Temple Rodef Shalom

Accessibility and Inclusion

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Removing Barriers and Celebrating Diversity

At Temple Rodef Shalom, we are grounded in our enduring commitment to audacious hospitality, sacred community, and the belief that each person is created B’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God. As the largest Reform congregation in Virginia, we embrace our responsibility to be a spiritual home for all who seek connection, meaning, and belonging. 

With the Director of Caring, the Inclusion and Accessibility Committee works to ensure that our community is not only welcoming in spirit but also accessible in practice. Together, we strive to: 

Remove barriers so individuals of all abilities can fully participate in every aspect of synagogue life:

  • Our parking area contains multiple accessible parking spaces.
  • Our main entrance doors are each wide enough and suitable for wheelchairs and walkers. 
  • We have gently-sloped sidewalks and paved parking lots that lead to and from covered entry porticos, all of which are navigable by wheelchairs and walkers. 
  • Elevator access to the Sanctuary and entire building via the ground floor.
  • The Bimah is directly accessible, with a ramp allowing all individuals to participate.
  • Our outdoor play areas are accessible for all children. Additionally, recent improvements make Bunny’s Place, our outdoor recreation and worship space, accessible for those with mobility challenges.
  • Our restrooms are wheelchair and walker accessible.
  • We have a quiet room in the Sanctuary for those finding it helpful to experience the service from a separate space.
  • Fidgets, books, noise canceling headphones and more can be borrowed during services from the Sensory Baskets located on the bookcase to the right at the entrance to the Sanctuary. 
     
  • Assisted listening devices, large-print programs and large-print Siddurim (prayer books) are available in the Sanctuary.
  • Interior building signs include Braille.
  • Magnifying devices are available to borrow during services.
  • Requests for ASL interpreters may be made by clicking here.
  • Web live streaming is provided for those who would benefit from viewing Shabbat and holiday services from their homes.

Additional resource: Register for free access to JBI Library resources
The JBI (Jewish Braille International) Library offers people who are blind, have low vision, or have a print disability free access to a wide selection of books in Braille, large-print and audio formats, including Jewish liturgical texts, personalized materials, and cultural content — helping them stay connected to Jewish life, learning, and community. Please click here for instructions on how to apply for free services. 

TRS uses an AI-powered web accessibility solution designed to help websites comply with accessibility standards like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Please click the blue icon in the bottom right corner to adjust your website experience to your needs.

  • It is the Temple’s policy to take reasonable actions to maintain a “nut free” environment at activities primarily targeted for children.
  • In addition, we post signs identifying common allergens in food items served at congregational events, such as Onegs and Hot Shabbat. However, not all items may be labeled. 
  • If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, please feel free to ask a staff member on site while you’re at an event with food or reach out in advance.

Jewish Disabilites Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM): Every February, TRS celebrates JDAIM during a Friday night Shabbat service by inviting a prominent advocate or author to deliver a D’var Torah. Past speakers have included the late Judy Heumann, “Mother of the Disabilities Rights Movement,” Melissa Heifetz, Executive Director of the Arc of Northern Virginia and Dr. Robin Rinearson, the owner of Jake’s Ice Cream and Jake’s Gourmet Popcorn.

ReelAbilities Film Festival: Each year, the Inclusion and Accessibilty Committee teams up with the Pozez Jewish Community Center to host a film screening and panel discussion as part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington, which is dedicated to promoting awareness of people with disabilities through film.

Inclusive Family Chanukah Celebration: A fun program for children of all abilities aged 10 and under and their families with crafts, music, games and treats.

 

Inclusive Havdalah: Our bi-monthly musical Inclusive Havdalah program welcomes everyone, while focusing on meaningful inclusion of people of all ages with disabilities and mental health conditions, or who are neurodiverse, to join in the religious community experience of saying good-bye to Shabbat and looking ahead to a new week. The services are open to members of the congregation as well as the greater Jewish community.

Celebrate diversity across race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, neurodiversity, abilities and family structure (interfaith, multiracial and nontraditional):

“Kehilot” are Temple Rodef Shalom’s identity-based micro-communities within our larger congregation. Our kehilot are for those who identify as members of the communities of LGBTQIA+, Jews of Color and Jews by Choice. Please click here to read more.

Peer buddies are trained to offer friendly support to N’tivot classmates who may benefit from extra peer connection opportunities. Please click here to visit our Religious School webpage.

We are committed to making this milestone accessible and meaningful for everyone. If your family has specific needs, please click here to inquire about B’nai Mitzvah accommodations.

At Temple Rodef Shalom, you’re not just welcome—you’re essential! 

For questions or if you need assistance with accessibility or inclusion issues, please click here. If you are interested in serving on the Inclusion and Accessibility Committee, please email .

Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)