Inclusion Committee – Ohel Patu’ah (“The Open Tent”)
At Society Hill Synagogue, we recognize that feeling welcome and included is central to one’s experience of Jewish community. For years here at Society Hill Synagogue, we have cultivated a culture of inclusion and welcome.
We also recognize that, historically, Jewish communities have not always been as inclusive and welcoming as we seek to be. In particular, people who are a part of interfaith families, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities have often encountered barriers when exploring Jewish community.
Here at Society Hill Synagogue, we are devoted to making everyone feel included and welcome. That is why we formed our Inclusion Committee – Ohel Patu’ah (“The Open Tent”) — with subcommittees devoted to each of these groups: interfaith families, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities.
The Inclusion Committee regularly offers programs and teachings to improve our learning as a synagogue and to enrich the experience of belonging for everyone in our community.
🗓️ Saturday, March 15 🕒 Kiddush Lunch at 12:00 pm following Shabbat Services (services begin at 9:45 am) 📍 Society Hill Synagogue
Join us for a Lunch ‘n’ Learn panel discussion on experiences with conversion! This lay-led exchange will include congregant stories of the good, the bad, the transcendent, and the quotidian. We hope to explore various journeys related to conversion decisions and dynamics with the Jewish community, and relationships with family — and to create space for dialogue on a complex social issue.
If you have a specific topic you’d like the panelists to address, please email Jared Susco in advance.
Hangout for Young Adults with Special Needs
🗓️ Sunday, March 30 🕒 11:30 am – 1:00 pm 📍 Society Hill Synagogue
Some synagogue members are developing a pilot program for young adults with special needs. This will be a welcoming social group for young adults (ages 18+) with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who would like an opportunity to meet new friends and have fun. Space is limited — first come, first served! — so register below.
Join us for pizza, drinks, a guided cartooning art project, and games like UNO and Bingo! Participants should come with a caregiver (parent, sibling, grandparent, or support person) to stay throughout the program. If you have questions, please email Mark Brugger and Lisa Primavera.
At Society Hill Synagogue, we recognize that feeling welcome and included is central to one’s experience of Jewish community. For years here at Society Hill Synagogue, we have cultivated a culture of inclusion and welcome.