Beth El Congregation

Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA

Areas of Inclusion: Adults in Communal Life, Architectural & Physical Accommodations and Transportation, B’nai Mitzvah, Deafness, Mental Health, Religious School, and Worship

About the Congregation

Beth El Congregation

845 Old Furnace Road

Harrisonburg, VA 22803

Number of Congregants: 100

Contact Information

Eric Kramer, President

edk1228@gmail.com


Inclusion Programming

Does this congregation have an inclusion committee?

No

Developing Our Program

While there is no formal "committee," the Board and congregation at large strive to be inclusive for children with special needs, people with disabilities, special dietary needs such as gluten-free and vegan options at celebrations, people who are hard of hearing, and people with mental illness.

Number of people involved in the effort: 50

Involving People with Disabilities

Key congregants were instrumental in the placement of the elevator lift for the Bima, the indoor and outdoor wheelchair ramps, the hearing-devices in the pews, wheelchair-friendly restrooms, and cooking for those with food allergies, gluten intolerance, and those who are vegan.

Funding This Effort

All efforts were funded through a combination of our building fund, congregational fund drives, and private donations.

Spreading Awareness About Our Work

Within the community, we send continuous weekly email announcements by our president with regards to building improvements. Additionally, we have an accessibility section in our newsletter, “The Beth El Bridge.”

Beyond the community, we advertise through the local newspaper and a local university campus publication; and, of course we use word-of-mouth.

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