PJ Our Way is proud to offer Lucky Broken Girl, the 2017 Finalist for the National Jewish Book Award in Children’s Literature, as our 2018 Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) selection!
Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is a unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities and those who love them. Established in 2009 by the Jewish Special Education International Consortium, JDAIM is observed each February.
A major champion for Jewish Disability Awareness Month, Shelly Christensen, author of the Jewish Community Guide to Inclusion of People with Disabilities, states: “Everyone has gifts to share as well as needs for comfort and community. Inclusion is the opportunity for every person to participate in meaningful ways in the life of the Jewish community. How do we know what is meaningful and important to another person? We open our doors, we ask, listen and we take the journey together.”
Keep reading to find things you can read, talk about, sing, and do to celebrate the important Jewish value of acceptance and inclusion.
READ
Kids, learn more about Lucky Broken Girl and watch a book trailer by Elana, a member of the National Design Team.
Parents, read the Lucky Broken Girl parent guide for more information about the book.
TALK
As you read the book, here are some ideas to talk over together. Please share your answers and ideas in the comments below
- Ruthie’s experiences help her understand the Jewish value of B’tzelem Elohim, that we all are unique individuals created in the image of God. In what ways is this true for you?
- Ruthie has friends and neighbors who support her. The Torah tells us not to insult the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind. What changes can we make so that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community life?
- Jews often sing the prayer how pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell in unity. JDAIM reminds us that our community is stronger when we welcome individuals with disabilities. What does Ruthie’s story teach us about how we can be more inclusive?
SING
Dan Nichols, a popular Jewish musician at summer camps and communities around the country, has written a beautiful song filled with ruach (spirit) about all of us being created in the image of God and finding connection with each other, B’tzelem Elohim. Listen to Dan’s song, check out more of his music at Dan Nichols Music, and share it with a friend.
ACT
Spread messages of kindness and inclusion with kindness rocks!
Find small rocks outside, clean them, and use paint pens or permanent markers to write positive messages on them. Place the rocks around your school, community center, or neighborhood to spread kindness to those around you.
Comment below to share how you spread kindness and inclusion.
