Jesse Saperstein, Author and Advocate for People with Autism, to Discuss Life as a Jew on the Spectrum in Talk at B’nai Sholom

Jesse Saperstein, popular author, advocate for people with autism and a motivational speaker, will discuss his experiences as a Jew living on the autism spectrum in a talk at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation Friday, June 3, during the congregation’s Shabbat service.

The service begins at 7 p.m. and will be offered in-person and streamed via Zoom.

B’nai Sholom is at 420 Whitehall Road, Albany, New York.

Current B’nai Sholom policy for attending events in person is that masks are strongly recommended regardless of vaccination status, though this is subject to change as the COVID situation continues to evolve.

For more information and to attend via Zoom, contact B’nai Sholom: office@bnaisholom.albany.ny.us or 518-482-5283.

ABOUT JESSE SAPERSTEIN

Saperstein is the author of Atypical: Life with Asperger’s in 20 1/3 Chapters and Getting a Life with Asperger’s, both published by Penguin Group (USA).​  He lives with Asperger’s syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism that impairs social abilities while enhancing many other qualities.  Saperstein was included as one of the 50 unsung American heroes in American Spirit by New York Times bestselling authors Taya Kyle and Jim DeFelice.​

Saperstein’s numerous public speaking credits include the United Nations,  lecturing at the Mall of America in Minneapolis and a February 2020 appearance on “Dr. Phil.”

After graduating from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2004, Saperstein conquered the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail to benefit the Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation, raising more than $19,000 to enable children who had contracted HIV/AIDS through prenatal transmission to attend summer camp.

Saperstein moved to Albany in 2015 to live in his first apartment as an independent adult.  He serves as the media and activities liaison for the College Experience Program run by Living Resources Inc. with The College of Saint Rose, which gives individuals with disabilities the ability to attend a mainstream college with a modified curriculum and provides life skills as well as employment training.

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Founded in 1971, B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany is celebrating 50 years as a home for contemporary Reform Judaism in the Capital Region.  Nearly 130 diverse households from six counties seek religious, educational and social fulfillment at B’nai Sholom.  For information about B’nai Sholom and the benefits of belonging, visit www.bnaisholomalbany.org  or contact the B’nai Sholom office at 518-482-5283 or office@bnaisholom.albany.ny.us.

PHOTO CAPTION: Jesse Saperstein summited Mount Katahdin in Maine in 2005, having just conquered the entire 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail.  Along the way, Saperstein raised more than $19,000 for the Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation and proved what can be accomplished “when we see weaknesses as a strength.”