February is Jewish Awareness month for people with disabilities. The Cantor’s Assembly has joined the Masorati Movement, the Conservative Movement in Israel, to create Israel’s only national B’nai Mitzvah program for children with “special needs.” This program has brought joy to about 3,500 families who never thought they would be able to experience such a simcha.

The Cantors Assembly and the Masorti Movement believe that every child, regardless of ability, deserves this chance to shine – and take his or her rightful place as a Jewish adult, embraced by community. What began in one school for children with special needs now includes as many as 300 youngsters a year from up to 40 special education schools throughout Israel. Participants include children with a variety of physical and developmental challenges, such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, ADD-ADHD, autism, blindness, hearing impairments and learning disabilities. The program welcomes children of every religious and ethnic background, many of them new immigrants.

Each year, about six months of preparation with teachers certified in special education and knowledgeable in Judaic studies culminate in joyous, communal, Bar and Bat mitzvah celebrations at one of the Masorti congregations. When the children are called up to the Torah for an aliyah, many utilizing special communications devices to recite the appropriate blessings, rarely is the congregation not moved to tears. Communal singing and dancing are always part of the celebration.

Leading up to the big day, youngsters learn about blessings, Shabbat, Festivals, Jewish customs, performing mitzvot and other Jewish values. If possible, they visit the elderly, care for animals and help others in need as part of their commitment to Jewish life. Teacher training is also an important component of the program, with professional development provided in the latest alternative and interactive modes of learning. Many faculty come from the professional ranks of the Masorti movement, including cantors, rabbis and youth movement counselors.

There are many ways for American families celebrating B’nai Mitzvah to become involved and support these Israeli children, individually or through their school and synagogue. Designate a portion of your own Bar or Bat Mitzvah gifts to the program, or ask your own guests to make contributions in your honor. Raise money through a Mitzvah Project or individual endeavors. Organize a group activity that requires sponsors, such as soccer ball “kick-a-thon,” lap swim, hoops contest, distance run or “read-a-thon”.

For more information or to make a donation (minimum donation is $180 to receive a certificate which can be presented in shul) to this wonderful cause, please contact me at cantorb(at)bnaimoshe.org for a brochure. You can watch a You Tube Video on this wonderful project at: You Tube Video or by typing "Masorti Bnai Mitzvah Program, USA version" into the search field.