A message from Sandra Morton Weizman, Inclusion Committee Chair Calgary Jewish Federation

by Sandra Morton Weizman

(Calgary) – Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) was established in 2009 by the Jewish Special Education International Consortium and is observed every year in February. JDAIM is a unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities and those who love them. It is a call to action for all of us to act in accordance with out Jewish values, honouring the gifts and strengths that we each possess.

Calgary Jewish Federation has been holding annual events to celebrate JDAIM since 2011, when we launched our Inclusion Task Force and committee. Some of our past events have focussed on building awareness while others have centred on training lay and professional leaders in the concepts of inclusion.

There exists a misconception among some in the Jewish community that JDAIM events, whether concerts, films or lectures, are meant only for individuals in our community with disabilities and their families. In fact, this is simply not the case; JDAIM events are meant for the entire community. While they are often entertaining, they are also meant to raise awareness, to educate and often provoke us to question what more we can do to be welcoming and accepting of all. The truth is, while JDAIM brings the issues of disability inclusion to the forefront every February, inclusion is something that we must mindfully embed in our community activities all
year round.

Please join us for this year’s JDAIM event: Chair or Not Chair – That is the Question: Celebrating JDAIM 2026, an inspiring afternoon exploring the power of inclusion. This free program on Sunday, February 22 from 2:30 to 5:00pm at the Paperny Family JCC, includes a screening of Itzhak, a powerful documentary film directed by Alison Chernick about the life, artistry, and accessibility journey of world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. This inspiring event asks an important question: “What would have happened if Itzhak Perlman had been denied the opportunity to perform seated?” The film will be followed by a discussion and live performance by violinist Mariya Usachev Bukhta and pianist Rachel Kreyner. Childcare is also available. Register online at jewishcalgary.crowdchange.co/54872

B’Shalom.

Sandra Morton Weizman is Inclusion Committee Chair and Board Member, Calgary Jewish Federation