Jewish Life

At the heart of everything we do, lie our Jewish values

Rooted in Jewish values, expressed through every service.

A meaningful Jewish life for everyone we support

At Kisharon Langdon, Jewish life is at the heart of everything we do. It is embedded across all our services, shaping the support we provide and the communities we create.

We support every person to live a Jewish life that is meaningful to them.

Members of the Kisharon Langdon community celebrating together

A Person-Centred Approach to Jewish Life

We recognise that every person connects with and observes Judaism in their own unique way, and we tailor our support to reflect this. Our role is to enable each person to practise, explore and express their Jewish identity in the way they choose.

However people choose to observe, we strive to ensure they feel part of Jewish culture, community and heritage.

Support planning session at Kisharon Langdon

Celebrating Jewish Life Throughout the Year

Throughout the year, we create opportunities for people to come together, celebrate and immerse themselves in Jewish life and traditions.

סוכות

Succot celebrations

Joyful celebrations in the sukkah, bringing people together.

חנוכה

Chanukah & Purim parties

Festive parties full of light, colour, costumes and community spirit.

פסח

Pesach Seder

Model Seders that bring the story of Pesach to life for everyone we support.

ל״ג בעומר

Lag B’Omer BBQs

Outdoor BBQs marking this special day in the Jewish calendar with warmth and togetherness.

שבת

Communal Shabbat meals

Shared Shabbat meals that create a sense of joy and community.

הבדלה

Havdalah gatherings

Havdalah gatherings that mark the close of Shabbat with candlelight, spice and song.

Supporting Religious Practice

We provide practical support to make religious practice possible in everyday life by:

  • – Supporting individuals to maintain a Kosher home at all times, including at Pesach.
  • – Enabling people to observe Shabbat and festivals in a way that is meaningful and suitable for them.
  • – Ensuring Yiddishkeit is also incorporated into daily life.

Our staff are guided to ensure that religious practice is upheld in a way that respects each person’s choices and level of observance.

A Dedicated Jewish Living Team

90
hours
of Jewish Life support delivered every week
260
individuals
supported across supported living and community outreach
450+
staff
engaged and guided, embedding Jewish life into everyday support

Empowering Our Teams

We ensure our staff have the confidence and knowledge to support Jewish life across all services.

 

We do this by:

  • – Providing Jewish training throughout the year.
  • – Supporting teams to uphold and implement Jewish practice.
  • – Offering easy-read resources to make Jewish learning and participation accessible to everyone.
Person we support preparing Sedar plate

Jewish teachings on disability

Genesis 1:27

Every person is created in the image of God: B'tzelem Elohim

וַיִּבְרָא אֱלֹהִים אֶת־הָאָדָם בְּצַלְמוֹ, בְּצֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים בָּרָא אֹתוֹ

Vayivra Elohim et-ha-adam b'tzalmo; b'tzelem Elohim bara oto.

"And God created the Man / Human in His image; in the image of God He created it / him."

The principle of B'tzelem Elohim teaches that every person has inherent dignity and worth because every human being is created in the image of God. A person's disability does not diminish their value, contribution or right to be treated with respect.

Pirkei Avot 4:3

There is no person who does not have their hour, and no thing that does not have its place

אַל תְּהִי בָז לְכָל אָדָם, וְאַל תְּהִי מַפְלִיג לְכָל דָּבָר, שֶׁאֵין לְךָ אָדָם שֶׁאֵין לוֹ שָׁעָה, וְאֵין לְךָ דָּבָר שֶׁאֵין לוֹ מָקוֹם

Al tehi vaz l'chol adam, v'al tehi maflig l'chol davar, she'ein lecha adam she'ein lo sha'ah, v'ein lecha davar she'ein lo makom.

"Do not despise any person, and do not dismiss anything, for there is no person who does not have their hour, and there is no thing that does not have its place."

This teaches us not to dismiss, underestimate or overlook anyone. Everyone has a contribution to make and everyone has a place. It is a reminder that communities should create opportunities for people to participate, contribute and belong.

Shevuot 39

All Israel are responsible for one another

כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲרֵבִים זֶה בָזֶה

Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh.

"All Israel are responsible for one another."

This principle places responsibility for inclusion on the whole community, rather than on individuals to overcome barriers themselves. It reminds us that we all have a role in creating communities where everyone can participate, contribute and belong.

Resources

Shabbat
Chanukah
Secret Link