Inclusion

You have met Alexandra on our Members' Stories page. Alex has recently been appointed in the role of Liberal Judaism's Inclusion Officer for three Liberal synagogues including Wessex. We are very proud of her as she has also become a full member of Wessex following her certification with the Beth Din.

Here's what she says about her new role:

On 26/07/2022 I was appointed by the National Board of Officers as the Inclusion Officer.

Even though this is a national appointment, it very much includes our own community here at Wessex.

I really think for a small community Wessex have already had a very inclusive outlook before I joined.

Being an ambulant wheelchair user when we arrived with my chair there were no “looks” or anything, some chairs were moved without me having to ask and my 2 autistic children were accepted and allowances made for them to move around and bring activities.

Now this does not seem to be a big deal to some but to myself and especially to our children that means they can be themselves.

Our community has a big range of ages and I am so proud that we have such a modern and liberal outlook.

That is what makes a Shul inclusive and accessible, but also welcoming no matter what your disability, sexual orientation or financial situation.

I am only starting out my 3 year journey as Inclusion Officer and am learning as I am on this path, I know with the support from Wessex and Liberal Judaism we will be able to work out how we can be more inclusive from all angles.

In Bournemouth and beyond, Wessex LJC wants to provide an inclusive, accessible and friendly Jewish home to residents but also to other people who identify as Jewish. If you think you might like to meet us and see if we're right for you just send an enquiry form from the Contact Us page and we'll get straight back to you.

My adopted mantra is:

Inclusion is the Celebration of Diversity !

Alexandra Boyd

a.boyd@liberaljudaism.org