Jewish Deaf Tidbits |
NEW BOOK
Temple Beth Solomon of the Deaf
has published a new book, "Celebrating Judaism In The Home: A Manual for Deaf Jewish
Families". It was written by Rabbi Miriam Biatch who worked at TBS for five years
until recently. This 127 page manual includes creative and innovative ways of celebrating
Judaism, holidays, life cycle events and is targeted at families who have deaf members and
are not affiliated with the synagogue community. It is an useful and appropriate book for
Jewish families everywhere. It includes 30 blessings, in transliterated Hebrew, English,
and fully illustrated Sign Language for families to learn how to sign the blessings
together. In addition to the body of the manual, it also includes a glossary for quick
reference on many words and concepts; a sign language dictionary, list of Referral
institutions, including agencies and offices , Resource list of books and other written
sources and an Appendix comprised of a children's Haggadah. This project was funded by the
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles. To order, Temple Beth Solomon of the Deaf,
13580 Osborne Street, Arleta, CA 91331. 818/896-6721 TTY, 818/899-2123 FAX.
Beth Torah of the Deaf
celebrates their 20th Annual Melave Malka with guest speaker Shalom Lependorf. The guests
of honor is Mr. and Mrs. Ari Fass. It takes place on November 30, 1996 in Brooklyn, N.Y.Congregation Bene Shalom of the Deaf in Skokie IL is planning their 25th Anniversary Dinner Dance to be held on Saturday, June 7, 1997.
Shoshana Sharon (Kelly) Fleming in Ontario, Canada says that Chabad Lubavitch is well known for its outreach program within the Jewish community. As first graduate of Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf in Skokie, IL, she hopes to start an educational for deaf individuals and families.
Rabbi Douglas Goldhamer, also
an artist, had his paintings displayed in an exhibition opening on Friday, October 18th
and will run through January 4th at Judy A. Saslow Gallery in Chicago, IL.He uses oil, gouache, pastel and charcoal to explore mystical imagery derived from the Bible and Kabbalah. He says, "My works deal with speculative Kabbalah [Kabbalah Iyyunit] whose main interest in the inner spiritual guidance of the meditative individual, and practical Kabbalah which is mostly concerned with magical activity.
Mona Thalheimer,
Hollywood's only deaf costume designer, recently completed work on some designs for a
major film "Phat Beach." This is the first time Thalheimer has done work for a
major film. "I worked so hard, but that's because it's what I love to do," she
remarked. Enrolled at John Tracy Clinic when she was very young, Thalheimer, now 47,
attended classes at Hollywood elementary school before transferring to Fairfax High
School. Mona was a graduate at the top of her class in 1971 at Chounaird Art School, now
known as the California Institute of the Arts. After working for various clothing
companies, she decided to design costumes for the entertainment industry about five years
ago. Her name appears in the credit of the film "Phat Beach."
Jonathan
Weiss, who also was enrolled at John Tracy Clinic, was born into a family who is very
involved in the food industry. "John Tracy Clinic is the best thing that has ever
happened to me," Weiss explains, "If my family had not come here, I would not
have been able to do what I've done with my life." After earning a Hotel &
Restaurant Management degree at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA, he
worked for various restaurants. After operating 'Provencia' in West Hollywood, Weiss
recently opened his latest restaurant, 'Daily Wrap' in Brentwood, CA.