Sensory-Friendly Synagogues

A Guide to More Inclusive Worship 

For many Jewish community members, attending a synagogue is a deeply meaningful experience that fosters connection, spiritual growth, and belonging. However, for individuals with sensory sensitivities or sensory processing challenges, the sensory-rich environment of a synagogue can feel overwhelming.

By making small changes to create a sensory-friendly synagogue, communities can become more inclusive and accessible to everyone. This blog offers practical steps to achieve this, supported by unique insights, statistics, and expert advice. Jordyn Friedman, an occupational therapy student and Jewish community member, provided helpful insights into how to create a more accessible and inclusive synagogue for this article, with our thanks. Jordyn expects to graduate with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy form Queen’s University in 2023. She also graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours)  in Psychology, also from Queen’s. She loves being Jewish and sharing the traditions that she loves participating in with my family and friends and cannot wait to apply her “OT lens” to new and old Jewish traditions!

What is a Sensory-Friendly Synagogue?

A sensory-friendly synagogue is designed to reduce sensory overload, creating a welcoming environment for people with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergent individuals, or those with conditions like PTSD, hearing loss, or autism. Furthermore, this concept involves thoughtful adjustments to make services and events comfortable for all attendees while preserving the essence of the spiritual experience.

Why Create a Sensory-Friendly Synagogue?

• Inclusivity Benefits Everyone: Research estimates that 5% to 16.5% of the general population experience sensory processing challenges, with higher rates among individuals with autism or ADHD (Miller et al., 2017). In fact, by addressing these needs, synagogues can welcome a broader community.
• DEI and Accessibility Alignment: Creating sensory-friendly environments supports diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As a result, you foster a space where all community members feel valued.

Practical Tips to Make Your Synagogue Sensory-Friendly

1. Offer Services During Less Busy Hours

Crowds can be overwhelming. Therefore, encourage your synagogue to hold services during quieter times or consider alternative scheduling for smaller gatherings.

2. Advocate for Sensory-Friendly Services

Key elements of a sensory-friendly service include, for example:

• No music or soft, instrumental music.
• Dimming bright or flashing lights.
• Comfortable seating options, such as chairs with cushioning.
• Creating scent-free zones.
• Providing noise-cancelling earmuffs or headphones.

3. Create a Sensory-Friendly Room

A designated room with features like soundproofing, glass observation windows, varied seating options, and noise-cancelling tools allows attendees to participate at their comfort level.

4. Offer Sensory-Friendly Alternative Programming

Educational or discussion-based programs often provide a quieter, less stimulating experience. For example, include options like frequent breaks, flexible pacing, and small group settings.

5. Encourage Breaks During Services

Leadership should normalize taking breaks. Importantly, accessible exits, outdoor spaces, or sensory-friendly rooms can serve as havens for those who need a moment to reset.

Addressing Common Concerns

Does a sensory-friendly service mean compromising tradition?

No. Sensory-friendly adjustments can be made without altering the core elements of worship. In fact, the goal is to enhance accessibility while maintaining the sanctity of the service.

How can we fund these changes?

Grants and community fundraising initiatives can help cover costs. Start small! For instance, with changes like providing earplugs or soft lighting before investing in structural modifications. Read more: Accessibility Funding: Your Pathway to Inclusive and Sensory-Friendly Spaces

Will everyone benefit from a sensory-friendly synagogue?

Yes. Many people find sensory-friendly environments more comfortable, even if they don’t have sensory sensitivities.

Educational Content: Understanding Sensory Needs

To create an inclusive and welcoming environment, it’s essential to understand the basics of sensory needs and how they impact individuals. Morevoer, sensory experiences involve more than just the five traditional senses—they also include balance, body awareness, and internal sensations. In fact, by learning about sensory sensitivity, overload, and related challenges, synagogue leaders can make informed decisions to accommodate diverse needs, fostering a space where everyone feels comfortable and included.

The Eight Senses

In addition to the five basic senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell), include:

• Vestibular: Balance and movement.
• Proprioception: Awareness of body position.
• Interoception: Internal bodily sensations, like hunger or heartbeat.

Read more: You Have Eight Senses Not Five

Sensory Sensitivity vs. Sensory Overload

• Sensitivity: Over-responsiveness to sensory input. Dive deeper: Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?
• Overload: When sensory input becomes overwhelming, leading to stress or withdrawal. Sensory Overload: Is it a Problem in Your Life?

Understanding these differences helps synagogues better accommodate diverse needs.

You are likely surprised by the number of people who experience sensory sensitivities and sensory overload. Sensory differences are more common than you might think!  Research, “Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study” complete in 2017 by  Miller et al. estimates that 5% to 16.5% of the general population have symptoms associated with sensory processing challenges, and these estimates are higher for people with autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ¹.  Making your synagogue sensory-friendly helps many, many people. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sensory-friendly synagogue?

A synagogue with adaptations to reduce sensory input, making it inclusive for individuals with sensory processing challenges.

How can a sensory-friendly synagogue benefit families?

Families with children or adults who have sensory sensitivities can participate fully in religious and community life.

Are sensory-friendly changes expensive?

Not necessarily. For insance, simple, low-cost changes like adjusting lighting or offering noise-cancelling headphones can have a big impact.

Why is it important to have both a sensory-friendly room and a sensory-friendly service in a synagogue?

Having both a sensory-friendly room and a sensory-friendly service benefits everyone by providing inclusive options that meet diverse needs. For example, a sensory-friendly room offers a quiet, separate space for those who may feel overwhelmed during a typical service, allowing them to observe and participate at their own comfort level. Meanwhile, a sensory-friendly service ensures that the main worship experience is accessible and welcoming, reducing sensory triggers such as bright lights or loud sounds. Together, these accommodations create a more inclusive environment, empowering individuals and families to engage in worship and community life in the way that works best for them.

Comparing Sensory-Friendly Rooms and Services: How They Work Together in Synangogue

Room vs Service	Sensory-Friendly Room	Sensory-Friendly Service

Purpose

Provides a separate, quiet space for individuals needing a break from the main service.

Adjusts the main service to minimize sensory triggers for all attendees.

Ideal For

Those experiencing sensory overload or needing a calmer environment to participate.

Individuals who prefer to stay in the main worship space but need a sensory-friendly setup.

Examples of Accommodations

Noise-cancelling headphones, glass windows for observing the service, soft seating.

Dimming lights, soft music or no music, scent-free spaces, comfortable seating.

Community Impact

Ensures participation for those who might otherwise avoid attending.

Makes the main service accessible and welcoming to a larger audience.

Flexibility

Attendees can come and go as needed for breaks.

Everyone participates together, with sensory adjustments in place.

Join Our Movement for Sensory Friendly Inclusion!

Take our Sensory Friendly 101 Course to explore the basics of sensory needs and how to implement changes.

Learn how to create sensory-friendly spaces with our All Access Training for low-cost access to all our courses. Watch a video from our founder about it!

By implementing these strategies, synagogues can create a space where all members feel comfortable and included. Take the first step toward inclusivity today!

Explore Sensory-Friendly Tips for Other Celebrations

Discover how to make birthdays, community festivals, and cultural events more inclusive and sensory-friendly:

• Celebrations for Everyone: A Guide to a Sensory-Friendly Birthday
• Sensory-Friendly Parades: A Guide to Inclusive Celebrations
• How to Create a Sensory-Friendly Halloween That Everyone Can Enjoy
• Sensory Friendly Thanksgiving Greetings

Keep up to date with our latest blogs:

Finally, join the community of people around the world who are interested in sensory-friendly inclusion:

1. Miller, L. J., Schoen, S. A., Mulligan, S., & Sullivan, J. (2017). Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study. Occupational Therapy International, 2017, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/2876080