Brotherhood JDAIM Brunch: What Does an Inclusive Synagogue Mean to You?
Join us for a brunch and panel discussion sponsored by Brotherhood in conjunction with Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).
Time & Location:
Feb 15, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Forbes & Murdoch (Temple Sinai), 5505 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA
Details:
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Advance registration deadline is Wednesday, February 11.
Questions? Contact Todd Miller at 412.848.1082 or toddprmktg@gmail.com.
What Does an Inclusive Synagogue Mean to You? will bring together members with disabilities to dream about how our new congregation can foster belonging, accessibility, and meaningful participation for all. Through thoughtful conversation, the panel will examine inclusion across generations, abilities, identities, and backgrounds, and discuss practical ways our synagogue can turn intention into action. You’ll leave with fresh perspectives, shared language, and concrete ideas to strengthen our new community.
Moderator
David Robbins, M.Ed., an experienced facilitator and congregational leader and adoptive parent of a special needs child, will guide a respectful, solutions-focused dialogue. By day, Dave is Director of Major Gifts and Campaign at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Panelists
Rabbi Daniel Fellman will offer his thoughts on pastoral care, ritual innovation, and creating and maintaining a welcoming environment from both his perspective as a parent of a special needs child and our congregation's Senior Rabbi.
Rachel Kudrick, an educator, active member of the Disability Inclusion Community, and founder and coordinator of Temple Sinai’s garden, will share perspectives on her lived experience of mental illness, invisible disabilities, and chronic illness.
Eli Kurs-Lasky is a writer and self-taught photographer who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in his 20s. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, where he majored in English writing and sociology. Eli is on the PAARCC (Pittsburgh Adult Autism Research Community Collaborative) Advisory Board, through which he collaborates with professionals to advance autism research. Eli will offer insights into accessibility, disability inclusion, and community engagement.
Helen Orringer is a fourth-generation member of Rodef Shalom Congregation and an active volunteer. She is a retired early childhood special educator and inclusion specialist. Also, as a person with a limb difference, she will offer her perspectives on creating an inclusive community.