HOSTING A SHABBAT GATHER GRANT?
READINGS AND RESOURCES
- Shabbat 101 from 18 Doors
- Havdalah Made Easy from 18 Doors Doors)
- Shabbat Cheat Sheet from 18 Doors
- Our friends at One Table are often considered the experts on Shabbat programming and resources, including ideas on inclusion, diversity, and host tips and tricks.
- These visual Shabbat blessings for diverse learners are perfect for visual learners of all ages.
- Shabbat Cards from Gather DC
- Follow a local Instagram celebrity, Jewishliz, for great videos and amazing content!
SHABBAT DIY
- Create your own challah cover
- Project ideas for all ages
- Shabbat sensory cards for young children
SHABBAT THEMES
Take a different approach to Shabbat with one of these themes.
- Shabbat Unplugged from PJ Library
- Camp Style Shabbat
- Game Night Shabbat
- Mental Health Shabbat
- A Shabbat Experience from Interfaith Family
SHABBAT PLAYLISTS
FOOD FOR SHABBAT
SOMETHING SAVORY?
- Kid-friendly Shabbat chicken recipes from our friends at PJ Library
- One Table vegan Shabbat recipes
- Want to make Challah? My Jewish Learning has a ton of great recipes!
- Tori Avey Shabbat recipes
- Jamie Geller Shabbat recipes
TIPS ON HOSTING AN DISABILITY INCLUSIVE GATHER GRANT EVENT
- Make sure language is clear
- Have multiple options to RSVP (phone call, text, or email)
- Ask guests if they have any accessibility requests
SENSORY
- Create a quiet area in the home
- Games and activities should be inclusive and not require partners, brain teasers, or surprises – if you do have partners, create a buddy system to be inclusive
- Avoid blinking, flashing, or loud decorations
- Offer guests to bring fidgets, headphones, or snacks
- Avoid strong scents if possible
- Adjust lighting to be calming and visible to bathrooms/floor/hallways
FOOD
- Consider dietary requests when meal planning
- Increase awareness of food allergies by avoiding peanuts and tree nuts, labeling dishes, offering vegan and gluten-free options
- Have staff nearby if someone has a question when food is served
- If it’s a buffet get a table where people can reach arm’s length across (sit in a chair and you can test if a wheelchair user can grab and see the buffet
- Offer nonalcoholic drinks
If you plan to host a group at a restaurant:
- Consider visiting the establishment before ensuring accessibility
- Check for elevator option, accessible bathrooms/parking, curb service, wide hallways, loudness of venue, lighting of venue, or moveable furniture.
- Be aware of what public transportation options are in area
- Think of others dietary needs when browsing for places to go
- If the establishment has a roof top, ask if they have an elevator
- Offer carpool, to pay for uber
- Let the venue know about guide dogs
Use iAccess Life: A Yelp-style mobile app for users with and without disabilities Here’s iAccess Life app website to download and find accessible restaurants
Below are some more resources