The Wise of Heart Construct an Accessible Space for Gathering and Prayer

Today’s parasha, Vayakhel, provides a continued description of the construction of the mishkan. In several sections it describes those who contributed their expertise and monetary support to be ‘wise of heart’ that made me think about our own synagogue and the space we have constructed over the years and whether or not we have been ‘ wise of heart.’

You’re probably aware that much of our time spent in services is now spent in our small sanctuary. The decision to do so was quite intentional on my part.  It allows us to gather in a smaller space and feel as if we are part of a “large” group, at least one that fills the room.  Psychologically, I felt there was something beneficial about feeling the presence of others while trying to connect to G-d through prayer.   But there was another reason I chose to move the location of our davenning. That reason was spawned when I heard a congregant who had ascended the bimah say, “This is my last Aliyah.  It is too difficult for me to go up the stairs!”  That statement tore at my heart.  How could we allow a physical structure in this synagogue to make it impossible for individuals to participate fully in our service?  After all, wasn’t this a shul that had consciously put its bathrooms on the main floor years ago when we realized that going up and down the stairs might be too difficult for our elderly members?  Hadn’t we calculatingly designed the entry way to our back door as a smooth path so it would not impede anyone’s entry into the building?  Going up the front stairs would no longer have to be a reason to limit one’s attendance. Hadn’t we deliberately put our office on the main floor to grant access to anyone wanting to transact business without having to maneuver the steps?  What were we doing by creating barriers by maintaining a traditional raised bimah for our Torah reading? It didn’t feel inclusive and it didn’t feel right.

Fortunately, our board also began playing around with the idea of what we could do to allow our physical space to meet the needs of all our members, young and old, physically able and physically challenged.  A solution, I am pleased to say has been found!  Due to a generous donation made in memory of Betty and Hyman Polsky, we are going to begin a project that will revamp the way in which our main sanctuary gives access to all wanting to have an Aliyah.  A newly designed Torah reading table will be finding its home on the floor of the sanctuary with accessibility for all, even those using walkers or in wheel chairs.  In addition, the lectern will have the ability to be raised and lowered allowing all to be able to reach  it when called for an honor.

This project should say something important to us. Mobility issues will no longer define who can comfortably participate in our services when we are in the large sanctuary. It is in line with what we know to be best practice for synagogues, but also what we know in our hearts to be best practice for human beings. 

On the USCJ website, it states, “ Today, some 54 million Americans -- one in five individuals -- has a disability. As a result, many of these people are prevented from worshiping within their religious community. For too many, the gates of prayer are closed due to structural, communicational, and attitudinal barriers. Obstacles to worship that alienate people with disabilities must be eliminated.

Accessible congregations promote acceptance and full participation of congregants with disabilities in all aspects of religious life. Installing ramps, increasing the number of accessible parking spaces, providing sign language interpreters and enlarging print materials are only some of the steps congregations must take to involve and include members with disabilities.”

We are not the first to have taken action along these lines, but we are certainly not the last either.  As we move into the new century of our congregation, we can feel proud about knowing that anyone who desires to feel included rather than excluded can find a place within our congregational family.  It certainly makes us unique within Lincoln’s Jewish world but more importantly it reminds us that we all will face physical challenges at various points of our lives.  Our goal is to make this Bet Knesset, house of gathering, this Bet Tefillah, house of prayer, a house that allows for the entry of all.

Shabbat Shalom.