In my video message today, I share my reflections on this week’s Torah portion in which all the Jewish people gathered together as one nation to accept the Torah at Mount Sinai—and the deep longing expressed by a thoughtful young adult with autism, Jacob Artson, who spoke at a session this week hosted by CJP and the Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project.

This first week of February marks the beginning of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), when we reaffirm our commitment to emulate that remarkable historic moment at Mount Sinai—to make all spaces of Jewish life and learning welcoming and inclusive, so that the entire Jewish nation can participate.

I look forward to hearing how you are taking part in JDAIM this year.