being a part of her people and nation.”

With all her optimism about the city’s embracing of

That love included changing what needed to be changed. differences, she had her share of awkward moments. “I often According to Adest, if she encountered a curb she couldn’t got mistaken for being a court reporter or secretary. People scale, she’d take a photo of it, put in a looked surprised when I introduced formal complaint, and got it fixed. He myself as the attorney on the case. I relates that she did this repeatedly when "Ariella sees no limits even had a judge ask me to stand up she moved to Tel Aviv, prompting many while addressing her in court. She curb adjustments in the city. “One time, hadn’t bothered to look down to see to what she believes she went to a shul in the center of the I was in a wheelchair.” city and someone had to carry her in,”

Evidently, her passion for jussays Adest. “The rabbi saw it and said, tice stemmed from her insatiable she can achieve." ‘you will never have to do that again.’ hunger for the truth.

In the midst of her college studies, she experienced impaired kidney function that required major surgery. She requested that her professors not mark her as absent during her recovery; they refused – except for one. “This professor, who was also a rabbi, stopped me in the middle of my plea and asked if there was anything he could do to help me,” says Ariella. “It made it clear to me what kind of person I wanted to be.” She decided to take his Jewish law class the following year. She realized that everything that the Torah stood for was what she too believed. She decided to convert to Judaism.

In 2007, while living in Downtown Manhattan’s Battery Park neighborhood, Ariella took a weekly two-hour trip via Access-A-Ride to the Upper West Side to attend Routes to GeRut, a program (based at Congregation Ohab Zedek) designed to educate those converting to Judaism and assist them on their journeys. “I don’t recall her ever missing a class,” says Rabbi Maury Kelman, the program's director. “She had such a love and determination [to learn Torah]. She also followed up with me in between classes, asking questions, showing tremendous interest in learning and being the best Jew she could be.” She chose the name Ariella. “I looked it up,” she says. “It means lioness of God.” She related.

When Rabbi Kelman taught his students about the mitzvah of living in the land of Israel, Ariella took his words very seriously. “In a wheelchair, all alone, she picked up and

He immediately installed a huge, lavish ramp. Anytime we would pass the shul, Ariella would point to it and say, ‘see that; that’s my ramp.’

“Ariella sees no limits to what she believes she can

achieve. Whatever strength she has she uses to help others and to affect [positive] change. The things she has achieved are impressive for any individual and even more so for someone who has these obstacles. But, I don’t see her as a person with disabilities, I just see her as her. And that’s impressive enough.”

Currently, Ariella is back in Charlotte, struggling with

Trigeminal Neuralgia (a neuropathic disorder characterized by episodes of extreme facial pain, originating from the trigeminal nerve), as well as a gastro-intestinal condition that causes her to feel nauseous much of the time. But she’s definitely not down for the count. “Ariella’s faith, tenacity, and incredible connection to the Jewish people, Torah and mitzvot, will sustain her no matter what she goes through,” says Fraenkel.

“I’ve learned that we can’t really understand why God

does what He does,” says Ariella. “In the book of Job, God rewarded him in the end for maintaining his belief. I keep that story close to my heart; I still try to believe that things will get better.”

Bayla Sheva Brenner is a senior staff writer at the Orthodox Union

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25

HARD WORK

and

A HELPING HAND BEZALEL

KOSOFSKY’S

JOURNEY

By Gwen Bloom

W

peer named Binyamin Rieder; the two became fast friends and grew up together. As they got older Binyamin became a Yachad coordinator and their friendship remained strong. member emailed this note with great pride. “Since 2006, I He continued to serve as a mentor as Bezalel received have worked at Chestnut Holdings of New York, a real estate vocational training. Binyamin brought his friend into agency in Riverdale. At Chestnut Holdings, I am in charge Chestnut Holdings where he serves as the chief operating of all tenant correspondence filing in the file room. Some of officer, trained him himself, and the rest is history. that involves speaking with the 40+ Chestnut employees on

Bezalel likes to keep busy — he enjoys being independent a daily basis.” and productive. He works at Chestnut Holdings on Monday,

“On the job, I use a lot of the information that I learned Thursday, and Friday, and at the Jewish Theological at school,” he continued. “I took Seminary's library every Tuesday classes in computer technology, and Wednesday. "...I am so thankful for the specifically Microsoft programs

Bezalel’s parents, Maxine such as Excel, Word, and Outand Sam, and his younger sister opportunities that I have had. look. I use various social skills and her family are very proud when interacting with other of his accomplishments. He is a employees. I retrieve mail for strong and kind man who appYachad has been so good for me." the company, deliver deposits reciates his family and adores to various financial institutions, being an uncle. His mother, and perform other varied administrative tasks when called Maxine, said, “Bezalel hates to miss a day on the job; he is upon. I feel very comfortable with my co-workers at Chestnut punctual and very responsible. Last year my son had to take Holdings and I believe that my educational training as a time off to have a wisdom tooth removed. He was truly upset young man prepared me well for this job.” at the thought of missing work. Bezalel is a very dependable

Those in charge at Chestnut Holdings, a family firm, employee. Sam and I are so proud of him and are so hired Bezalel long before it was popular to hire individuals appreciative of the many people who have helped Bezalel get with disabilities — they truly were pioneers! Bezalel’s success to where he is today. Those who took the time to see what he story began at Yachad when he was 12-years-old and met a COULD do and helped him learn to do it!”

26

hen asked if he would like to participate in an article for Belong magazine about his career path, Bezalel Kosofsky, a 32-year-old Yachad

BELONG 2015-2016

“The Yachad staff was with us every step of the way,” Maxine added.

“Binyamin Rieder and the staff at Chestnut Holding opened doors for him and continue to be there for him.

The staff at the Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary encourages Bezalel to figure things out on his own and to meet readers and assist them on his own. He is so happy.”

Chani Hermann, director of Yachad New Jersey says, “Bezalel and I go way back; both our families are members of the Young Israel of Hillcrest in Queens, NY. We became good friends when Binyamin Rieder and I were co-coordinators of Yachad’s Queens Chapter and Bezalel was an enthusiastic member of the group. We remain in touch and it gives me great pleasure to see him so happy and fulfilled.

Bezalel has achieved so much over the years. Through his participation in Yachad programs he has grown socially, made many friends, and learned how to navigate the world around him. By attending Yachad Shabbatonim, Sunday programs,

and social skills programming Bezalel has developed the skills that will take him anywhere he wants to go.”

Bezalel says, “Since 2003, I have worked at the Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary which is one of the largest Judaic libraries. I am in charge of sorting, separating, and putting away books in the main library. Some of that involves collecting books from the tables, putting them on separate carts, putting them in order using the Dewey decimal system, and putting them away on the correct shelves. I enjoy helping people find the books they are looking for.

“I am pleased to have these jobs and I go to work each morning knowing that my co-workers depend on me,” Bezalel said. “I earn a salary, I can take care of myself, and I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have had. Yachad has been so good for me.”

Gwen Bloom is the editor of Belong

DO yOu hAvE A pErSON WITh SpECIAl NEEDS IN yOur fAMIly? ThEN yOu CAN’T MISS ThESE EvENTS!

yachad F a M i LY

now FroM coaSt to coaSt!

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fEATurED prESENTErS Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, International Director - Yachad and many other specialists from across the country, who focus on those with special needs and their loved ones

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vISIT yachad.org/family

for dates and more information or contact 212-613-8229.

Yachad is an agency of the Orthodox Union

Scholarships Available upon request

Because Everyone Belongs

BELONG 2015-2016

27

FACES OF

YACHAD

B

Belong 2014

30th

Anniversary

Ya c h a d Dinner by

gwen bloom

M

ore than thirty years ago there was no Yachad. international director, told the guests, “Yachad serves thousands The idea of inclusion was not even on people’s of children and adults with disabilities every year. These are minds since many had never met a person with people who have so much to offer when we give them the developmental disabilities. Individuals with special needs opportunity. In addition, every year we help tens of thousands of children and adults without disabilities come to appreciate were kept “out of sight” and consequently they truly were the abilities of our Yachad members. We help them learn to “out of mind.” The picture is so different today. Now, we see appreciate the strengths and weaknesses that we all have.” a view that includes everyone, regardless of his or her abilities or disabilities. Yachad has played a major role in enabling this momentous change, and its fight for inclusion has touched thousands of lives.

David Orlansky has been a member of the Yachad family

Yachad’s 30th Anniversary Dinner was held on December for many years. He is a regular at many programs and events, 15th at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck, NJ. Over 350 particularly Shabbatonim, and has even been on Yad B’Yad guests celebrated the great changes and awareness Yachad has seven times! His parents, Isabelle and Aharon, are very supportive brought about to improve the lives of individuals with special of his every endeavor and are great friends of Yachad, always needs and their families, and paid tribute to the honorees. willing to help in any way they can. David works hard and does

Esteemed honorees included well because he expects to succeed Isabelle and Aharon Orlansky of and his parents know that he can. At Manhattan who accepted the Yachad the dinner David gave a moving d’var Family Award, and the Marder family Torah that had everyone listening of White Plains, NY who were preseclosely; his love for Yachad was evident nted with the award for Community in every word and gesture. The Leadership. Rachel Frohlich Orenbuch Orlansky family — Isabelle, Aharon, and Yisroel Orenbuch received the David, and Ilana are an inspiration for Young Leadership Award. The us all. Dr. Lichtman, joined by Rebecca occasion also marked the inaugurSchrag, Yachad’s director of school ation of the Jo el Daner Yachad and community programming, and Communal Fellowship. director of Yad B’Yad, presented the The Orenbuch family

Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, Yachad’s award to the Orlansky family.

Yachad Family Award

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BELONG 2015-2016

Brooklyn with a strong connection to the Marder family, presented the award to this remarkable family.

Rachel and Yisroel Orenbuch, who live in Kew Gardens “A shul rabbi is typically reluctant to accept an honor from Hills, NY, have been involved in Yachad since their teens and an organization,” said Mr. Saibel, Yachad’s associate director. “If have remained active throughout these many years. In fact, he says yes to one, how can he not say yes to all? But when we Yachad was the “shadchan” (matchmaker) approached Rabbi Marder, we wanted to who brought the two together. In addition ensure that it wasn’t just him and his to welcoming Yachad into their amazing wife, Suzie, whom we wanted to Top: Isabelle and David Orlansky community each year, Yisroel, who works honor — it was their entire family. All of Bottom: The Marder Family in quality assurance at Credit Suisse, has their children have grown up with Yachad been instrumental in implementing and have participated in dozens of numerous social and recreational Yachad programs and events.” programs for Yachad with his company while simultaneously securing much needed funds for the organization.

Yachad’s former national chairman,

The Joel Daner Yachad Communal Aaron Kinderlehrer, and Yachad Fellowship (see article about JDYCF on member Bezalel Kosofsky whose page 6) is a tribute to a great man and relationship with Yisroel goes back 20 a great leader. It is presented annually years, jointly presented the Young to three outstanding recent college Leadership Award to this dynamic graduates who want to learn and grow couple. under Yachad’s auspices — promoting

Eli Hagler, Yachad’s associate inclusion for all Jewish people. The director shared, “It is no secret that dinner marked the formal launch of we as a community have come so far, this program that will be supervised but it's also no secret that we have so

by Eli Hagler. much further to go in our quest to

Richard M. Joel, President of make the broad Jewish community, Yeshiva University, spoke warmly of and the global community, more the late Mr. Daner. He said that he welcoming and inclusive. Leading the learned so much from this man who charge for the next generation are made time for every person and those who were lucky enough to be answered every question thoughtfully involved with Yachad in the 1990’s; and thoroughly. Joel Daner, with his they are now becoming the leaders wife Selma by his side, truly led by of their Jewish communities. That’s example and is sorely missed, why Rachel and Yisroel Orenbuch President Joel said, adding that he personally never made a are such deserving honorees.” career decision without first discussing it with Joel Daner.

Mrs. Selma Daner accepted the award with grateful appreciation. She knows how much her late husband

Rabbi Chaim Marder has been serving as rabbi of the believed in the vital work that Yachad does and she was Hebrew Institute of White Plains since 1995. Suzie Marder is a very gratified to see his name living on in the hearts and social worker at Westchester Day School. The Marders are the minds of the three inaugural fellows: Nomi Gofine, Robbie proud parents of seven children and one son-in-law: Shira and Grad and Stephanie Weprin.

Jason Saibel, Ari, Akiva, Shoshana, Ayelet, Yonina, and Doni.

One of the highlights of the evening was a performance Like their parents, these self-motivated young people are deeply by the Yachad Band. This group of talented musicians performed involved in Yachad’s many activities. They believe in the all evening, first playing in the background to set a joyous tone importance of giving back and spreading the idea of inclusion. and then kicking it up a few notches as guests took to the dance It is clear that the Marders believe that you are never too young floor. The band played a few of its own compositions as well to be involved; in typical fashion, the family composed a poem as popular Jewish music. to read at the dinner and each child read a portion of it. Ken Saibel joined by Chana Esther Sabbagh, a Yachad member from Gwen Bloom is the editor of Belong

Young Leadership Award

The Joel Daner Yachad Communal Fellowship

Community Leadership Award

BELONG 2015-2016

31

Ya C H a d p r e s e N t s i N t e r N at i o N a l i N C l u s i o N a N d s p e C i a l e d u C at i o N C o N f e r e N C e s

Turning into Building learning StrategieS FOr diverSe learnerS

New York

florida

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Rabbi Yaakov Aichenbaum, Dr. William Atwood, Dr. Karen Gazith, Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, Dr. Joel Shaul Concentrations on limudei kodesh, classroom management, literacy, ADHD, and more.

To register visit:

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keYNote address:

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For more information on pricing, multiple educator discounts and other conferences in a location near you, contact

batya Jacob at 551.404.4447, 212.613.8127 or batyaj@ou.org

32

BELONG 2015-2016

Yachad is an agency of the Orthodox Union

Collaboration to provide the best possible Jewish, general and special education for all students regardless of learning challenges or disabilities

Because Everyone Belongs

celebrating purim STATEN ISLAND

T

his year, the Young Israel of Staten Island once again hosted a Yachad Shabbaton. High school students joined Yachad members and the

joyful — filled with spirit and energy. Watching the faces

enthusiastic congregants to enjoy a lively and meaningful

uplifting. The Purim mesiba is the most beautiful and

day of prayer, song, and fellowship.

heartwarming sight. It is a favorite Shabbat of the year.”

“We always have the BEST time at the Young Israel

of our guests beam with kedushah (holiness) is wonderful and truly moving. Their zemirot (songs) are sublime and

Yachad member Tamar Schlanger says, “I had a lot of

of Staten Island Shabbaton,” Yachad coordinator Rachel

fun at the Shabbaton and at the mesiba. I enjoy dressing

Mendelson says. “The entire community is so welcoming

up every year and dancing alongside my friends.”

and excited to have us there. Words cannot describe how

much I enjoy the Purim mesiba (party). Everyone is so

says, “This Shabbaton has been a yearly event for over two

relaxed — we feel right at home."

decades. Our members look forward all year to visiting

Rabbi Yaakov Lehrfield shares, “Of all the Shabbatot

the Young Israel of Staten Island. Two hundred guests

and yamim tovim throughout the year, my favorite is the

participated b'lev shalem (whole-heartedly) that weekend.

Yachad Shabbaton. The shul is packed with our members

This community truly understands and practices inclusion

and all the Yachad participants. The davening (prayer) is

with grace and warmth.”

David Weintraub, program director for Senior Yachad

BELONG 2015-2016

33

The Team Yachad sTaff and parTicipanTs

thank YOU, our Friends and Corporate Sponsors for Your c o nTi n u e d supporT

MiaMi Marathon and half Marathon JerusaleM Marathon half Marathon & 10K

Wa lk, r u n o r j o g W i Th u s i n 2 016 : li f et i M e m i a m i Mar ath o n & h al f Mar at h o n - ja n ua rY 2 4, 2016 j e ru sa le m Mar ath o n , hal f Mar at h o n & 10 K - ma r c h 18, 2016

34

BELONG 2015-2016

www.teamyachad.com

Yachad champions the inclusion of all Jewish individuals with disabilities in the full spectrum of Jewish life.

Yachad is an agencY of the orthodox Union

Because Everyone BelongsBELONG 2015-2016

35

Reconnecting and

Moving Forward

M

any of us look back on our teen and college years with one another. We realized we now have fully-grown alumni fondly; we remember our friends and our activities who want to be a part of Yachad again.” with pride and Yachad has been a big part of so

What began as an effort to reach out to former Yachad many of those fond, youthful memories. Since its inception in volunteers, staff members, and campers quickly morphed into 1983, Yachad has brought together something much bigger. The thousands of people in hundreds initial vision was to reestablish of communities throughout the the connection of the organization United States, Canada, and Israel, with its past. Thousands of high whether through elementary and school and college students have high school Shabbatonim and volunteered for Yachad in some community events, or summer trips capacity. Many stayed six to ten and programming like Yad B’Yad years and grew with the orgor Yachad Birthright. anization. Eventually those

"After thirty years of champvolunteers graduated from ioning disability inclusion and school and started their families impacting countless individuals, and careers. Herrmann points out, families, and communities, we "we didn’t have programs for recognized that so many ‘friends of these adult volunteers, so though Paint Night in Riverdale, NY - February 2015 Yachad’ wanted to reconnect — find they continued to spread the the friends of their youth and see where they are now,” said message of inclusion to those around them, we needed a Naftali Herrmann, Yachad’s director of community outreach bridge and forum by which alumni can stay connected and and engagement. “It was time for adults that were first introduced involved with Yachad." to life-long friends and maybe even the special needs community

In 2013, thirty years after Yachad began, Friends of Yachad for the first time through Yachad programming to reconnect was created to fill this void. There are thousands of individuals

36

BELONG 2015-2016

that have had life changing experiences through their involvement on Shabbatonim or any of Yachad’s 27 summer programs.

Friends of Yachad enables them to keep the spark alive and continue to be part of the organization that means so much to them. A committee of past volunteers has been developed and to date, thousands of former alumni have rediscovered the fun and friends that they enjoyed years ago.

“When we held the first meeting to discuss the possibility of forming Friends of Yachad, there were men and women from multiple generations of Yachad staff and the excitement was

in 2015, but there are many other ways that they could become involved — bringing Yachad to their community, helping a Yachad member find a job, or by supporting the organization.

With a strong following already, Herrmann isn't done.

"We are just getting started. There are still thousands of alumni out there whom we haven't yet reached and we're not limiting our efforts to alumni. Our ultimate goal is full inclusion and that means the entire Jewish community becoming Friends of Yachad.”

"The beauty of Friends of Yachad is that anyone and everyone Top: Naftali Herrmann and Benjy Leibowitz attend Paint Night

can be a 'Friend'"

Bottom: Alumni reconnecting at FOY Inaugural Event: Yachad Rocks - May 2014

palpable,” recalls Yvette Braunstein, a co-chair of the Friends of Yachad executive board. “Participating in Yachad events had been an integral part of the life of every one of those gathered there. Being involved with Yachad had helped to make these people who they are today. They couldn't wait to reconnect with each other and with Yachad."

Multiple events have taken place in New York and New Jersey, and more are planned for the near future. Friends of Yachad has evolved from an alumni association into a means for anyone to connect with Yachad, whether they are an old or new friend. "The beauty of Friends of Yachad is that anyone and everyone can be a ‘Friend’,” Yvette says. “At our events we have found that there were a number of individuals who didn’t know much about Yachad.

They came for the Dueling Pianos, Paint Night, the 5K runs or because the event sounded like fun. Now that they have learned more about Yachad a number of them want to support our organization.”

Meryl Feldblum attended both Dueling Piano performances. "The Yachad events were the most fun I've ever had at a fundraiser; great music; great company; great cause!," she shared.

Someone who was a Yachad advisor five or 25 years ago isn't likely to volunteer to come on a Shabbaton

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37

Choosing One, the Other...or Both?

By Batya Rosner

W

e are very lucky to be living in a time when there are so many services and programs available for those with special needs. Sometimes it can be

support services ranging from day habilitation programs to vocational training services to respite services for families. Shira

difficult to decide which are best for an individual.

and her JUF colleagues develop, implement, and maintain

Meet David. David is eligible for a range of services from

Individualized Service Plans that are tailored to the needs of

New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

each person. Working with state funding agencies such as

(OPWDD) — financial, social, vocational, emotional, etc. — and

OPWDD, they help clients achieve greater independence.

he is assigned a Medicaid service coordinator who will work

with him and his family to access the often-confusing array of

following services:

services and support they need.

a) Day Habilitation (DayHab), a program that provides adults

with social activities and encourages increasing independence

Shira Cohen is a Medicaid service coordinator for the Jewish

Union Foundation (JUF), a partner of Yachad that oversees

38

Medicaid funding for individuals. She coordinates numerous

BELONG 2015-2016

Working with Shira, David learns that he qualifies for the

and personal growth.

"Self-direction is an excellent option for someone who doesn't have to fit into a rigid structure."

b) Community Habilitation (CommunityHab), a service that arranges for individuals to receive one-on-one staffing in the home and out in the community, generally on evenings and weekends, to help develop independence. c) The option to live in a group home, where the state pays for individuals to live together with a rotation of trained support professionals. d) Supportive Employment services provide job coaching and employment support such as vocational placement, follow up, emotional support, etc.

With Shira's help David can select an agency to provide his particular options, or he may choose another route altogether.

More Choices for a Better Fit

In recent years, OPWDD has offered an opportunity known as self-direction. Each person who qualifies is given a budget determined by an assessment test that measures independence level and disability challenges. Then the family, together with the Medicaid Service Coordinator, will put together a plan to spend the money.

“Choosing self-direction means that you want a more individualized program for your child,” explained Michael

Appelbaum, JUF program director. “Working with the Medicaid Coordinator, parents have the option to decide exactly how they would like the money allotted their son or daughter to be spent, within reason.”

According to Shira Cohen, “if a parent feels that their child will learn best with more one-on-one interactive opportunities, or through the visual stimulation of museums or music classes with peers, why not do that to stimulate them, versus participation in a DayHab program, which might offer some of the activities of your interest but not as often as you might prefer? Selfdirection is an excellent option for someone who doesn’t have to fit into a rigid structure. The individual and his or her family can control how they wish to customize their interests.”

If David and his family opt for self-direction, Shira will help them develop short-term and long-term goals in order to assess which services will help him reach those milestones. Goals may include the desire to be physically active, to be involved within the community, or to improve one’s social skills. They may be broad or quite narrow, such as wishing to learn to act in a more socially acceptable manner, to learn about one’s ethnic background, or to possibly pursue higher education. Individuals may choose to work with animals, learn to play an instrument, or follow their interests almost anywhere.

In order for any service to be funded by the state, Shira and David must show a clear connection between the services provided and the anticipated outcome. Thus, if David enjoys being around animals, money could potentially be allocated for him to take horseback riding lessons as a means to be more physically active, and he may volunteer at an animal shelter.

Within the self-direction plan there are so many options from which to choose in order to tailor the activities to the needs and interests of the individual. David may decide he would like to participate in a DayHab program once a week, and he will use self-direction options to mix and match his interests for the rest of the week.

An important point to keep in mind, however, is that while

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39

A PLACE OF HIS OWN

When Avi Polin became the proud renter of his own apartment

“Avi fit right in to private living,” shared his landlords Leonard

and Karen Mandel. “We’re on very friendly terms — he’s a regular

Union Foundation assisted with a single living space subsidized by

tenant. He talks to us when he sees us, he’s concerned that he’s doing

New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

everything right and taking care of the place properly. It’s been easy

(OPWDD).

and pleasant dealing with him.”

The Monsey native had moved to Staten Island to live with his

Avi’s apartment is perfect for his needs, with two bedrooms, a

sister and her family, but as a working professional in his early 30’s,

living room, and kitchen. “I love the privacy and space,” he says with

Avi longed for a place of his own. Plus, working for a photography

a smile. Priding himself on his organization, every Friday he cleans

studio means he doesn’t work a standard 9-5 shift, and Avi felt badly if he woke anyone up upon his return home.

“Avi is very self-sufficient,” described Shira Cohen, JUF’s Medicaid

service coordinator who works with Avi to allocate the funding he qualifies for through OPWDD. And while OPWDD has different categories for housing options, Avi qualified to live on his own with his government subsidies paying the bulk of his rent and utilities.

Avi has been involved with Yachad programming for most of

his life — participating in Shabbatonim, summer programs and the like. Avi’s sister Leah Commer and her husband Josh found the apartment, located about a ten-minute walk from their home, and the JUF staff assisted with the paperwork.

These days Avi has a selection of basic dishes he is able to prepare

for himself, ranging from pasta to fish. Learning to cook was an adjustment. Shortly after moving in to the apartment, Avi arrived

before Shabbat — making sure to take out the trash, wash the dishes, vacuum the carpets and clean the bathroom. He sends his laundry out to a laundromat, using a dry cleaning service when necessary.

“Saving money and paying bills is definitely a challenge,” Avi

notes. “Food is expensive! Sometimes it’s hard, and I work with my brother-in-law on my goals; like putting money away in the bank so I can save for the future.”

Avi joins his sister and her family for many Shabbat meals. He

knows some locals at the Young Israel of Staten Island from camp as a youth and from various interactions within the community. On Shabbat afternoons he can often be found walking with his 9-year-old niece Rebecca Commer to visit the pet dog of a local family, since both of them love animals. When he has free time, Avi calls his friend, Chaim Tzvi, to spend time together — going out for breakfast, shopping,

home hungry from a photography job at 2 a.m., and decided to make

or to the movies. “Sometimes it does get lonely for me since many

himself a grilled cheese sandwich. The novice cook burned the bread,

of my friends are away in Monsey and most of my friends here are

setting off the fire alarm. “I opened the windows, I opened the doors,

married with kids, so they aren’t able to hang out with me very

I waved a towel to help the smoke go out but I couldn’t figure out

often,” he said.

how to turn the alarm off,” he said. Woken by the noise, his landlord

came to help. “I got so scared, I thought I was going to burn the house

Shabbatonim and I still try to make an effort to be part of Yachad

down,” Avi admitted. “But my landlord is very nice and he understood

programs when I can. When Nicole Bodner and Michael Adler [New

my circumstances. He showed me what to do if this happens again.”

York Yachad staff] call me, it makes me feel very good.”

self-direction has a great deal to offer, it might not be the best option for everyone. “Parents should ask themselves if they have the time, energy, and patience to really make sure everything is done as they want it done — it easily can become a full time job,” Michael Appelbaum noted. “If something goes wrong — transportation doesn’t come, the weather cancels the activity — it’s up to the parent to make new arrangements. For working parents, who can’t just take time off if staffing doesn’t work out,

40

in Staten Island this past December, it was the first time the Jewish

BELONG 2015-2016

“I’m happy when I can host people at my apartment for Yachad

this can be daunting. With an agency no longer involved, ultimately every detail is a parent’s responsibility.”

Still, for those who qualify for assistance from OPWDD, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to services. Many options exist and the Jewish Union Foundation can help navigate and support applicants through the experience.

Batya Rosner is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union

A

YEAR

OF

YACHAD

SHABBATONIM

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41

R E T P C H A

h g i H ts ligh

cleveland Cleveland is the home of one of the longest running Yachad chapters - 25 Years. Sara Cooperman, a chapter alumnus (see Interview with Sara Cooperman on page 44), together with Sarah Taub, a veteran Yachad staff member have worked together to keep this chapter growing to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

Under the current leadership, Cleveland Yachad has continued to partner with local institutions and organizations to increase the number and scope of programs and events that the chapter provides. Sarah Cooperman believes that, “By joining together we can reach an even broader population and bring Yachad’s programs to many more members and participants.”

In addition to strong partnerships, Cleveland Yachad is home to something very unique. Not only does it have a strong alumni group but it is also home to many second-generation high school participants. Families become “Yachad families” and remain so through the years.

Big News!!! Cleveland Yachad recently founded an advisory board that works hard to spread the message of inclusion all over town!

Amazingly, over 50% of the board members grew up attending Yachad programs and now bring their children to the weekly programs. Sarah Taub says, “Cleveland is a natural place for Yachad to expand its programs as it has such a strong and rich history in the Jewish community.”

For more information about Cleveland Yachad contact Sara Cooperman at clevelandyachad@ou.org or 216.299.1004.

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new england

New England Yachad is the home of one of the fastest growing chapters in the organization. Liz Offen, the director, is assisted by a team spread out over five regions: the North Shore, MetroWest/MetroNorth, the South Area, Greater Boston, and our newest chapter, in Providence, Rhode Island. Across these geographically disparate communities Liz and her team have identified and reached out to many individuals with disabilities and their families, who were new to Yachad. Liz explains, “Each area is unique and we are working with community partners, stakeholders, and parents to ensure quality programs to fill some of the voids in these communities.”

Under Liz’s leadership, New England Yachad has continued to grow and now serves over 300 Yachad members, with an exceptionally strong high school base as well. In the 2014-'15 programmatic year, Liz and her team have run more than 300 community programs — 250 more than the year before!

In addition to its extensive programming, New England Yachad places great emphasis on community partnerships — inviting and encouraging other communal organizations to jointly host events. With over 30 communal partners this year, New England Yachad continues to grow and expand. Liz says, “Inviting community partners to host programs along with Yachad creates a stronger infrastructure for Jewish families and greater awareness and sensitivity towards those with disabilities.”

For more information about New England Yachad contact Liz Offen at NewEnglandYachad@ou.org, OffenL@ou.org or 646.628.7003.

Cleveland: Picnic at Purvis Park New England: Top: Brandeis Shabbaton - February 2015 Middle: Mini golf at McGolf Bottom: Esti Solooki at the Chanukah party at Young Israel of Brookline in December 2014

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43

An Interview With Cleveland Yachad’s

How did you get involved in Yachad?

By Grace Berman

S

ara Cooperman is one of Yachad’s most inspirational staff members. She effortlessly juggles a full-time job, busy family life, and co-coordinating Yachad’s Cleveland chapter among many other endeavors. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm are key to the success of her chapter. Cleveland chapter supervisor Benjy Leibowitz describes Sara as, “Fun, creative, hard-working, and extremely detail-oriented. She not only excels in planning and executing Yachad programs, but she does it consistently every single week with a huge smile on her face!”

As a social work intern in the national department, I have had the pleasure of working with Sara and learning about the numerous events she plans and coordinates for her chapter. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to interview her about her role in Yachad and her love for her work.

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I have been involved in Yachad since I was in eighth grade. I’m about to date myself but that was about 15 years ago (please, don’t do the math!). Even prior to that, we were a “Yachad family”—two of my older siblings were high school participants in the organization (both of whom met their spouses through Yachad programs) and my mother, Mary Ireland, was an assistant coordinator before I was even born! Yachad has been a big part of my family for as long as I can remember. As a child, if I stayed home from school because I wasn’t feeling well, I would still try to convince my parents that I was well enough to go to our weekly Yachad event that same evening – I did not want to miss it. They would always say, “No school, no Yachad.” How disappointing!

What is your role in yachad?

What does a day in the life of Sara Cooperman look like?

I joined Yachad as a high school peer participant and I r e m a i n e d a cti v e a ll th e w a y th ro u g h graduation. When I spent a year in Israel post-high school, there was not yet a “Yachad Israel” chapter but I did volunteer at “Gan Harmony” which is an early childhood center whose goal is the inclusion of children with disabilities into mainstream life. As this is also Yachad’s goal, I felt right at home. Then I went to college in Chicago and was the assistant to Efrem Popel, the Yachad director, for two years.

I returned to Cleveland and began working as an assistant to the coordinator, my mentor, Mrs. Sarah Taub. Now I have the honor and privilege of working as a joint coordinator alongside Sarah.

We have truly come full circle, as my mother assisted Sarah when Cleveland Yachad first started so many years ago!

A lot of people don’t know that in addition to being the Yachad coordinator, I have a full-time “day job” as the activities director at a small nursing home and assisted living facility owned and administrated by my brother. After my day at the nursing home, I rush home to spend time with my husband and three-year-old son, Zac. On evenings when there are no Yachad programs taking place I am usually catching up with Yachad members and students, posting and marketing our events and initiatives on social media, planning upcoming events, or attending board meetings. I also am a volunteer matchmaker on sawyouatsinai.com (hit me up, singles) and a freelance writer for the Jewish Press. Also, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t end my day wasting way too much time on Facebook. My days are packed but incredibly enriched by doing work that I love!

How would you like to see Yachad grow in the future?

Dr. Lichtman, Yachad’s international director, always talks about Yachad being a resource in our communities and I think about that often, especially as far as Cleveland is concerned. I would love Yachad to continue to grow and expand and be able to meet any and all needs of our community. Beyond our tremendous social-recreational component, I would like to see Yachad associated with various clinical services and assorted support systems. Let’s paint the town blue and orange!

What is your favorite thing about working for Yachad?

Hands down, I love the people. I am so fortunate that Yachad allows me to meet, interact, and spend time with incredibly strong and inspiring people on a daily basis: Yachad members who have overcome so much adversity, high school peers and college advisors who spend their precious time with us, Yachad parents and siblings, board members, community supporters, my co-workers all around the world, and, especially, the staff in the national office, who are beyond supportive. The encouragement I get from these people is immeasurable. I treasure my relationships with them because we share the same ideology and passion to see all individuals included in the community!

I just have to mention that I LOVE Yachad’s colors; they are now my colors. Blue and orange—how can you go wrong?

I think we have Eli Hagler, Yachad’s assistant director, to thank for that. Thanks Eli! I know that I go overboard sometimes with the blue and orange in my daily life but I can’t help it; wearing them brightens my day.

Name one of your accomplishments that you are most proud of.

Last year, we had a Team Yachad at the Cleveland Rite Aid marathon! We had 32 runners participating and it was so much fun! It took months of planning and lots of hands-on guidance and support from our lay leadership board and chairman, Dr. Avi Jacobs, along with Benjy Leibowitz and Eli Hagler to make it happen, but it was an incredible experience!

First of all, I must tell you that prior to this event I didn’t know the world existed before 4 a.m. Second, watching something like that start with a basic idea and grow to fruition was exhilarating.

My dad was one of the runners and so was my husband, [who is] a cancer survivor, so it became very personal to me on a whole other level. Seeing them both cross the finish line and greeting the other runners in our Team Yachad tent was an incredible experience, one I will never forget.

Grace Berman is a social work intern at Yachad

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7

Yachad's

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING Course A Supportive Environment to Learn Social Skills

By Zvi Volk

E

veryone gets upset or angry from time to time. The context may be school, work, personal or family relationships. Social skills help to navigate these challenges of everyday life.

Now imagine how your anger affects your behavior if you

are simultaneously struggling with a disability -- any disability.

This is the setting of Yachad’s Relationship Building Course

(RBC) that is now offered at multiple locations in the United States, as well as Canada and Israel. Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, international director of Yachad says, “The Yachad staff determined that there is a need for its members with a range of developmental disabilities to have an opportunity to learn and practice social skills in a supportive environment.” He worked with Yachad’s clinical staff to develop the RBC curriculum in order to help members improve their interpersonal relationships.

Rivky Schwarzbard-Raine, a social worker supervising the

course in Israel says, “Most of the participants in RBC are either working or in school, sometimes both. Many of our members function very well most days, but then one day they get upset with a coworker or fellow student and may not know how to handle the situation. We try to teach emotional regulation so they can have healthy and safe relationships with the people around them.”

Disabilities often make the obvious not so obvious,

Schwarzbard-Raine explains. “When we discuss physical safety that means whom our members should speak to or what they

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should do when someone makes them uncomfortable. Our students come to RBC because they need a place where they can feel safe in talking about all kinds of things that happen in their daily lives. Members need to be around others who understand why they’re frustrated, why they’re having trouble at work, or why sometimes it’s hard to calm down.”

She recently received an email from a proud mother whose son was facing a serious problem. He told his mother that at RBC he learned that when he’s upset he can’t just keep it inside, he has to let people know what’s going on so that things can be worked out.”

The RBC curriculum is thorough and very specific. It covers many of the very basic rules for positive interactions with those around us.

RBC CURRICULUM •

• •

•

•

How to introduce yourself in a social situation. What do you talk about?

Physical safety. Don’t go to a park at midnight.

Vocabulary of emotions. What are you feeling? “I’m upset” or “I’m angry” or “I feel hopeless” or “frustrated” or “happy” or “excited.”

Solving conflicts at work, at home, and in the community.

What to do in a number of seemingly everyday situations.

Social skills when you’re upset.

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE A PERSON THAT COUNTS

Yachad member Ruthie Bar-Or began coming to RBC in

Israel last year. She works in a kindergarten and is taking an introductory course on special education at Bar-Ilan University, east of Tel Aviv. She also lectures on interacting successfully with people with disabilities.

“What I’ve learned in the course is that what’s inside a person

is more important than what you see outside. I want to be the kind of person who has a good heart and derech eretz [manners],” One-on-one time with an RBC facilitator​

•

How to have a conversation and how to be a good listener.

•

Waiting. How to be patient.

•

Participation with others. This can be difficult because

sometimes individuals want to be alone but they may be

expected to participate with others. This can apply both at

home and at work.

•

Dealing with anxiety. How to calm down before interacting

with others.

•

Personal Space. Boundaries and where to stand or sit while

talking with someone.

Each of these topics can be the subject of an individual

she says.

At RBC Bar-Or has improved her conversational skills. “It’s

not good for a person to be alone,” she shares, “social contacts are very important in addition to family, of course. In class we learn the correct way to talk to people. I’m out in the world; I have to understand how to act properly.”

When Ruthie lectures she points out that, “Just because I have

lesson. “I always begin with a lesson plan,” Schwarzbard-Raine explains, “but many times I don’t get through the full lesson because someone brings up an issue with which he or she is struggling. When that happens, the group will discuss possible

RBC group at the OU Israel Center

ways to handle the situation.”

"At the Brooklyn site there are usually two simultaneous

classes per evening. Then all staff and participants come together

a disability that does not mean that I’m not a person just like you.

after the dinner break,” according to Michelle Mintz, senior social

I’m not stupid and I’m not ugly,” she stresses. “I am like other

worker and supervisor at Yachad in New York. “We have found

people - I feel things. I have a heart and I can be hurt just like you.”

that there are often topics that may be important for everyone to discuss. We encourage our staff to be creative and we strive to make RBC as interactive as possible. Because we are working on social skills, we try to get the members to interact with each other as much as possible.”

Mintz explains that Brooklyn RBC individualizes the program

for each member. “We focus on our members’ strengths as well as the skills they need to develop. Classes are set up so that participants can learn from each other in small group settings.

The group discussions are based on the curriculum, but we remain flexible. We help individuals work on their specific issues.

Bar-Or says, “I really don’t like it when someone asks ‘what

do you have?’ That is intrusive and disrespectful and it really hurts.

I’ll never do that to others. Thank goodness, today many people are becoming more understanding of those with disabilities,” she explained. “I go on buses; I go to the supermarket. Wherever I am I want to be treated just like a person without disabilities. After all, everyone has issues. No one is perfect.”

Schwarzbard-Raine acknowledges that Ruthie Bar-Or is

exceptional in her ability to express herself. “All of the participants bring their own uniqueness to the RBC classes. I love the people in my groups and I love teaching them,” she says. “I am delighted to see them build relationships with each other and staff from

People are always changing and this program ensures that there

week to week. Sometimes I feel that I gain as much from the

is always room for growth. The Yachad staff embraces these

sessions as the members do.”

changes in order to help our members succeed in a variety of social situations.”

Zvi Volk is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union

BELONG 2015-2016

49

YYLC MAKING THINGS HAPPEN

YACHAD YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL: EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY TRACK Kyra Englander, YYLC President

The educational advocacy track of the Yachad Youth Leadership Council (YYLC) is made up of twenty-four extremely creative, insightful, and passionate high school students who want to make a difference. Through many discussions and meetings, we choose a plan of activities that will spread the message of the importance of inclusion and how to create a more sensitive and cognizant society.

One major effort that YYLC undertakes every year is a social media campaign for February in honor of North American Inclusion Month (NAIM). This year’s initiative is the #BeHuman campaign. Every day Yachad posts a video clip of someone expressing their DiffAbility (Different Ability) and emphasizes the fact that they don't let it confine them. It is important to show that everyone has a DiffAbility and no one is perfect — that is what makes us human. We encourage everyone who sees our videos to express their DiffAbilities and to nominate their friends to do the same. Our goal is to show that we do not let our different capabilities limit us, because we are so much more than the things we can and can't do.

On March 10th, along with the Yachad DayHab program, we lobbied in Albany on behalf of the Workers with Disabilities Tax Credit Act. This bill aims to increase the tax credit that businesses receive when they hire individuals with disabilities. The larger the tax credit the greater the incentive for businesses to hire these individuals. Beforehand, we were professionally trained on how to lobby, and educated regarding what to discuss in the meetings. We are so lucky to have been given this opportunity to speak out for what we believe in!

In the longer term, we hope to create a children's book that teaches valuable lessons about inclusion and self worth embedded in a heartwarming story. Each member of YYLC has, and continues to, put in so much time, effort, and dedication into all that they work on and the outcome is truly worthwhile!

Kyra Englander of Woodmere, NY is a senior at SKA Yeshiva High School for Girls

C L-R, Kyra Englander and Shoshana Marder

YYLC INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING Shoshana Marder, YYLC President

Did you ever wonder what busy high school students do during their limited free time?

Well, for the members of the Yachad Youth Leadership Committee (YYLC) Inclusive Programming Board, the answer is Yachad! This board consists of 36 dedicated and motivated high school juniors and seniors. Though the members come from many different schools in the New York tri-state area, they all share one thing in common — their uncompromising love for Yachad!

These high school students work tirelessly to create inclusive events, fundraisers, and apparel for Yachad. Though the brainstorming and discussions begin at our monthly board meetings, the YYLC members spend their free time, month after month, working to implement the different ideas discussed. This year, the Inclusive Programming Board of YYLC has had a great start, creating a successful inclusive Super Bowl Party as well as raising money (and awareness!) through our Super Bowl Boxes.

YYLC also created an Inclusion Day to help spread the concept of inclusion in all of our high schools. Members of the board have also been hard at work designing new Yachad apparel and accessories, such as headphone splitters, suspenders, and sweatpants. We have many more events and campaigns planned for the near future, and we look forward to spreading the word about Yachad and inclusion throughout all high schools!

Shoshana Marder of White Plains, NY is a senior at Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School

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51

By Michael Orbach

I

f you spend time this summer at Bnei Akiva’s Camp explained Dr. Joe Goldfarb, director of Yachad’s summer Moshava in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, you probably won’t programs. “For Glen, success meant being able to work in a pay much attention to the waiter serving your meal. He’ll summer camp on his own without supportive job coaches.” be bringing you plates of food while he serves three other

Glen, who has a learning disability, began attending tables amidst the hubbub of children eating, playing, and Moshava as a member of Yachad’s shadow program. His father, laughing in the air-conditioned dining room. Maybe you’ll Dr. Stuart Mueller, joked that Glen was lured to the camp catch his infectious smile or marvel at the enjoyment he derives because Pennsylvania is cooler during the summer than Houston from his job. If you're lucky your waiter will be Glen Mueller where the family lives. As part of Yachad’s shadow program, and he is one of Yachad’s success stories. members live with the rest of the bunk, and have a specific

Each morning, Glen, like all the rest of the wait staff, rises counselor assigned to work with them. Counselors glide between being a shadow for the Yachad member and a regular bunk at six-thirty to begin organizing breakfast. After two shifts he counselor. The situation worked very well for Glen. gets a brief break, followed by more shifts setting up lunch

After two years in the shadow program, Glen signed up for the several hundred campers and staff members. Late for Yachad’s vocational program at Camp Moshava, where he afternoon, Glen reports back to the dining room to help set received job training as a waiter up for dinner. While it may Glen and his friends hang out at Camp Moshava with mild supervision from Yachad sound like an exhausting day, instructors. Yachad currently Glen doesn’t mind. has nine vocational programs in

“I chose to be a waiter on di f f e r e n t s u m m e r c a m p s my own,” Glen, 20, explained. throughout the United States.

“It was an independent decGlen quickly became proficient ision. It’s a lot of work but I at handling the distractions of the love it and I do it well.” dining room. Shlomo Stern, who

“Success means different was in charge of the dining room things to different people,”

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was also with Bnei Akiva in Houston and familiar with Glen’s abilities - he was a great help to the young man.

From working one table to working three and then five, Glen quickly progressed.

“He is as positive a person as you will ever meet,” said Stern. “Glen’s a real team player; he is willing to work hard and do whatever needs to be done.”

“We work with our coaches to ensure that all tasks are taught in a gradual manner to ensure that our members can learn well and thoroughly,” said Dr. Goldfarb. “For example, a typical waiter serves 4-5 tables, while a member of our vocational program would start with one table and focus on the demands of the job and then we’d encourage him or her to take on another when and if they are ready. Some individuals need more coaching than others — that’s part of our fade-in-and-fade-out procedure. We mentor from a greater distance as our members become more independent.”

hired by the camp.

Stern said that Glen’s

transition from Yachad’s vocational program to fulltime staff was quite smooth.

“I think that having so much unstructured free time was hard for him initially, but Glen quickly figured out how much time he should spend socializing and when he should take some time for himself,” said Stern, adding that the conversational ice-breakers that Glen learned at Yachad helped him find things to talk about with his co-workers.

Stern praised his waiter’s work ethic. “He has remarkable

energy and spirit – he is eager to participate in whatever we were doing. Glen truly motivates his colleagues.”

"Glen is probably better than any other waiter because

of his work ethic and happiness with the job," said fellow waiter Yoni Kuhr. "Glen works hard and always has a smile on his face. The kids love him, not only because he is a great waiter, but also because he is so kind, understanding, and warm. Being friends with Glen is an honor - he truly is an amazing person."

Glen said that though he’s no longer in the Yachad

bunk, he still makes sure to see his friends from the vocational program. “I still hang out with them because they are my friends.”

Glen is spending the year in Israel at Darkaynu, a yeshiva

that combines learning with job placement. The young man plans to return to Moshava this summer and he hopes to eventually have a career working with children with disabilities, a passion he says was shaped by his time working with the Making pizzas in the Camp Moshava kitchen

“[Being a waiter] is probably one of the toughest jobs in camp,” related Glen. “It’s a very challenging position but I love it because I get to interact with the campers and that is fun and enjoyable. I get to make them smile.”

Dr. Mueller added, “The summer job helped my son become more independent and he was happy to make money on his own.”

Last summer, Glen returned to Moshava, not as a member of Yachad’s vocational program, but as a full-fledged waiter

Friendship Circle in Houston and on Yachad Shabbatonim.

Glen shared that he felt great satisfaction in working with those who required more assistance than he did.

“Having a job and working is for everyone,” stated Dr.

Goldfarb. “Having a job is an important part of living a satisfying life and that’s no different for someone with a disability.”

Or, as Dr. Mueller put it: “Every person, no matter what

their potential is, has the right to reach it, and Yachad helps them do it.”

Michael Orbach is a staff writer at the Orthodox Union

BELONG 2015-2016

53

FROZEN

AND AS WARM

AS CAN BE I

t was cold and snowy outside but comfortable and warm inside the Yeshivah of Flatbush High School auditorium on March 27th. An inclusive production of Frozen played before a packed house of enthusiastic theatergoers. The high school students and Yachad members performed together seamlessly as the story of the two royal sisters played out with charm and sensitivity.

Yachad member Devorah Leiberman shared, “I really enjoyed working on the play with my new friends at the Yeshivah of Flatbush — it was a lot of fun. I spent a lot of

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time practicing and preparing my lines, along with my roommates who were also in the play.”

David Weintraub, program director of Senior Yachad said, “When you see “inclusion” practiced right before your eyes with dignity and ease, you must appreciate how far our community has come in accepting all of B’nei Yisrael for who they are, without judgments and reservations. The entire cast and crew, those from Yachad and those from the Yeshivah of Flatbush, did their best to make the evening unforgettable.”

A

W

V E R Y

hat could be better than giving a charming and unique gift to someone you care about? Doing that while, at the same time, helping Yachad members gain skills that will provide an opportunity for competitive employment.

The Jewish Union Foundation, an affiliate of Yachad, established YachadGifts.com, which offers an exciting assortment of gifts and gift baskets for all occasions.

Stuart Gourdji, Yachad’s vocational technology supervisor says, “Yachad Gifts employs individuals with a diverse array of skills that are applicable to every aspect of the business — designing, purchasing, packaging, shipping, delivery, data entry, sales, and customer service. Our mission is to provide those who work here with the job and social skill sets needed to gain competitive employment in various industries.”

S P E C I A L

This unique enterprise has gifts for every milestone, holiday, and celebration. From the beautiful candlesticks in a bat mitzvah package, to exotic fruits that please the eye as well as the taste buds. Employee Shira Danan commented on her work experience with a smile. "I enjoy coming to work every day, it makes me happy. I like to make bows and baskets."

Creative Director Ava Lang Soffer shared, “We are designing innovative and fun baskets and gifts all the time. Our employees look forward to trying their hands, literally and figuratively, at new projects.” There are themed baskets for the gardener, gourmet cook, and sports fan in your life and so much more.

Custom gifts and gift certificates are also available.

Place an order today. Use coupon code Belong2015 for a 10% discount on your order.

INFO@YACHADGIFTS 855.505.7500 BELONG 2015-2016

55

What

inclusion

means to me

S U M M E R

STA F F

renee wietschner

kyra englander Mesorah Yachad '14 and '15, Yachad Getaway '15 Woodmere, NY Inclusion means disregarding the things that make people different and embracing new friends for who they are. When I attend a Shabbaton or event and sing and dance along with individuals who have special needs I am creating friendships with people whom I would have never met but for my participation in Yachad. I am so lucky to be involved in Yachad!

Morasha Yachad '13, Moshava Yachad '14 Woodmere, NY Inclusion brings a sense of belonging, unity, and togetherness that is essential in our world. We must never leave anyone behind. Inclusion is what allows every person the opportunity to be a part of the group and not on the outside looking in. The act of inclusion makes an individual feel involved and appreciated for who they really are. Yachad is the epitome of inclusion and I am so incredibly happy to be part of this amazing organization.

isaac buzaglo Shadow program - Yachad @ Moshava Ba'ir Toronto '14 Toronto, Ontario "Inclusion means that everyone belongs."

dovid simpser Yachad Getaway '14, Yad B'Yad '15 Plainview, NY You are you and I am me. Inclusion is when you and I become we. A we where no one is left on the sidelines.

A we where everyone is a vital player — whose every contribution to the game is truly important. Every person has something unique and special about them. Inclusion is looking past the exterior and seeing the individual for who they truly are, a valued member of the team.

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stephanie felder Yachad Lavi '13, '14, and '15 Stamford, CT Every person has the potential to affect change. When he or she embraces the concept of inclusion that person can improve the lives of everyone around them.

ANNUAL YACHAD PROGRAMS INCLUDE: INCLUSIVE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS • SHABBATONIM (WEEKEND RETREATS) • SUMMER PROGRAMS • RBC RELATIONSHIP BUILDING COURSE IVDU SCHOOLS • DAYHAB WITHOUT WALLS • VOCATIONAL TRAINING TAGLIT BIRTHRIGHT TRIPS • NAIM - NORTH AMERICAN INCLUSION MONTH

OUR WAY NJCD

WWW.YACHAD.ORG

BE A PART OF BELONG Do you have an idea for an article?

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Write a letter to our editor!

We want to hear from you.

Contact us with any and all ideas or comments at BELONG@OU.ORG

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