A ground-breaking Orthodox siddur for those with disabilities has been produced by the United Synagogue in an unprecedented collaboration with relevant organisations.

Using the Picture Exchange Communication System (Pecs), Siddur Lakol (A Siddur for Everyone) features simplified translations and accessible transliteration of core prayers.
Emphasis is placed on the Kabbalat Shabbat service, given the success of inclusive versions at a number of United Synagogue communities.

Pecs is a system of graphic items to help those with conditions on the autistic spectrum to communicate. In Siddur Lakol, all prayers and songs are accompanied by matching Pecs, offering users a more meaningful experience.

Bigger font sizes will help those with vision impairment and the siddur is being published in both A4 and A5 formats, providing options to support people with a wide range of disabilities.

The US is also producing explanatory videos, so service and school leaders can be familiar with techniques for best practice.

Soft launched to mark Learning Disability Week, Siddur Lakol will be available to buy from September.

Introducing the siddur, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis noted: “Our tradition teaches that the Jewish people are just like a Sefer Torah ­— a complete and perfect whole. If one single letter is missing, then the entire scroll is not able to be used.

“Our concept of community, within which every single person is valued, underpins our commitment to making everyone feel welcome and included in our synagogues.

“Siddur Lakol is an outstanding publication, produced by a team with deep knowledge and expertise, which celebrates inclusion and seeks to make Shabbat accessible to people with disabilities.

“My hope is that it will not only serve as a way of making religious services more inclusive but that it will also prompt a community-wide conversation about what more we can do to ensure that every aspect of Jewish life is truly accessible to all.”

The US has collaborated on the project with JWeb, Gesher School and Kisharon. The initiative is also endorsed by Norwood and Langdon.

Deborah Gundle, a JWeb founder and mother of a special needs child, recalled that her first experience of an inclusive service had been “very emotional. For the first time, my usually isolated son and I were accepted and valued for who we are.

“Through this experience, it is really easy to see what Jewish communal life means to people with learning disabilities.

“Our siddur will enable people with learning disabilities to enjoy prayers at home and online, as well as in our synagogues.

“It serves as a signal that our prayer services are inclusive and that we value everyone in our community equally.”

Gesher School co-founder Sarah Sultman said it had been established “for a cohort of children who were largely invisible in our community. Siddur Lakol helps give them, and all children regardless of their learning difference, access to their Jewish faith through prayer.

"We are truly delighted to have been an instrumental part of this inclusive, collaborative project.”

Kisharon director of operations and development Hadassa Kessler said it had been a privilege to be involved, “knowing the benefit it will bring to the people with learning disabilities we support”.

The US has thanked the Daniels family from the Pinner United community for their “generous support” of the project to honour the life of Sonya Daniels, who was a passionate advocate for Judaism and education and had worked with children with diverse educational needs.