High Holy Days Accessibility
With questions, accessibility requests, or to have a conversation with our team, please email office@shirtikvahmn.org.
Masking practice at services
In consultation with Shir Tikvah’s Disability Justice Committee, Susan Raffo and Beth Zemsky will facilitate a few planning conversations this summer to support the launch of a yearlong learning project on access, belonging, and inclusion for 5787.
These discussions will begin this summer with two small planning groups of folks close to these issues. These discussions will include learning about disability justice, reviewing current policies and practices, with an emphasis on generating a community protocol regarding masking for our upcoming High Holiday services. We will be sharing Shir Tikvah’s masking policy the third week of August.
There will be many other opportunities to get involved in this process as we move into the new year. We look forward to the powerful work ahead as we wrestle with tradition and innovation through the intersection of lifelong study, prayer, justice and radical hospitality.
Print Materials
We offer the following print materials in the welcoming hall ahead of services, while supplies last:
Service program (regular and large print)
Drash transcript (regular and large print)
Upcoming Adult Ed, Youth and Families, and Committee Programs (regular print)
A QR code to the complete transcript of our services*
*We will not offer print copies of the service transcript, but will provide the document by email ahead of time for at-home printing, if desired. Email here if you have any print material questions.
ASL Interpretation
We welcome requests for ASL interpretation and have submitted requests for interpreters for all services, including youth and family. Because of the nature of interpretation for High Holiday services and the high demand for interpreters for these events, we cannot guarantee the presence of an interpreter, but will update this website page when we’ve confirmed interpreters at services. Please email office@shirtikvahmn.org with questions.
Fidgets
A variety of fidgets will be available in the welcoming hall and the quiet sensory friendly room for anyone to use.
A quiet sensory space will be available for all services at St. Joan of Arc
This space is available for everyone, has fidgets and coloring supplies, and is available for breastfeeding on various couches and chairs. Please email here with any questions about this area prior to High Holy Days.
Touch tours of service spaces at St. Joan of Arc will be offered for those who would benefit from previewing the space.
Please email here to schedule a Touch Tour prior to High Holy Days.
Bus Routes
Learn about bus options to St. Joan of Arc by visiting here.
Accessibility of our spaces
We are actively working to make our ways of gathering accessible to every member of our community. Below is a description of what to expect from our spaces and ways of engaging with our holy community.
Come comfortable and ready for the spiritual work of the High Holy Days. Bring tallit for morning services and Kol Nidre. Extend kavod (honor and dignity) to the bodies doing big spiritual work through these holy days by extending to one another compassion, gentleness, curiosity and trust. Dress in a way that will support your own spiritual work and focus - and trust that the people around you are dressed for their own practice.
Physical Spaces: Getting in the Door at St. Joan of Arc
Handicap parking spots are available.
There are a finite number of spaces in the parking lot and we prioritize these for folks who need close and easy access to the entrance of the building. If you are able bodied we ask that you arrive early and park on the street.
The sidewalks, ramps, and doors are well maintained and accessible.
There is only one entrance, the main doors; there are no stairs along this path.
Families & Youth Spaces
Childcare (2-4 years) and camp (Kindergarten - 5th grade) are offered. Additionally, babies and children are enthusiastically welcomed into our service spaces.
The Youth and Family services are held across the building and on a lower level. There is an elevator option. The travel time from the entrance is about 5 minutes and the floors have arrows directing the route. We encourage families to arrive early to head down there and settle into the service space.
Sound check in the sanctuary may be happening as you’re walking to the Youth and Family services. It may be loud as you are passing through.
Changing tables are available in the single-room restrooms.
Physical Spaces: Inside St. Joan of Arc
In addition to staff, shomrim and ushers are available to help orient you to the space and answer your questions. They are distinguishable by green and purple lanyards with labels.
For those who are looking for flexible floor space (for babies or for yourself) and room to walk around, the adjacent room and the attached welcoming hall (with a live stream on TVs) is available.
There are single-room restrooms and school-style, stalled restrooms available. The latter have gendered signs and we welcome everyone to use whatever spaces feel most comfortable.
Service seating is on folding chairs; you are welcome to bring a seat cushion or remove a chair in any row for wheelchair space.
The main services are multi-modal and folks will Zoom into the physical service space to share kavanah and/or chant torah.
This is not a scent-free zone; Shabbat candles will be lit and are unscented.
Name tag stickers are available in the welcoming hall and everyone is encouraged to utilize them.
Masks (in adult and children sizes) and tissues are available in the welcoming hall.
A variety of fidgets will be available in the welcoming hall and the quiet sensory friendly room for anyone to use.
Please find staff or shomrim for first aid supplies.
Virtual Spaces
We maintain a warm and welcoming chat
Attendees are mix of on-camera and off, member and first time visitor
Captions are made available
A transcript (digital siddur) is available for all services
Hosts are available to welcome and provide accessibility/tech support
All services are streamed live and remain available for rewatching
This is a great way to preview what typical services at Shir Tikvah look, sound, and feel like