A discussion about Jewish Disabilities Awareness & Inclusion Month would not be complete without a tribute to Ahoovim, a group for Jewish adults with cognitive challenges. Ahoovim meets nearly every month to celebrate a Jewish holiday, do a craft project or go on a field trip. Nan Kanter started Ahoovim along with Rabbi Benjamin Gonsher (formerly of the KC Kollel) roughly 12 years ago, and leads it with compassion, creativity and humility. (Her husband, Sid, plays a big part, too.) The meetings are enriched by the participation of Rabbis Shaya Katz and Allan Gonsher as it was in past years by other KC Kollel rabbis. They truly bring out the spark in each participant.
As a volunteer for Ahoovim, I have seen first-hand what a different this program has made in the lives of these adults, and how much joy they get out of it. I have also had the privilege of getting to know them as people, not people with disabilities. Ahoovim reminds us how important it is to be inclusive, and how embracing differences makes our community richer.
Sharon Loftspring
Leawood, Kansas
