Blueprint for Social Change: Shaping an Impact-Based Strategy - Case Study 2002 – 2020

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Engines of Change Due to the implementation of knowledge and practice by the Foundation, the infrastructure organizations specialized in the area of inclusion and took upon themselves to continue to work with the Jewish community. Thanks to their years of activity at every major point along the spectrum of Jewish life, there is currently an entity with expertise, knowledge, resources and experience that will continue working with Jewish organizations and communities in Boston, after the Foundation is no longer involved. Inculcation of the values of equality and justice, education for innovation and entrepreneurship, and reinforcement of independence will ensure continued activity in these Jewish communities. This intensive investment, encompassing many members of Boston’s Jewish congregations, has resulted in an ongoing, multi-age, multisystem response to needs. The Foundation made sure to create a foundation of knowledge and activity in several strategic organizations so that they can continue developing innovative services and effective initiatives in line with the Foundation’s values, even without its involvement and support. Moreover, for every area of life, the Foundation took pains to develop innovative, precedent-setting, informative materials available to professionals and the public. These include: Halachic practices and dispensations that improve life for people with disabilities and their families and assure their religious rights in their daily lives. Some examples: allowing guide dogs into synagogues; making mikva’ot (ritual baths) accessible; permitting deaf people to marry, and more. Two important, groundbreaking books: "Ve-ein ha-de’ot shavot", about the status of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Jewish tradition; and "Lifrotz et homat ha-zekhukhit", about intimacy and marriage for people with disabilities. In line with the Foundation’s core values, and in view of the positive changes that have occurred with the inclusion of people with disabilities in community life, in synagogues, and among rabbis and spiritual leaders, the Foundation decided to expand its activity to other religions. Based on the idea that inclusion is a value that can bring together different communities and traditions, the Foundation, together with its partners, initiated discussions and learning opportunities, and organized interfaith conferences for Jewish, Christian, Druze and Muslim religious leaders.