Congregants at the New North London Synagogue gave a warm welcome to a group of Norwood services users on Friday evening as they hosted the first of a series of special Shabbat services for people with learning disabilities. Around 20 people who live in Norwood residential and supported accommodation attended the service at the congregation’s newly-opened building, in East End Road, before being invited to join NNLS members for a three-course meal prepared by volunteers.
The special Kabbalat Shabbat service, jointly organised by Norwood and NNLS, was specifically designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. It is hoped that between three and four such services will be held over the course of the year. Norwood and NNLS are also working together to create a weekday programme of activities which will open up the new NNLS building to people who use Norwood’s service and other adults with learning disabilities.
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg said: “We are delighted to welcome Norwood into the wider family of our community and they are always welcome to attend services and community events at NNLS.”
Rivka Gottlieb, NNLS Community Programming Coordinator, added: “Our community loved hosting our Norwood guests, who brought with them such a joyful, fun and lively atmosphere – they truly lit up the Beit Knesset in the Kabbalat Shabbat Service, and everyone loved having them.
“It’s a very exciting time for us. Having a new accessible building means we are now able to reach out and invite people who have simply not been able to access the synagogue before."
Shoshana Bloom, Norwood’s Jewish Cultural Manager, said: “The Shabbat at NNLS was a very special and deeply moving evening. It was wonderful for the people who use Norwood’s services, as well as our support staff, to experience the vibrancy of the community. I look forward to working with NNLS in the future to create more opportunities for those who are supported by Norwood to experience a fulfilling Jewish way of life.”
Norwood, in partnership with The Judith Trust and JAMI, has launched a campaign to encourage synagogues and Jewish organisations to become more accessible and inclusive for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs. The campaign encourages congregations and other communal bodies to introduce practical steps to ensure that people with learning disabilities have a greater involvement in religious and communal life. To find out more about the scheme, visit www.judithtrust.org.uk
