CSI Nyack Opens Rockland County's First Known Synagogue Sensory Room

CSI Nyack Opens Rockland County's First Known Synagogue Sensory Room During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Dedicated in memory of beloved educator Eden Michaelis, the new Serenity Room advances neurodiversity inclusion, accessibility, and Jewish communal belonging.

UPPER NYACK, N.Y. — October 29, 2026 — As communities across the country recognize October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Congregation Sons of Israel (CSI Nyack) is celebrating a meaningful milestone in accessibility and inclusion: the opening of what is believed to be Rockland County's first dedicated synagogue sensory room.

The congregation will officially dedicate its new Serenity Room on Friday, October 30, at 12:30 p.m., honoring the memory of beloved educator Eden Michaelis and reaffirming its commitment to creating a Jewish community where everyone belongs.

The 2026 national observance, themed “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the contributions of individuals with disabilities and the importance of expanding opportunities for meaningful participation. While the observance specifically addresses employment, CSI Nyack's initiative reflects a related principle: accessibility and inclusion matter in every aspect of life, including education, worship, and community.

Designed for children and adults with diverse sensory needs, the Serenity Room offers a welcoming environment where individuals can regulate sensory input, find comfort, and take a moment of calm without feeling excluded from Jewish communal life.

Featuring soft lighting, weighted animals, tactile sensory tools, a cozy serenity pod, and nature-inspired elements, the room accommodates a variety of sensory preferences. Its design also incorporates features that can be used without operating electrical switches, supporting accessibility for Shabbat-observant congregants.

Honoring a Legacy of Education and Inclusion

Dedicated in loving memory of Eden Michaelis, of blessed memory, the Serenity Room celebrates the legacy of a beloved English teacher whose commitment to education and lifelong learning continues to inspire the congregation.

Inspired by the Jewish story of Creation, the room features colorful murals, fish, artificial turf, and nature-inspired sensory elements.

The dedication reflects a belief that learning, dignity, and belonging should never be limited by age, ability, or differences in how individuals experience the world.

A Big Tent Synagogue

The Serenity Room builds upon CSI Nyack's longstanding commitment to being a welcoming "big tent" synagogue.

That commitment extends beyond accessibility to environmental stewardship, including solar panels, beekeeping, a community garden, and the elimination of single-use plasticware at weekly communal Shabbat lunches.

Guided by the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and bal tashchit (avoiding unnecessary waste), CSI Nyack seeks to care for both its community and the environment.

Developed by a congregational committee drawing on experience and approaches used by local organizations, including Jawonio and BRIDGES, the Serenity Room demonstrates that meaningful inclusion requires more than inviting people inside. It requires creating spaces where they can participate comfortably and with dignity.

The opening of the Serenity Room during National Disability Employment Awareness Month offers a reminder that accessibility is not simply about removing barriers. It is about recognizing the value of every individual and creating communities where everyone has an opportunity to belong.

About Congregation Sons of Israel

Founded in 1891, Congregation Sons of Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue serving approximately 200 member families in Upper Nyack, New York. Rooted in Jewish tradition, lifelong learning, environmental stewardship, and accessibility, CSI Nyack strives to provide a welcoming Jewish home for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Media Contact

Rabbi Ariel Russo
Congregation Sons of Israel
RabbiRusso@csinyack.org
(845) 358-3767