by Bat-El Lieberman, Keshet’s Jewish Enrichment & Culture Facilitator
As a proud Israeli Jew, I often feel compelled to say—we had it first when it comes to so many things. Let me give you a few examples. Wonder Woman? We had it first! Israeli women serve in the army and are most definitely Wonder Women. Exposing babies to nuts to prevent allergies? We had it first: BAMBA! Food as the way to someone’s heart? We had it first! Rivkah helped Yaakov prepare a meal to win over Esav. Milk makes you sleepy? We had it first! Yael gave Sisera milk to put him to sleep before she…well, you get it. I could go on with cherry tomatoes, Waze and much more, but I’m short on lines. The Start-Up Nation strikes again! Brilliant!
And speaking of “firsts,” this February marks my first Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) while working at Keshet. It’s a time to reflect on how our Jewish values of inclusivity, acceptance and support for all are reflected in our communities. As we recognize this important month, I’m excited to share how Keshet embodies these principles every day. At Keshet, we are always growing. We are inclusive, creative and committed to inspiring and helping others. Our participants are at the heart of our community. However, big words and nicely edited sentences aside, some of our students and adults need additional support to achieve their goals. Different abilities require different types of assistance, and that’s where our incredible team of support staff comes in.
Keshet’s staff, particularly Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and paraeducators are integral to the magic of what we do. They work alongside our participants, providing the necessary support to help them navigate their individual goals. In a world full of obstacles and boundaries, Keshet’s staff are there to ensure that every person has the tools and support they need to succeed. The dedication from this group inspires me every day.
So, how does this connect to the Start-Up Nation? Here’s where it gets interesting. As Keshet’s Jewish Enrichment Facilitator, I’m encouraged to weave a little Torah into your day, and I proudly claim: We had it first, even with support staff. Let’s go back—way back. One day, Hashem told Moshe, “You’re going to lead Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt.” Shocked and exhausted from his adventures in Midian, Moshe replied, “Me? Really? I can’t even speak well; I’m K’vad Peh—I have a speech impediment.”
Hashem’s response, in essence, was: “Who gives humans speech? Who makes them mute, deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I?” You’d think Moshe would accept that and move on, but no. He pushed back: “Please, my Lord, send someone else.” And that’s when it happened.
WE HAD IT FIRST! Hashem gave Moshe the very first support staff: his brother Aaron. Hashem said, “There is your brother Aaron the Levite. He speaks readily. Even now, he is setting out to meet you, and he will be happy to see you. You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth… and he shall serve as your spokesman.” That’s right: Moshe, our fearless leader, had a disability, and Aaron was there to support him. Ladies and gentlemen, the Start-Up Nation did it again. First!
So why does this matter now? JDAIM is a time for us to reflect on how we’re truly practicing inclusion in our own Jewish communities. Are we truly inclusive and accepting? When we see someone with a disability in shul, are we there for them? Do we include families with kids who have disabilities in our community plans? Are we aware of the basic human need to be supportive of one another and to help each other achieve our fullest potential?
I wrote this to bring you to this point: someone in your community needs your support. Be aware. Be there for others. Look around, acknowledge the abilities of people with disabilities and provide the support they need to thrive. You might find that they will lead you to the Promised Land.
