Kabbalistic Judaism experiences connection to God through a hierarchy of ten spheres of creation called sefirot. Each sphere embodies a different quality of the divine that we strive to emulate in our lives. Through our active embodiment of each quality, we connect to God and each other, bringing a spark of God into the world.
There is a hidden quality just underneath the highest sphere of Keter, or crown. Keter represents the ultimate divine presence. The hidden quality, or sphere, is called Da’at- awareness.
Awareness of something that is greater than ourselves is the first step towards embodying the qualities one encounters as they move down the spherical ladder. It is placed at the center of Binah understanding, and Chochmah- wisdom. It is only with awareness, that we can have a sense of understanding and wisdom to take action in the world. Awareness is the first step.
This Friday, we elevate JDAIM: Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month. Becoming aware that folks who live with different abilities or needs still exist on the margins of society is the first step to taking action towards more fulfilling inclusion and recognition.
Friday we step into the shoes of those with a huge voice to share, but do not share it through the spoken word. We will sing and pray together utilizing a special adapted prayer book created by our own Mickey Rosner. Mickey shared that she “made the book so that people who may not benefit from print could benefit from enhanced understanding and begin to find meaning in prayer. It was [her] hope that if they were exposed repeatedly to those images during prayer then they would each time incrementally increase their knowledge and understanding of the prayers we as Jews say and what they mean.” Join us as we hear their voices and their stories.
Did you know that over 6,000 Georgians with different abilities are currently waiting for their Medicaid waivers? These waivers enable folks with different needs to live fully inclusive lives in their own communities with the support they need to be successful in daily life; as opposed to relegation to institutional care. Awareness is the first step towards action.
Find out more here about the documentary film, 6,00 Waiting. 02/24/21 Jewish Abilities Alliance hosts an open to the public screening of this powerful documentary. Register here.
B’Shira (In Song)
Cantor Lauren Adesnik
