February 1, 2024
On this first day of Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month, B’nai Israel Congregation, a vibrant and inclusive community in Rockville, Maryland with 1,100+ families, is proud to announce a partnership with RightHear, an Israeli-founded technology company, which specializes in accessibility solutions for people who are blind or low vision. With B’nai Israel’s installation of the RightHear system, the synagogue became the first in North America to offer this accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
With the implementation of the RightHear system, B’nai Israel Congregation reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, always striving to ensure that all members and visitors can participate in synagogue activities, services, and events with greater ease and independence. It exemplifies the congregation’s commitment to innovation and its mission to create a synagogue that is a model of inclusivity for houses of worship worldwide.
Key features of the RightHear system at B’nai Israel Congregation include:
• Real-Time Audio Assistance: The RightHear mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, provides users with real-time audio guidance and information about the synagogue’s layout, including points of interest such as entrances, restrooms, seating areas, and more.
• Orientation Assistance: Users can effortlessly acquire better orientation around the synagogue, receive audio descriptions about their surroundings, and easily locate important areas, enhancing their overall experience and independence.
• Event and Service Information: The RightHear system is capable of delivering detailed information about upcoming events, service schedules, and any relevant announcements, ensuring that everyone is well-informed and can actively participate in congregational life, once they arrive in our building.
Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz, Associate Rabbi of B’nai Israel Congregation, expressed his enthusiasm about this historic achievement, stating, “Our Congregation is always striving to be an inclusive and welcoming space for all. With the RightHear system, we are taking a significant step forward in fulfilling this mission by becoming the first synagogue, not just in the US, but in North America to provide an accessible environment for people who are blind or have low vision. Our tradition teaches us to welcome all, to be inclusive, and to ensure that everyone can access the spiritual and communal resources we offer. We hope that our initiative inspires other religious institutions and organizations to follow suit and prioritize accessibility for all.”
Idan Meir, Co-Founder and CEO of RightHear added: “It is an extremely proud moment for us, as an Israeli startup, which opened our US headquarters here in Rockville, Maryland, to help deliver accessibility to the B’nai Israel congregation. The last few months have obviously been exceptionally difficult for us as an Israeli start-up, but as a social impact company with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, we are highly motivated to continue moving forward and making the world a better place for everyone. Our mission is to make the whole world more accessible, one building at a time, and thanks to partners like B’nai Israel, our mission continues to move forward”.
See RightHear in Action at B’nai Israel:
For more information about the RightHear system installation at the B’nai Israel Congregation, please contact: Darren Gladstone, US Operations Director, RightHear, darren@right-hear.com +1 240-789 9008.
Avery Sudow, Communications and Development Director, B’nai Israel, avery@bnaiisraelcong.org 301-816-5569
About B’nai Israel Congregation: B’nai Israel Congregation is a thriving synagogue located in Rockville, Maryland, known for its vibrant community and commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, B’nai Israel welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to join them in prayer, study, and community engagement.
About RightHear: RightHear is a leading provider of indoor orientation and audio format signage systems that empower people with visual impairments to acquire better orientation in public and private spaces independently. The RightHear system combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly mobile apps to help businesses and organizations to achieve greater ADA Compliance and to ultimately create more inclusive environments for all.