All Abilities

Worship Areas

The Sanctuary Building houses our Sanctuary, Social Hall, Oneg Room, Sanctuary Lounge, Sanctuary Foyer, and Oneg Kitchen.

In the Sanctuary and During Worship

• Noice-reducing headphones available upon request.
• Fidget tools available in the sanctuary for those who need.
• Large print and high contrast prayerbooks available upon request.
• Wheelchair seating with open space next to the pews in the Sanctuary
• Handrails and wheelchair access ramp leading up to Bima.
• Assistive listening devices available upon request. Ask an usher (stationed at the entrance to the Sanctuary) for assistance.
• Wide aisles between pews.
• Kippot and tallitot are available at a wheelchair accessible level.
• Private family room with disabled access restroom and audio of services.
• All worship opportunities, including Shabbat evening and High Holy Day Services are available online, usually streamed on YouTube. Please contact the Temple Office to receive information on how to access worship digitally.

At Friday night Shabbat services, ushers distribute printed announcements containing Temple Isaiah’s policy:

We welcome people of all ages and abilities to worship with us. Our community embraces individuals with special needs, some of whom may move or vocalize more during services. Caregivers aim to balance individual needs with the worship experience of others. We encourage open hearts and minds as we learn from one another.

For accessibility, we provide large-print and digital prayerbooks, a hearing loop, and over-ear headphones, located on a cart near the front entrance. Noise-reducing headphones and fidget tools are available in the back of the Sanctuary, near the Yizkor wall. Please ask a greeter if you need assistance. To support a comfortable space for all, please refrain from wearing fragrances and silence your mobile devices.

Non-Worship Areas

• Wheelchair access to the building through wide doorway at west side entrance.
• Microphones and music stands are accessible.
• Private disabled access restrooms available.
• Flexible seating in Social Hall and Oneg Room

Parking and Outdoor Pathways

• Clearly indicated reserved parking spaces for the disabled are near the entrance to each building on our campus.
• All sidewalks have curb cuts.
• All pathways are well lit and maintained.

Talmud Torah Center/Education Building

The Talmud Torah center houses Gan Ilan Preschool, Classrooms 101-205, and the Beit Knesset

• Ground level entrance accessible via wide doorways.
• Upper level entrance accessible via elevator.
• Beit Knesset and classrooms have flexible seating arrangements.
• Tree nut and peanut-free policy for the building.

Temple House/Main Office Building

The Temple House building houses our administrative, clergy, and senior staff offices, Adult Lounge, Gift Shop, Library, Youth Lounge, and classrooms 301-302.

• Main level entrance wheelchair accessible via ramp.
• Basement/Youth Lounge entrance accessible via ramp or lift.
• Fully accessible library with titles available in multiple formats, including DVDs, Music CDs and books on tape.
• Accessible gift shop. Call ahead for hours and shopping assistance (925) 284-4933.

 

Youth and Education Special Needs Inclusion

By acknowledging learning differences, communicating regularly with parents, helping to celebrate and develop strengths, and teaching through different modes of learning, we strive to provide all participants in our youth and education programs at Temple Isaiah with a successful experience of Jewish education and community.

We need parents’ collaboration to provide the best experience for their children at Temple Isaiah. Parents are the experts on their children and can provide us with essential information about their children’s strengths and unique needs. We see parents as our partners and strive for strong communication among parents, teachers, and our Learning Specialist.

We also take dietary restrictions and other special needs into consideration when planning any class or program.

Questions About Inclusion?
We’d love to speak with you about your child(ren)‘s specific special needs. Please contact Rabbi Greninger at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (925) 284-9191.

For Camp Kefli, Noar Night and Youth Group programs, please contact Rabbi Alissa Miller at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (925) 283-8575

Our Caring Community

Angel Network
The Angel Network is our caring community of volunteers dedicated to offering comfort and support to members and their families in times of need. The Angel Network can assist with a range of tasks from meals and transportation to making visits and phone calls. When a need arises, please tell us. Contact the front office at (925) 283-8575.

Support Groups
We offer a variety of support groups throughout the year, including Al Anon, mental health support, grief support, and more.

Please visit our calendar, Lifecycle, Mental Health and Wellness, or Community sections for more details.

Here When You Need Us
If you need to reach a member of our clergy team immediately, for a hospital visit, to report a death, for crisis counseling, or to change a same-day appointment, please call the Temple office at (925) 283-8575 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We have a wonderful Clergy assistant and support staff who will all make sure your message gets to the right person in a timely fashion.