IDEA Committee

Our Mission

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA) Committee at Congregation Beth Israel was established to foster a culture of belonging for all—regardless of background, ability, or identity. We strive to ensure every aspect of CBI life is welcoming and attuned to the experiences and needs of our diverse community.

Who We Are

Formed in 2023 through an amendment to CBI’s bylaws, our committee collaborates with clergy, staff, and community leaders and is guided by national Jewish inclusion initiatives and local studies, along with the voices and aspirations of our own members.

What We Do

Enhancing Inclusion and Accessibility:	Fostering Community and Learning:
Developed an inclusive Event Planning Toolkit for all CBI hosts and organizers. Collaborated with web developers to design a new, accessible CBI website. Conducted thorough campus accessibility audits, resulting in improved signage, doorway thresholds, bathroom access, and clear visibility marking. Assembled Accommodation Stations, offering resources like large-print prayerbooks and noise-isolating headphones, to help everyone participate fully.	Hosted a “Beyond Welcoming” anti-bias training for clergy, staff, and board members. Launched opportunities for deep conversation, such as the clergy-led Racial Equity Challenge and IDEA Conversation Hours. Celebrated Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month with a special Shabbat service. Distributed pronoun stickers at all CBI events, supporting gender inclusion.

Enhancing Inclusion and Accessibility:

Fostering Community and Learning:

Developed an inclusive Event Planning Toolkit for all CBI hosts and organizers.

Collaborated with web developers to design a new, accessible CBI website.

Conducted thorough campus accessibility audits, resulting in improved signage, doorway thresholds, bathroom access, and clear visibility marking.

Assembled Accommodation Stations, offering resources like large-print prayerbooks and noise-isolating headphones, to help everyone participate fully.

Hosted a “Beyond Welcoming” anti-bias training for clergy, staff, and board members.

Launched opportunities for deep conversation, such as the clergy-led Racial Equity Challenge and IDEA Conversation Hours.

Celebrated Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month with a special Shabbat service.

Distributed pronoun stickers at all CBI events, supporting gender inclusion.

Our Impact

CBI’s commitment to inclusion and equity has been recognized by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (URJ-RAC), which has invited our IDEA Committee co-chairs to share our journey at national trainings.

Inclusive Event Planning Checklist

At Congregation Beth Israel (CBI), we put our values into action by celebrating the holiness of every individual and the essential diversity of the Jewish people. To ensure that all CBI worship experiences, events and programs promote inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility, the IDEA Committee offers these tools to guide event planners and hosts in the planning process.
When planning an event on-site, at another location or through remote technology, please consider ways to make your event as accessible, inclusive, and affirming to all participants. These materials are designed to help you consider the needs of all participants to ensure that you create a successful event.

Part I: Event Planning Checklist
Part II: Detailed Guidance for Event Planners
Part III: Demographic Information
Part IV: Inclusive Language and Resources

Check out these resources!

Jews of Color Initiative

Keshet Equality Directory

Jewtina y Co

Interfaith Inclusion in Our Congregations & Communities

Microaggressions vs. Microaffirmations: Welcoming at the “Micro” Level

Creating an Affirming & Inclusive Greeter Training

Gender-Inclusive Restroom Signs

Printable Pronoun Resource

URJ Demographic Survey

How to Get Involved

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive Jewish community? Do you see a need we should address? We welcome your partnership, ideas, and support! Please contact IDEA co-chairs Sue Aronowitz and Shoshana Zeisman-Pereyo at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Together, we can ensure everyone finds a place to belong at Congregation Beth Israel.

Get Involved!

Your Voice Matters!

We welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and stories about inclusion and accessibility at CBI. Please use the button below to share your feedback with us. All submissions are confidential and help us improve our community for everyone.

Share Your Experience