Accessibility and Inclusion

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 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 handicapped spaces.
  • Our main entrance doors are each wide enough and suitable for wheelchairs and walkers. 
  • We have gently-sloped driveways that lead to and from a covered entry portico, 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 relatively low-rise stairs and a ramp allowing individuals to enter.
  • Our outdoor play areas are accessible for all children.
  • 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.
  • Sensory Baskets with fidgets, books, noise canceling headphones and more are avialable for borrowing during services. They are to the right at the entrance to the Sanctuary and are stocked with Jewish themed books. 
  • Hearing devices, large print programs and large-print Siddurim (prayer books) are available in the Sanctuary.
  • Magnifying devices are available to borrow during services. 
  • ASL interpreters are available upon request for High Holy Days.
  • Web live streaming is provided for all sanctuary services to allow housebound individuals to watch and listen.
  • 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.

When possible, we include food labels to help identify common allergens. However, not all items may be labeled. If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, please feel free to ask a staff member or reach out in advance.

Jewish Disabilites Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM): Temple Rodef Shalom has welcomed renowned authors, speakers, and advocates such as Dr. Arielle Silverman and Judy Heumann.

Inclusive Shabbat Services: These special worship services include supportive features such as visual schedules and projected prayer book text.

ReelAbilities: Each year, the Inclusion Committee teams up with the Pozez Jewish Community Center in hosting a film for the ReelAbilities Film Festival.

Community Service: Partnering with the Adult Education Committee of Temple Rodef Shalom and the Northern Virginia Arc allows Temple members and guests to learn more about the experiences of the differently abled and to participate in a community service activity.

Inclusive Havdalah: An opportunity for all to welcome a new week in an atmosphere of acceptance and welcoming – Shavua Tov!

Celebrate diversity across race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, neurodiversity, 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.

One-to-one shadows, or buddies, for Religious School students who need additional assistance. Please click here to visit our Religious School webpage.