Special Guest - R' Kalman Samuels, Founder of Shalva

Behind the Bima

Guest: Rabbi Kalman Samuels, Founder of Shalva

In this episode, Rabbis Efrem Goldberg and Josh Broide sit down with Rabbi Kalman Samuels, the founder of Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Shalva is a non-denominational organization providing a myriad of services free of charge to individuals with disabilities from infancy to adulthood, along with their families.

Topics Discussed:

Rabbi Samuels' Personal Journey: Rabbi Samuels shares his personal journey from his non-observant Jewish upbringing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to becoming a committed advocate for people with disabilities in Israel. Inspired by a trip to Israel, he abandoned his plans to study in France, enrolled in several yeshivot, and received his rabbinical ordination in 1977.

The Mission of Shalva: Rabbis Goldberg and Broide delve into the mission of Shalva with Rabbi Samuels, discussing the organization's commitment to transformative care, family empowerment, and social inclusion. They explore the comprehensive services Shalva provides, including leading-edge therapies, inclusive educational frameworks, social and recreational activities, employment training, independent living, and family support.

The Impact of the Shalva National Center: Rabbi Samuels discusses the Shalva National Center's groundbreaking programs and facilities, and the impact they have on shaping new frontiers in disability rehabilitation, research, and inclusion.

Shalva's Vision of Equality: The discussion concludes with a look at Shalva's commitment to equality, offering equal access and opportunity to all participants, irrespective of religion, ethnic background, or financial capability.

Resources:

• Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
• "Dreams Never Dreamed: A Mother's Promise That Transformed Her Son's Breakthrough into a Beacon of Hope" by Kalman Samuels

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