Last week we brought together parent carers and community leaders for an honest, inspiring conversation on inclusion and neurodiversity within Hertfordshire’s synagogue network. The event – “Herts for Change” – exceeded all expectations.
Held at Radlett United Synagogue and hosted by Rebbetzen Shira and Rabbi Nick Kett (Radlett), with Rebbetzen Jacqueline Feldman (Bushey), and Rebbetzen Eva Chapper (Borehamwood and Elstree) in attendance. The event created a meaningful platform to explore the needs of families navigating additional needs within the Jewish community.
Our Rabbinical leads have been actively involved in improving community inclusion in Hertfordshire synagogues building on their existing efforts. Rivka Steinberg, Lead Advocate for Additional Needs at the United Synagogue, opened the floor inviting honest conversations about the experiences of parent carers, aiming to shape a more inclusive and compassionate synagogue environment for all.
Rivka explained: “The meeting provided an opportunity for parent carers not only to receive support but also to share what they felt would be helpful. They highlighted the importance of continuously educating both leadership and general members on how to create a more accepting, aware community.”
The discussion covered a range of important topics from daily challenges to the ways in which milestone celebrations, such as bar/bat mitzvahs could be adapted to accommodate neurodiverse needs. A key message was the desire for synagogues to remain welcoming, flexible, and responsive, recognising that inclusion can and should look different for different families.
Rivka added: “There are already some fantastic initiatives including support groups across different communities. We want to support and bring together these efforts through collaboration, creating a unified approach to building truly neurodiverse-affirming Jewish spaces. We want to create meaningful connections and reach cohorts who may feel isolated.”
“Several parent carers who attended the event, are themselves professionals, psychologists, educators, doctors, bringing a wealth of lived and learned experience. They expressed a strong desire to contribute to shaping inclusive practices that are practical, sustainable, and skill-based, not just emotional. We want to reach out to many more families who may feel disconnected from community life. The parents who came were incredibly engaged and passionate about supporting inclusion efforts especially around autism and neurodiversity.
“This initiative aligns with the United Synagogue’s broader commitment to disability inclusion recognising individual needs at a grassroots level, promoting awareness, and building lasting connections that ensure everyone, regardless of ability, feels valued and supported.”
Hertfordshire Community Rebbetzens, Shira Kett, Jacqueline Feldman and Eva Chapper said; “It was a real privilege to host a coffee morning for parents of children with neurodivergence. We were deeply moved by the honesty and openness of those who attended, and we gained invaluable insight into the everyday challenges they face. These conversations help us grow as individuals and as communities. We warmly encourage more families to share their experiences, so together we can continue building inclusive, understanding, and supportive spaces for everyone.”