Accessibility and Inclusion

Temple Emanuel is an inclusive community where all are welcome. If you have questions about inclusion or you need accommodations, please contact Kim Hughes, our Director of Learning Inclusion, via email at inclusion@templeemanuelmd.org or call our Executive Director, Dianne Neiman, at (301) 942-2000.

Please see our full policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here:

Mission & History – Temple Emanuel (templeemanuelmd.org)

How do we practice inclusion at Temple Emanuel?

Attending Services and Programs on Campus

Food Allergies

• Our campus is nut sensitive. For additional questions about food at Temple events please email Dianne (dianne@templeemanuelmd.org)

General Building Access

• Parking: There is a large parking lot next to our building. There are 3 reserved spots for cars displaying a handicap placard by the front entrance and 4 by the side entrance.
• There is a curb cut in front of both building entrances. The side entrance features an automatic door. There is a ramp that provides access to the front doors of the building.
• Prayer & Program Spaces
  • An elevator services both building levels.
  • A ramp with a railing accesses the Bimah in the Sanctuary on the left side, and a railing accesses the right side.
  • Our HaMakom space features movable chairs and no steps.
  • A ramp accesses our outdoor Mark Mann Pavillion.

Interpretation & Assistive Devices

• Please ask an usher for either of the following:
  • Hearing loops in the Sanctuary.
  • Large print copies of the siddur (prayerbook) for Shabbat and holidays and the machzor (seasonal prayerbook) for the High Holy Days.
• ASL interpretation and/ or captioning is provided online with Zoom and in person upon request for any service or event. Please email Dianne (dianne@templeemanuelmd.org) at least one month in advance to request these accommodations.

Social Stories

Going To Shabbat Services at Temple Emanuel	Welcome to Religious School at Temple Emanuel
Purim Celebration at Temple Emanuel	Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur at Temple Emanuel

Sensory Modifications

• A specific quiet space is often available and will be indicated by signs and in program materials.
• Fidget devices are available at all services.

Inclusion Cart

The Cart is intended to support the learning needs of guests and congregants of all ages. It houses hearing loops, noise canceling headphones, eye glasses/readers, social stories, fidgets, and children’s books. You will find it in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you to Temple Emanuel Brotherhood who sponsored this important endeavor.

Learning Inclusion

Temple Emanuel is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all of our learning activities. For questions about our Early Childhood Center, contact Dana Robinson, Director at dana@templeemanuelmd.org.

In our Religious School, Kim Hughes, Director of Learning Inclusion, works with staff and families to create a supportive and engaging experience for all our learners including our B’nai Mitzvah students. Contact Kim at inclusion@templeemanuelmd.org.

In 2023, Kim created an Inclusion Collection for Temple Emanuel’s library. This collection features books designed to celebrate neurodiversity and support children of all abilities. Titles such as Masterpiece: An Inclusive Kids Book Celebrating a Child on the Autism Spectrum help children see themselves and their peers reflected in meaningful and positive ways.

For Adult Education inclusion needs, contact Laura Naide, Director of Congregational Learning at lnaide@templeemanuelmd.org.

Attending Service and Programs Virtually

M​​​​​any of our services and events are available via live-streaming. Please see our Live Streaming – Temple Emanuel page and weekly emails for current links. Captions are available via Zoom; To request ASL interpretation, please contact Dianne (dianne@templeemanuelmd.org) at least one month in advance.

Community Awareness

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee

This committee’s mission is to carry out the ideals stated in the Temple’s DEI Statement by developing a DEI Program that creates cultural competency and advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion for the Community; by creating an environment that reflects the community we serve; and by fostering an environment in which all members, staff, students, and visitors feel included, respected, valued, and safe. Please review their report from the 2023 Temple Emanuel Annual Meeting.

JDAIM (Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, & Inclusion Month)

	JDAIM is a unified initiative to raise disability awareness and support efforts to foster inclusion in Jewish communities worldwide. Click HERE to learn more.
	In February 2025 we  hosted Jonah Berger for The Rhythm Within: An Inclusive Shabbat Shira for JDAIM. Click HERE to learn more. The Washington Jewish Week featured our Shabbat Shira with Jonah Berger.
	In February 2024 we marked JDAIM with a series of events for parents, students, and the wider community. Click HERE to learn more. February 2023 events and communications

LGBTQIA+

Everyone is welcome here. Our Kulanu Committee Supports and celebrates the rich diversity of our Temple community with programs to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity, interracial and interfaith families, and those with disabilities. Watch for the Temple’s annual Pride Shabbat Service in June and other Pride activities.

Learn more about the work of the Kulanu committee.

Temple Emanuel honors each person’s gender identity and choice of which restroom is best for their personal use.

Interfaith Inclusion
Rabbi Adam hosts regular Interfaith gatherings, including monthly Hoppy Hours. Rabbi Adam is also glad to meet with your family to discuss how we can help you feel at home within our community.

Financial
Finances should not be an obstacle to joining Temple Emanuel. Please contact Executive Director Dianne Neiman at 301.942.2000 or dianne@templeemanuelmd.org to have a confidential conversation about joining our community.