YAD B'YAD SOCIAL GROUP
~~2007 News~~
For Young Adults Who Have Disabling Conditions 
In 1988, the Council For Jews With Special Needs created Yad B’Yad social group for men and women ages 22 and above who have mild to moderate developmental, physical and sensory disabilities. The group’s goals were to (1) provide a gathering place to meet and participate in activities with adults who have special needs and “typical” adults; (2) enhance their Jewish identity through religious, cultural,
educational and social programs; and (3) offer the parents of participants an opportunity to meet and share their concerns.
The group meets twice a month for a wide variety of activities. These activities include: 
Shabbat Dinners, Judaic Studies, Scavenger Hunts, Chanukah Celebrations, Miniature Golf, Coffee & Desserts, Super Bowl Parties, Purim Parties, Bowling, Passover Seders, Concerts, Game Day, Tzedakah Projects, Pottery Painting, Health & Fitness, Swim & BBQ, Yiddish Studies and Mitzvah Day
Special education teachers and sign language interpreters direct the Yad B’Yad group. The staff discusses
possible activities with the participants and makes arrangements for selected programs. Most activities take place at Shalom House, a Jewish residence for adults with developmental disabilities, and others take place in community settings. Community volunteers often join Yad B’Yad participants on their outings. Participants pay 
for the cost of their activities and any special supplies for art or cooking projects. They are expected to provide their own transportation to and from activities.
In 2000, a number of the adults expressed the desire to have an adult b’nai mitzvah. For two years, Yad
B’Yad students met twice a month to study Shabbat, holidays, Jewish history, traditions, rituals, prayers (in Hebrew and English), songs and ethics. Each was given a part to perform in the service. On January 19, 
2002, eight men and women stood on the bima and offered their words of prayer and heartfelt stories of their personal experiences to the 650 congregants.
Upon the completion of their b’nai mitzvah, the group requested that their studies continue. Additional participants decided to join the class, and it continues to this day. Having already achieved their goal of a b’nai mitzvah, this group of young adults with special needs gathers for the pure joy of studying together.
For more information about Yad B’Yad Adults Social Group, contact the Council office at (480) 629-5343 or on-line at info@cjsn.org
The Council For Jews With Special Needs is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix: www.jewishphoenix.org
