Rosh Pinah Certification

B’nai Amoona is receiving Rosh Pinah Certification on November 1^st.  This is an exciting moment for our congregation. The Rosh Pinah Cornerstone Certification process offers a way for organizations and institutions to meet the requirements of their special needs populations by leading them on a year-long journey to create meaningful, enduring change, producing a truly inclusive community. Certification not only serves those with special needs but also positively impacts the organization as a whole. By making deep, long-lasting change on all levels, we ensure that individuals and families of all abilities are included as integral parts of the Jewish community. B’nai Amoona will be the first organization outside the San Franscisco Bay Area to receive this National Certification.

This past year the inclusion committee and B’nai Amoona staff members have been working on the Rosh Pinah process. Here are some of the things we have accomplished:

·         Creation of an Inclusion Statement

·         Funded and hired an Inclusion coordinator for The Meyer Kranzberg Learning Center

·         Funded and hired an Inclusion coordinator for Camp Ramot Amoona

·         Creation of a second Family Bathroom for  increased accessibility

·         Added electronic door openers in the sanctuary building

·         Hosted special needs professional development for the Meyer Kranberg Learning Center teachers

·         Acquired a portable ramp for B’nai Amoona events that are help off campus

The Rosh Pinah process has also identified the following areas which we are in the process of working on:

·         Creation of  a speakers series targeted at different populations within the synagogue around the theme of inclusion

·         Improved synagogue signage relating to inclusion and access

·         Including the topic of inclusion on the agenda of each synagogue board and committee meeting at least once a year

·         Improved PR: Both telling our story and using inclusive language in synagogue publications, both print and electronic

·         Creation of Inclusion Advisors who help with the planning of synagogue programs

We should all continue to be proud of the on-going work that our community is engaged in, attempting to make everyone who wishes to be part of our community welcome. We still have more work in the area of inclusion but thanks to the dedicated members of our community, we are more inclusive than ever.

My house shall be a house of prayer for all.  Isaiah 56:7

כִּי בֵיתִי בֵּית-תְּפִלָּה יִקָּרֵא לְכָל-הָעַמִּים: