It's a fundamental Jewish belief that all human beings are created in the divine image. But society all too often treats those with disabilities as second-class citizens. In our conversation with Jay Ruderman, we discuss his family foundation's work to advocate for and advance the inclusion of people with disabilities, both within the Jewish community and in society at large. We also delve into the dangers posed by the current pandemic to those with disabilities, as well as the opportunities this moment offers to affirm our deepest values by treating every person with concern and care.

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This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org.

Special Guest: Jay Ruderman.

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Links:

• Ruderman Family Foundation — The Ruderman Family Foundation believes that inclusion and understanding of all people is essential to a fair and flourishing community. Guided by our Jewish values, we advocate for and advance the inclusion of people with disabilities throughout our society; strengthen the relationship between Israel and the American Jewish Community; and model the practice of strategic philanthropy worldwide. We operate as a non-partisan strategic catalyst in cooperation with government, private sectors, civil society, and philanthropies.
• LINK20 — LINK20 is a global social movement led by a network of young activists, with and without disabilities. Our goal is to raise awareness on the right of people with disabilities to be fully included in our society and strengthen young activist’s leadership skills and influence in promoting inclusion and social justice.
• Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project | Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston — The Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project (RSIP) is a partnership between CJP and the Ruderman Family Foundation that supports synagogues in creating communities where people of all abilities are valued equally and participate fully.
• Fully Alive: Discovering What Matters Most, by Timothy Shriver (Amazon link)
• Reconstructionist Communities Make Disability Inclusion a Top Priority | Reconstructing Judaism
• What Does it Mean to be a Leader? Inspiration from Jewish Disability Advocacy Day | Jewish Week — Column by Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., on Judaism and disability