Inclusion
BZBI welcomes the entire spectrum of Center City’s Jewish community: people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and abilities; interfaith families; people who are single and partnered. People of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We are committed to disability justice and universal accessibility. We will do our best to provide accommodation. To request assistance in breaking down barriers to joining our community, please call us at 215-735-5148 or email engagement@bzbi.org
BZBI embraces the core Jewish teaching that all humanity is created b’tzelem Elohim (in the image of God). We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all. In our infinite variety, we are one community.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public spaces be accessible to individuals of all abilities. Despite religious organizations being exempt from that law, we seek to be fully welcoming and accessible to all, regardless of mobility level. The specific accessibility measures that we use in our 150-year-old facility and the surrounding Rittenhouse Square area includes:
Transportation
- Accessible transportation: Within one block of BZBI in all directions are SEPTA bus lines (featuring kneeling buses) which can take you to all parts of the city and suburbs. Within three blocks are additional SEPTA rapid transit rail lines. The Temple office can help you identify inexpensive ways to visit us for religious services. Call us on 215-735-5148.
- Handicap Parking: BZBI has an arrangement with the city of Philadelphia to provide placards that permit parking in front of our 18th Street door during services and other designated times. If you will call us during office hours, or make arrangements in advance on Shabbat, we will provide a placard in advance, or bring the placard to you when you arrive.
Synagogue
- Wheelchair ramp. BZBI offers an outdoor ramp at our 18th Street entrance, and ramps to access the Goldberg Sanctuary and its Bimah.
- Handicapped and companion seating: BZBI has space in the Goldberg Sanctuary allocated seating for those with a wheelchair, as well as companion seating.
- Usher assistance: Available at almost all Shabbat and holiday services, BZBI has ushers in the front of the room who can assist you in accomodating your special needs.
- Chair Lift to Kahaner Auditorium and the second-floor bathroom located at the rear stairwell.
In-Person Worship
- Prayer books in large print and in Braille are available at the front of the Goldberg Sanctuary.
- Infrared hearing devices are available at the front of the Sanctuary as well.
Online Worship
- Zoom is used to live stream all BZBI religious services and many events. Look in the weekly newsletter or on the website for registration information
- Transcription (Closed Captioning) is turned on automatically for Shabbat services and is available on-demand for all other services and events.
We Are Here For You
- If you have a need that has not been addressed on this page, please let us know so that we can address it together. Contact the Temple office at 215-735-5148 or Contact Us