Tamir, a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, serves people of all backgrounds with developmental disabilities while also embracing Jewish culture and values. This work is guided by a team of caring professionals who seek to provide dignity and a loving environment for all who use their services.

Chani Teitlebaum, who leads Tamir’s Jewish programming, recently spoke to the Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin to discuss how incorporating Judaism into programming impacts the clients’ lives.

E-Bulletin: How do you bring Judaism to life at Tamir?

Teitlebaum: At Tamir, Judaism is something our clients actively live and experience. We create a vibrant, accessible Jewish environment where holidays, rituals, and Jewish values are woven into everyday life. Our goal is to ensure that every person can engage in Jewish life in ways that are meaningful and free of barriers.

Jewish holidays are central to our programming and are celebrated through hands-on, experiential activities such as cooking, music, art, dance, and storytelling. We take a person-centred approach, not asking “how is this traditionally done,” but “how can this individual experience Judaism in a way that is meaningful to them.” 

This allows us to preserve the heart of Jewish traditions while making them accessible to everyone.

Since every individual has varying abilities and needs, participation looks different from person to person. Every Jewish individual at Tamir sets a personal Judaic goal and works one-on-one with us to achieve it. 

Goals reflect each person’s interests and strengths and may include sensory engagement, participating in Jewish events, volunteering in Jewish spaces, learning Hebrew, cooking Jewish foods, or learning Jewish songs.

E-Bulletin: How do you transmit Jewish culture and identity to a mostly non-Jewish staff?

Teitlebaum: The Tamir staff support and participate in our faith and culture activities with respect and the understanding that this is an integral part of our mission and values. We provide in-person trainings, holiday-specific orientations, and written guidebooks that explain Jewish practices and their significance. 

Staff are also encouraged to reach out at any time with questions, ensuring ongoing learning and confidence in supporting Jewish life.

E-Bulletin: Are there any upcoming Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) events that are open to the community?

Teitlebaum: Yes! As part of JDAIM, Tamir will be hosting several community events, including a performance by the Tamir Neshama Choir, a guest speaker, Tu B’Shvat baking, and a synagogue service where our individuals will receive aliyot and participate in different roles. Community members are warmly invited to join us. We love celebrating together and building friendships.

Keep an eye on our social media for more information on these events! 

E-Bulletin: What inclusion measures would make Jewish Ottawa more accessible for Tamir participants and all persons with disabilities?

Teitlebaum: First, remember us. People with disabilities are often unintentionally left out. Inclusion starts with being remembered, invited, and truly welcomed. Second, build real relationships. Partner with Tamir and our participants. Collaborating on programs and events connects our communities in meaningful and lasting ways. Third, make inclusion intentional. Create an accessibility or inclusion committee and listen to the voices of people with disabilities in your community. Responding to their feedback matters. Lastly, keep growing. Resources for accessibility are widely available. With commitment and effort, every organization can continue to become more inclusive.

To learn more about the vital work that Tamir does, you can visit their website by clicking here (https://www.tamir.ca/).