Stay Connected with Gateways!

Join our newsletter community

to be the first to hear about:

  • Exciting updates on our programs for children with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
  • Stories of impact from families, educators, and the Jewish community.
  • Tips and resources to support accessible Jewish learning.
  • Upcoming events, exclusive resources and more!

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

photo of a parent and child saying Shabbat blessings, child is eating challah

Shabbat Resources

The Gateways Shabbat Family Companion

The Gateways Shabbat Family Companion is an excellent addition to any Shabbat celebration. Rich with Tobii Dynavox Picture Communication Symbols®, explanations, and photos, the book offers a deeper look into Shabbat blessings and rituals. This book is ideal for pre-readers, individuals with disabilities or diverse learning needs, and anyone looking for an introduction to the rituals and prayers of Shabbat. Use the Shabbat Family Companion at your dinner table, synagogue, or school.

Get Yours Today!

Shabbat Blessings with Picture Communication Symbols®

Illustrating each word of a blessing with a symbol helps make it more accessible and understandable for pre-readers and those with disabilities and diverse learning needs. Use these downloadable printouts to follow along with the blessings and learn their meanings.

Blessing Over Candles

View

Kiddush

View

HaMotzi

View
photo of a card that says "remember Shabbat and keep it holy"
photo of a Gateways student and their parents sitting together reciting a blessing

Shabbat Social Stories: Going to Temple

People with disabilities and diverse learning needs can feel anxious about things that are unfamiliar. Social stories can set them up for success by explaining different situations and expectations.  

picture symbol of three people going to temple

Going to Temple on Shabbat

This story illustrates what goes on in a temple on Shabbat, and explains how people usually dress and behave when they go to temple. 

View
image symbol of nice clothes

People Wear Special Clothes to Temple

This story describes the clothes that people wear to temple and explains kippot and tallitot. This story will be helpful for children and teens who may be anxious about a change in their normal dressing routine or those who like to plan what they want to wear in advance.

View
image symbol of a woman at temple

How People Behave in Temple

Clearly outlining the behavior that is expected in temple is helpful to children with disabilities. In addition to reviewing this story before going to temple, parents may bring it to temple if their children would benefit from reminders of what proper temple behavior looks like.

View
image symbol of a frustrated person

Things I Can Do During a Long Service

Sitting through Shabbat services can be a challenge for anyone! This story suggests some appropriate activities to keep children from becoming bored during a long service. Fill-in-the-blanks encourage parents and children to talk in advance about how they plan to stay occupied.

View

Shabbat Activities

Click on the activity to open a downloadable PDF of the resource.

Shabbat Color Match File Folder Activity

Make a Friday Night Schedule

Shabbat is a Day of Rest Worksheet

Shabbat Memory Game Picture Cards

Like our resources?

Let’s connect!

Send us a message to learn more about our offerings and help us find more resources for you!

Limit 2000 Characters

Categories: , ,