KERUV IS INCLUSION : Keruv is Hebrew for “to draw closer.”
Keruv’s mission is to assist Beth El Synagogue Center in holding its doors wide open for congregants and visitors to feel welcomed, included, and comfortable. We embrace diversity in its many forms, among them age, gender, color, sexual orientation, interfaith partnerships, and the full spectrum of Jewish background and observance. We welcome those with physical, emotional, or intellectual disabilities. We know that we are enhanced by our diversity and are committed to building our synagogue family together.
Join the Keruv Committee
The Keruv Committee is always looking for new members to join our committee and contribute to our work to enhance inclusivity at Beth El. Please contact Carrie Fox at csfox99@gmail.com if you are interested.
Jews of Color: A Discussion On Jewish Diversity
Sponsored by the Beth El Keruv Committee
October 21, 2021
Speakers: Heather Miller, Kendell Pinkney
Moderator: Rabbi Zach Sitkin
Replay can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4lYMfuL3-w
Learn more about Jews of Color and Diversity and Inclusion at:
Kendell Pinkney is the founding Artistic Director of “The Workshop”- https://theworkshopny.com
Heather Miller is creator of The Multitudes: https://www.themultitudes.org/
I Helped Coin the Term ‘Jews of Color.’ It’s Time for a History Lesson by Shahanna McKinney-Baldon: https://www.heyalma.com/i-helped-coin-the-term-jews-of-color-its-time-for-a-history-lesson/
Beyond the Count: Perspectives and Lived Experiences of Jews of Color report: https://jewsofcolorinitiative.org/what-we-do/research-field-building/
Where Have you Been Since Selma? by Kendell Pinkney: https://www.wexnerfoundation.org/where-have-you-been-since-selma/
Negroes Are Anti-Semetic Because They’re Anti-White by James Baldwin: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/98/03/29/specials/baldwin-antisem.html
How Focusing on Diversity and Inclusion Can Save Synagogues by Aimee Close: https://bekindbud.io/how-focusing-on-diversity-and-inclusion-can-save-synagogues/
From our members...
We are very thankful to the Keruv committee for organizing such meaningful and thoughtful programs.
For several years our family has attended the Kulanu services. Each service was organized in a way to encourage participation in whatever way our son felt comfortable, whether it be dancing up in front, sitting with an instrument, or walking around the room in observation. It was evident a lot of thought and research was put into preparing for each unique service.
I don’t know who benefited most from our participation in the Buddy program on Yom Kippur. We were able to attend the Yizkor service with the peace of mind that our children were being entertained and supervised. Our kids had so much fun with Jason that they didn’t want their time with him to end. They are already looking forward to next year!
- Alyssa Sherman
Beth El has been so inclusive and welcoming to our interfaith family. Our children have been nurtured in this community since Mommy and Me. They are now 10 and 9 and thriving in the Religious School. They think of Beth El as their second home and cannot imagine going anywhere else. For that, we are extremely grateful and thankful to have found this community.
- Amy O’Malley
Beth El’s Keruv program has created many life changing special treasures for the Hyman family, and most importantly for Sherri. In particular, the way that the Beth El community lead by our wonderful clergy has embraced and welcomed Sherri as an integral part of the Nigun Halev and Contemplative Services has actually been the catalyst that has brought our family to more actively reengage and reconnect with the Beth El. Anyone who has seen Sherri in the Nigun Halev services has shared the pure joy that Sherri emanates standing alongside our clergy and praying from her heart. You have no idea how many people (over the past year) have come up to us and told us that seeing Sherri’s participation, ruach and love for the Nigun HaLev service has given them pure joy and touched their hearts and souls. This inclusive program at El has enabled the rhythm of the Torah to forever dance with Sherri and our souls.
- Dov Hyman
Ongoing Keruv Activities
Kulanu Shabbat Experience
A holiday experience offered 1-2 times annually to families who have young children with intellectual or autism spectrum disorders that prevent them from engaging in other youth services.
Pride Shabbat
Shabbat service held in June to celebrate our LGBTQ community.
Let's Talk About It
A warm, social-worker-facilitated support group that meets 4 times annually where members discuss issues related to intermarriage and interdating.
Keruv Korner
Our monthly Bulletin article to activities, programming and reflections related to the theme of inclusion. Click here to read some articles from the Keruv Korner.
Mosaic Storytelling project from the Westchester Jewish Council
Resources:
18 Doors, supporting interfaith families exploring Jewish life.
www.18doors.org
Removing the Stumbling Block, blogging by inclusive Jewish educator Lisa Friedman. jewishspecialneeds.blogspot.com
Jewish Multiracial Network, advocating for Jewish diversity in the Jewish community. www.jewishmultiracialnetwork.org
Click here for more resources.
Questions? Contact Nina Luban at nina.luban@gmail.com or Elise K. Richman at elisekrichman@gmail.com
Keruv grapples with requests, complaints, challenges and successes at its regular monthly meetings (and is always seeking interested, new members).
