Synagogues host inclusion Sabbath

NEWBURGH — Synagogues around Orange County will be host special Sabbath services welcoming people with Disabilities. The synagogues say people of all abilities are welcome to share of the joys of Jewish life. In cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County, they've reached out to training centers, group home providers, the homebound, and a host of support organizations. “Everyone should know that the synagogue is a place where they can go, be welcomed and supported,” said Gail Oliver, federation president, who helped to organize the events. “This effort has given the synagogues the impetus to look for those in their communities who may have felt isolated.” Synagogues have also made extra efforts to insure that the services are accessible to all. The special services will be held on Friday, Feb. 3; Saturday, Feb. 4; and Friday, Feb. 10 (see sidebar). "We applaud the efforts of the local Jewish Community to adopt practices that ensure equal participation by people with disabilities." said Babi Satzman, program manager at Independent Living, who has helped to ensure that synagogues are accessible to the disabled. "The commitment by religious congregations as well as all other private and community groups at the grass roots level to the ideals of inclusion, and to taking whatever steps necessary to bring them to fruition, will surely help to provide a sound foundation for creating a barrier free-society." SCHEDULE OF INCLUSION SERVICES Congregation Agudas Israel — Feb. 4 at 10 — 30 a.m. 290 North St., Newburgh. Phone: 562-5604 Congregation Beth Hillel — Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. 20 Pine St., Walden. Phone: 778-7374 Congregation B’nai Torah — Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. 21 Old Dutch Hollow Rd., Greenwood Lake. Phone: 477-2130 Congregation Eitz Chaim — Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m. 1465 Orange Tpk. Monroe Phone: 783-7424 Monroe Temple — Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. 314 North Main St., Monroe. Phone: 783-2626 Temple Beth El — Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. 88 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Phone: 856-1722 Temple Beth Jacob — Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. 290 North Ave., Newburgh. Phone: 562-5516 Temple Beth Shalom — Friday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. 13 Roosevelt Ave., Florida. 651-7817 Temple Sinai — Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m. 75 Highland Ave., Middletown. Phone: 343-1861