Federation program tackles disability and belonging

The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and the Archdiocese of Newark join to offer “Disability & Belonging: An Interfaith Conversation About Building Communities of Hope.” It’s set for Tuesday, October 21, at 7 p.m., in West Orange, and takes place during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee of Hope and the 60th anniversary year of Vatican II.

Rabbi Avi Friedman of Congregation Ohr Shalom/The Summit Jewish Community Center and Bishop Michael Saporito, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark, will speak, and there will be a screening of “Intelligent Lives,” a short film about conventional perceptions of intelligence and ability. A post-film discussion will explore how faith communities can become leaders in rethinking ability, embracing neurodiversity, and fostering equity for all.

The planning committee includes Oscar Cruz, Lindsay Dodge, Michael Landau, Ann Leeb, Anne Masters, Hagit Oren, Tara Roberts, Kim Takacs, and Rebecca Wanatick. For information, email Stephanie at sabrahams@ jfedgmw.org.