Jewish Deaf Tidbits |
Tribute to Lee Brody
During the "People's Tribute to I. Lee Brody" held on Saturday, September 27,
1997 at Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey, Philip W. Bravin said it
best with the following statement (reprinted with permission)
Thank You, Lee...
When we get up in the morning,
an alarm clock wakes deaf American up...
When a deaf-blind person talks on the TTY,
a Telebrailler is used...
When two deaf people talk on the TTY,
they use a modem to communicate...
When people are in need of help,
they receive support...
When someone rings the doorbell,
we answer the door...
When a baby cries,
we get up and cuddle the baby...
When a hearing person calls a deaf person,
we use the relay service...
When we want to learn how to use a computer,
our hands are being held...
For all of the above,
deaf America thanks thee for our beloved Lee...
May his deeds and love be with us forever...
Thank you, Lee...
This memorial service was attended by over 500 people.
Hearing Reporter Produces Documentary
Jon Kalish, a hearing writer for the Jewish Week newspaper in New York and a radio program producer, is producing a half-hour radio documentary "The Deaf Shall Hear Even Written Words" which was broadcast nationally on NPR last month as part of their 'Soundprint' series. Kalish, who has also written and reported on the 'Deaf World' for Jewish Week, explains that the program focuses on his connection to the Deaf Community through his marriage to a partially deaf woman. A transcript of the half-hour documentary will be available on the world wide web at: http://www.jcn18.com/newstand/kalish
New Jewish Deaf Websites to Visit!
The internet now has more to offer Jewish Deaf computer users who can now surf to the following:
Northern Virginia Jewish Deaf at : http://members.aol.com/RobinReg/index.html
Our Way at: WWW.OU.ORG/NCSY click on "OUR WAY" and you can see the Jewish Deaf Voice, a Calendar of Events, Prayers in illustrated sign language, Jewish deaf singles, Israel Summer tour and much more.
Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf at: http://www.yellowstar.com/HSD/
HSD "Disputes" Information On Schaap's Change of Plans
In the last (September/October 1997) issue of JDCC News, we ran a brief item 'Schaap Transfers To Yeshivah In New Jersey'. This news item was based on a letter Michael Schaap wrote to JDCC News announcing his decision to leave the Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf (HSD) and study at a Yeshivah in Morristown, N.J. and giving several reasons for his decision. Since that story was printed, JDCC has received a letter signed by Rabbi Douglas Goldhamer, President and Nona Balk, Administrator of HSD stating "We were shocked to see in the latest newsletter an article about Michael Schaap and HSD which you did not corroborate with us". They went on to express their disappointment in the lack of responsibility of confirming the truth of the story. In their reply, however, they also state "We are very disappointed that Michael decided to leave our program..." which confirmed the original news item. They also gave numerous references to personal details involving the arrangement Mr. Schaap and HSD had which, we felt, was not appropriate to be disclosed in JDCC News.
New Judaic Studies
Program In Jerusalem & Rehovot
Increased awareness arising from the tragedy in Israel six months
ago in which eight people including Shimon Malka's daughter were killed by a Jordanian
during a visit near the Israel/Jordan border, Yeshiva University Alumni Association, the
Jewish Agency and United Jewish Appeal, funded a new project which they say provides a way
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Israelis to explore and connect with each other and their
Jewish identity. Shimon Malka and his wife, are deaf, has had to struggle in the hearing
world since the death of their hearing daughter. Rabbi Chanoch Yeres, the project's
leader, was quoted by the UJA Press Service as saying "We found there was no real
vocabulary when it came to Judaism for the deaf...We wanted to make the religion more
accessible to people whose handicap prevented a fuller understanding of the many facets of
Judaism." Over two dozen people are now participating in weekly seminars which are
interpreted. Rohrat Cohen, one of the participants, says the Judaic Studies project
"provides an essential service. Deaf people don't have many places to go, learn and
socialize. I come here to meet and see people." Also part of the project involves
sensitivity training of Rabbis and teachers.
Israeli Native Displays Art At Gallaudet
The Washburn Arts Center at Gallaudet University recently hosted a display of oil paintings by Uzi Buzgalo titled 'Compositions in Color'. A reception and lecture was held on Wednesday, October 22nd to kick off the week-long showing. Buzgalo was educated at the Jerusalem School for the Deaf and began formal art training at the Museum of Israel in Jerusalem when he was eleven years old. He also studied sculpture and lithography at Tel Aviv's Art Museum before entering an art residency program and is well known for his role in Kol Demama, Israel's dance company composed of both Deaf and Hearing performers.
All They Ask For... Is Interpreters!
An article written by Stuart Vincent that appeared in Newsday
(N.Y.) reported that Louis and Ruth Kizner, a hearing couple who celebrated their 50th
wedding anniversary, told their guests not to bring gifts. "When you're married 50
years, what do you need?" Ruth Kizner was quote, "Good health, that's all".
The only request they had was that the guests make donations to a fund so that Temple
Emanuel in New Hyde Park could provide sign language interpreters. Thanks to generosity of
the guests, interpreters were provided for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services and will
make it possible to have its monthly Sabbath services interpreted as well! The idea came
up when they had to hire an interpreter for a synagogue service marking their Golden
Anniversary in January. "I knew the Rabbi was going to say nice things about us, and
my daughter in law is deaf," Ruth explains. She, then, learned there were also two
deaf members of their own congregation and so the idea for the interpreter fund came up.
Gallaudet Event To Recognize Schmitt
Gallaudet University will honor Helena P. Schmitt among other receipients of awards during their 29th annual Charter Day Banquet and Awards Program on March 14, 1998. This event, which celebrates the signing of Gallaudet's charter in 1864, is co-hosted by Gallaudet University Alumni Association (GUAA) and Laurent Clerc Cultural Fund (LCCF) and will take place at the Gallaudet Kellogg's Center. Schmitt will be honored with the GUAA Pauline "Polly" Peikoff 'Service to Others' Award. Schmitt, a resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, graduated from Gallaudet in 1971 and is very actively involved with several organizations. In observance of tenth anniversary of Deaf President Now, the annual Charter Day Banquet and Awards Program was moved to March instead of April in order to combine with the University's plans for some DPN-related commemorative events and activities being scheduled during that time. Phil Bravin, '66 of New York, who serves as member of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, will be Master of Ceremonies.