Temple Hillel B'nai Torah

Accessibility Development Page

Working Draft — Current as of February 22, 2026

This page is used to develop and organize accessibility content before publication. Sections may evolve as information is validated and refined.

 Accessibility at Temple Hillel B’nai Torah

Temple Hillel B’nai Torah is committed to kavod habriyot, the inherent dignity of every person. That commitment includes people of all abilities and a dedication to transparency about accessibility in our building and programs.

Accessibility needs vary. Our building reflects both the care we have taken and the realities of an older structure.

The information below is offered so you can decide what will work best for you before you arrive. If you have questions or would like to talk through your needs in advance of a visit, we are glad to connect.

Accessible Parking

Temple HBT has a large, level, newly paved parking lot with six designated accessible parking spaces, including a van-accessible space. The accessible spaces are located close to the main entrance.

Entrance and Ramp

A straight concrete ramp with railings on both sides leads from the parking area to the main floor entrance. The ramp provides approximately 35 inches of clear width between railings.

At the top of the ramp, there is a level landing before the entrance doors. The main doors are automatic and provide hands-free access into the building.

For security reasons, exterior doors are kept locked. During services and events, entry is monitored from inside the building; the door is unlocked remotely and opens automatically. At other times, a doorbell near the entrance alerts the office for entry.

Photos of the ramp and entrance are included below to assist visitors in planning.

Visitors using larger mobility devices or traveling with service animals are welcome to contact the office in advance if they would like to discuss approach or entry.

Sanctuary Access and Seating

The sanctuary is located on the main floor and is entered through wide double doors. Seating is fully flexible. Chairs can be moved as needed and include options with and without armrests, allowing us to accommodate wheelchairs, mobility devices, service animals, and a range of seating preferences.

Because seating is not fixed, we are able to create space for individuals with hearing or visual needs, those who prefer to sit closer to or farther from the bimah, and those who benefit from additional room or specific sightlines.

Greeters and members of the congregation are glad to assist if you would like help arranging seating or finding a comfortable setup.

Torah Reading and Participation

The bimah itself is not wheelchair accessible. During regular services, Torah is read from a Torah table located on the main floor, allowing participation without needing to go up onto the bimah.

Sensory & Neurodivergent Accessibility

We recognize that people experience communal spaces differently. Temple HBT offers sensory supports to help make services and events more comfortable for children, families, and others who benefit from flexible spaces.

A designated sensory room is available during services and programs. Noise-reducing headphones are available in the sanctuary and sensory room, and fidget tools are available during services. A soft, carpeted area within the sanctuary provides flexible seating. Standing, quiet movement, or utilizing the carpeted space is welcome.

During High Holidays and other large gatherings, when space and staffing allow, an additional room with a live Zoom stream of the service may be available for those who need a quieter space or a break from the sanctuary.

Restrooms

First Floor

There are three gender-neutral restrooms on the first floor. Two are standard restrooms and are not wheelchair accessible. One restroom includes grab bars and is designated as the accessible restroom.

Access to the accessible restroom requires passing through a multipurpose room. The doorway to that room is approximately 29 inches wide, which may accommodate some wheelchairs but not all.

Lower Level

Restrooms on the lower level are older men’s and women’s restrooms and have not been retrofitted for wheelchair accessibility.

Lower Level and Social Hall

The social hall, with full kosher kitchen, is located on the lower level of the building and is accessible via a stair chair. The stair chair is used regularly during events and is available when needed.

Standard communal meals are vegetarian and typically include dairy-free options. For potluck events, contributors are encouraged to provide ingredient lists to support those with food allergies or dietary restrictions. If you have specific dietary needs, advance communication is welcome.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at Temple HBT. It is not uncommon for multiple service animals to be present at the same time during services or events. These animals are working and provide essential support to their handlers.

Planning Ahead

Accessibility needs are personal and varied. If you have questions, concerns, or specific needs not addressed here, we encourage you to contact the office in advance so we can talk together about what would be most helpful. Benita Block, Director of Administration and Communications, is glad to help.

Information current as of February 2026.