February, 2022
In honor of Jewish Disability Acceptance Inclusion Month, Friendship Circle Greater Hartford presented an opportunity for community members to contribute to its first Jewish Community Inclusion Mural. The mural event asked every participant to bring their creativity and voice to the canvas. Together community members worked together to create one mural facilitating an opportunity for people with and without disabilities to interact and recognize each person’s unique value instead of perceived differences.
The theme of the art piece was #justASK, inclusion starts with asking and then listening. When a person asks and listens it opens up a conversation about feelings, experiences, and needs. As much as we want to immediately meet everyone's needs, the process can take time and relies on listening with compassion. “Just asking” can make a person feel heard, valued, and creates a sense of belonging. The community mural that took place February 27, 2022 was an opportunity for ALL people to interact, learn from each other and recognize each person’s unique value and contribution to our Jewish community. We are hoping that through the process of art and discussion a shift in mindset will occur in our community that will remove the barriers to participation in all aspects of Jewish life.