Gateways Shabbat Family Companion

Everyone has a place at the Shabbat table. 

The Gateways Shabbat Family Companion invites families with children of all abilities and disabilities to a Shabbat dinner celebration that is accessible for the whole family. Includes background for parents, Shabbat blessings over candles, wine, and challah, short stories and Shabbat songs, as well as Shabbat conversation starters and other family-friendly activities. Each blessing’s meaning is illuminated by the use of picture communication symbols developed by Mayer-Johnson, ™ the leading creator of symbol-adapted special education materials to assist individuals in overcoming their speech, language, and learning challenges. Over 30 vibrant photos bring the celebration to life. In this way, Shabbat dinner participants can experience the celebration through clear, direct language and rich and varied images. 


This easy-to-hold, concise Shabbat companion is respectful to all participants, whatever their abilities, and ensures that all can take part meaningfully in Shabbat observance in the home in as little as 10 minutes or as much as 45 minutes. 


Gateways: Access to Jewish Education (www.jgateways.org) provides high quality special education services to enable children with diverse learning needs to participate meaningfully in Jewish life.