They included Salome, who talked about her love for Kisharon Noé School, where she is head girl. Daniel, from Edgware, spoke about his job at New Chapters, Kisharon Langdon’s online second-hand book business, and Charlotte, from Golders Green, told participants how she worked at a nursery and contributed as a taxpayer, something which is historically unusual for many people with learning disabilities.
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Both participants in the programme and members of Kisharon Langdon baked hamantaschen for Purim during a workshop led by Aviva Braunold, Kisharon Langdon’s learning and development lead.
They followed “Easy Read” instructions, which reinforced inclusive learning approaches, and the session ended with Rabbi Luis Herszaft from Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue leading Purim music and dancing.
Kisharon Langdon said that participants “shared overwhelmingly positive feedback” and were keen to join similar all-ability events in the future.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for young people to understand learning disabilities and autistic people, and to recognise the importance of inclusion,” said Rachel Ucko, adding that Kisharon Langdon remained committed to fostering inclusion and ensuring individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people were valued members of the community.
Richard Verber of the United Synagogue told the JC: "The Cross Community Zone Challenge is a wonderful partnership between a number of United Synagogue communities led by dedicated lay and rabbinic leaders. This was a particularly special event and we are always pleased to partner with Kisharon Langdon.
"Kisharon Langdon members regularly pack items for our food bank run by US Chesed, our welfare and volunteering team. Kisharon Langdon members love the packing sessions and US Chesed loves having them volunteer."
The United Synagogue’s Cross Community Zone programme is a six-month programme for 40 children, run as a collaboration between several synagogues, including HGSS, Highgate, South Hampstead, St John’s Wood, Brondesbury Park and Mill Hill.
