‘Inclusion Sabbath' services set for Feb. 1

Greenwood Lake - Orange County synagogues, in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County, will host special Sabbath services as part of “The Whole Community: Welcoming in those with Disabilities Shabbat Across New York.” Temple Beth El in Monroe and Congregation B’nai Torah in Greenwood Lake will be participating synagogues, with the Monroe temple’s services running from 7 to 10 p.m.; and the Greenwood Lake services beginning at 7 p.m., both on Friday, Feb. 1. Reaching out to training centers, group home providers, the homebound or isolated and a host of support organizations, the synagogues have focused on letting people of all abilities know that they are welcome to share in Jewish life. “Everyone should know that the synagogue is a place where they can go, be welcomed and supported.” said Gail Oliver, federation vice president. “This effort has given the synagogues the impetus to look for those in their communities who may have felt isolated.” Babi Satzman, program manager at Independent Living, Inc., has helped in ensuring that synagogues are accessible to those with disabilities. “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,” said Satzman.