The Judith Trust ran a session for the ‘Mishpacha’ Families group at Sha’arei Tzedek North London Reform Synagogue on Shabbat 9th June 2012. Children aged 2-6 learnt the first line of the Shema in Makaton, a simplified form of sign language. Games were used to help the children explore their individual differences and similarities. Everyone made a collage picture of themselves, showing their skills and likes and ‘what makes me special’. They discussed their pictures and that everyone is special and unique.
The children proudly showed their pictures to the Rabbi and the congregants, and recited the Shema in Makaton for the whole community.
At the end of the service the Inclusion Campaign Project Officer spoke about Jewish approaches to inclusion and how the community can get involved in the Judith Trust Inclusion Campaign.