Tips for Creating Inclusive Holiday Experiences
November 25, 2024 | Shabbat and Holidays, Tips and Resources
By Brenda Footer
This Chanukah, as we gather with family and friends, let’s make sure everyone feels safe, welcome and celebrated. The Jewish community is becoming more diverse all the time. For many years, the predominant culture of American Jewry has been white and Ashkenazi. Our community is seeing a transformation. Through marriage with other faith traditions, more Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews in America, greater acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and other influences, our community is enriched. Here are some tips to make your Chanukah gathering inclusive and welcoming for all.
Welcoming Mixed Heritage Families
According to PJ Library’s most recent subscriber survey, about 50% of Jewish families are of mixed heritage, with at least one of the partners not growing up Jewish. That means many of us celebrate with people of different faith traditions, often within our own family. 18Doors offers this guide for Navigating Hanukkah and Christmas as an Interfaith Couple.
Welcoming Members of the LGBTQ+ Community
Keshet is an organization that works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life. They suggest these Eight Nights of Action to make sure LGBTQ+ Jewish people are included in American life.
If you are hosting a gathering in a public venue, try to ensure that there is a gender-inclusive restroom, and let guests know about this option.
For additional tips, see PFLAG’s article, “How to ‘Ally’ for the Holidays”.
Welcoming Jews of Color
It is estimated that between 12-15% of the Jewish Community in America are Jews of Color. This moniker includes Hispanic, Black, Asian, Sephardi, and Mizrachi Jews, among others. Remember that all Jews are Jews and that every Jew is born with a Jewish soul. Here’s a quick guide of what not to say to a Jew of Color. A simple “Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. Want a latke?” goes a long way. Or ask friends and relatives who are Jews of Color to share a recipe or bring a dish that has a special cultural connection to enrich your celebration.
Welcoming Those with Disabilities
Universal Design is a method of creating spaces and programs that are accessible and used by the greatest range of people. A familiar example is sidewalk curb cuts. Designed for wheelchair users, they also benefit parents with strollers or people pulling a cart. Consider how to create a gathering that is accessible to all. Consider space for mobility aids, a quiet place to calm down, and chairs to accommodate those of any size.
Those with developmental and sensory disabilities, or any of your guests less familiar with the Chanukah blessings, may benefit from visual aids like this printable blessing guided from Gateways: Access to Jewish Education.
We all love singing during the holidays, too. Here’s a video from the Rochester School for the Deaf, sharing the book and song “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” that will make the fun accessible to the Deaf Community.
Many people with hearing loss or other communication barriers experience dinner table syndrome when it is hard to follow the thread of conversation at a gathering. Make an effort to slow down, repeat things as needed, and make sure everyone feels included. You can use an app like Otter.ai to provide speech-to-text help.
Inclusion is a core value of Judaism, and making your Chanukah celebration accessible, welcoming, and warm is a beautiful way to honor this. Whether it’s through thoughtful planning or simply offering a smile and a latke, these small efforts can make a big difference.
We hope these ideas inspire you to make your Chanukah table a place where everyone feels at home.