Deafness Genetic In Ashkenazic Jews?
    According to Mica Schneider with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the New England Journal of Medicine has shared results of research done by the Molecular and Human Genetic Center at the Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans which indicates that a recessive gene, a mutation in the connexin 26 gene that can create a protein causing hearing loss if paired with another carrier, can be found in 4 percent of Ashkenazi Jews, equivalent to 1 in 1,000 Jews. "The frequency of deafness is no higher in the Jewish population than in others" says Dr. Bronya Keats, the Center's director who was also coordinator of this research project, "It's just that in the (Ashkenazi) Jewish population, many profound hearing impairments are due to a certain gene mutation..." Concern over such information being used by employers and health insurance companies to deny medical coverage, Hadassah addressed the National Institute of Health's forum on genetics research twice. "We are working to ensure that potential research groups are not scared or harmed by the real and perceived risks of participation" says Hadassah national president Marlene Post. Importance is attached to such research due to the fact that sectors of the Orthodox community tend to intermarry and such genetic tests could potentially affect matchmaking.

Hearing L.A. Temple To Host Interpreted Service
    Temple Adat Elohim in Los Angeles, CA has scheduled an interpreted Sabbath service and Oneg on Friday, February 26, 1999 at 7.30 pm. Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe, a Jewish Deaf rabbi who works at Temple Adat Elohim, will lead a discussion after service. Dr. Charles Katz, a well-known Jewish Deaf storyteller will also be guest speaker and the Junior Choir plans to sign songs. Everyone is welcome and they request appropriate attire and no jeans. The "Goal is to allow Temple Adat Elohim to learn more about the Jewish Deaf and for the Jewish Deaf to have an opportunity to attend a worship service and to be with other Jewish people," Rebecca Dubowe explains.

Montreal Cuts Education Funding
For Deaf Jewish Student
    After being enrolled in the Sunday Free Hebrew Program for one lunch hour per week for one year in which the Jewish Education Council agreed to pay for the cost of a teacher, Ryan Duchoeny who is profoundly Deaf and uses  ASL is no longer able to continue classes. Despite previous assurances given by the Jewish Education Council, Ryan's father was informed that JEC would not support the teacher for my son in the future... "one teacher one child it is not feasible, we did you a favor by supplying the teacher this year". Since then Frank Duchoeny has contacted different organizations and representatives to no avail. He has launched a website to make this situation known and can be reached at frank@info-internet.net

Two Events In Maryland
   David Kastor has announced that they are planning a "Deaf-Jewish Get Together Ice Skating Party" at Wheaton Ice Rink on Saturday, January 9th from 9-11pm, and a "Let's Learn How To Make Challah" event at Nancy Topolsky's house in Silver Springs on Sunday, January 24th from 10am-12 noon. Babysitting is available. For information on either event, contact David Kastor at TTY: 410/764-3986, FAX: 410/764-1842 or e-mail to DKASTOR@HCFA.GOV

Massachusetts Seeks Speakers
On Jewish Interpreting?
   Lillian M. Garcia, outreach specialist for multicultural community at Northeastern University in Boston says that they provide continuing education workshops for working interpreters and she hopes to organize a workshop focusing on Jewish culture, religion and sign technicals as interpreters have expressed interest in a such workshop to become familiar with basic Jewish beliefs, how to sign certain words and obtain an increased understanding. Garcia is asking for suggestions or names of appropriate people who would be willing to give a such workshop, preferably someone who is an interpreter or a Deaf consumer who works closely with interpreters. She can be reached at 617/373-4302 TTY or e-mail at Imgarcia@Iynx.neu.edu

New NY Jewish Deaf Group Gets Grant
   Maria Berkowitz and Naomi Brunnlehrman, co-founders of The Jewish Deaf Resource Center, Inc. (JDRC) has announced that they have received their first grant to develop an academic curriculum to train ASL interpreters to work in Jewish settings. "The grant allows us to hire a Conservative rabbi who has a Ph.D. in Jewish liturgy as well as two ASL interpreter trainers", Berkowitz explains, "A variety of Deaf people are involved in the project as well. Half of the course is taught in English and the other half in ASL. JDRC is a bi-bi non-profit organization that is committed to establishing high academic standards for all professionals working in the Jewish Deaf community thereby nurturing the ability for young Jews who are Deaf to become active Jewish Deaf leaders".
    For information about JDRC, e-mail to JDRC501C3@aol.com.

Family Summer Camp For Fourth Year
    Looking for a family camp where both Deaf and hearing parents and children can share Jewish culture and religion and participate together in various activities? You may want to think about Camp Ramah in the Poconos. The fourth session has been scheduled for the summer of 1999. This Kesher Family Camp, a program of Camp Ramah, has opened doors to the Jewish Deaf community. Activities include sports, religious services, arts and crafts and educational workshops for participants from 3 to 80 years old to increase their understanding of themselves, their families and communities, Judaism and Deaf languages and culture. Too good to be true? On the camp's staff are sign language interpreters, Deaf Educators, university students along with Hearing and Deaf adults working together to create a positive experience for families from across the country. Kesher Program Director Susan Gottesman says Beautiful weather, great facilities, a Shabbat (Sabbath) experience together and interested campers and staff of Camp Ramah in the Poconos made for a successful year of learning and fun. We look forward to a fourth successful year in the summer of 1999!" The following has been planned for 1999: the Kesher Family Camp from June 30th to July 4th followed by a 10-day kids camp for Deaf and hard of hearing children 9-15 years old from July 5-15th. Gottesman can be contacted at Susnat~Juno.com or 215/885-8556.

Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf
    Rabbi Douglas Goldhamer and Nona Balk will speak at four different synagogues about their programs at HSD. All presentations will be interpreted. Please call ahead to confirm the events.

• January 29 at Congregation Mishkan Israel 785 Ridge Road, Hamden, CT
• March 26 at Temple Beth El 27462 Terrace View Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA
• March 28 at Temple Beth Israel 3033 N. Towne Ave Pomona, CA, and
• April 18 at Congregation B'nai Jehudah 712 E 69th St Kansas City, MO.

Walk Center News
   Melinda Weinrib at the Wolk Center for the Deaf announces they hosted a Chanukkah party on December 12, 1998 at the Student Alumni Union (in the fireside lounge). Approximately 30 people attended this event. Arkady Belozovsky, a NTID staff, told about the importance of Chanukkah and the significance of lighting the Menorah. Students listened to Chanukkah stories, ate lathes, Chanukkah gelts and played games. Kenneth Rothschild was our guest speaker who is a stamp collector discussing an interesting topic, "Deaf View with a Stamp" related to the stamps from all over the world with deaf culture. Menorahs and candles (donated by Chabad) were provided to the students to take home.

Gallaudet Announces Two Endowments
   Two nationally-known leaders made major commitments to Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. recently: actor Bernard Bragg who arranged for a bequest through his estate and Gerald 'Bummy' Burstein through a combination of donations and pledge. Bragg, class of 1952, would fund an Endowed Chair: Deaf People in the Theater Arts, while Burstein's contribution would fund the 'Gerald Bummy Burstein, '50 Endowed Chair in Leadership'. Both endowments go into operation as soon as each has reached the $1 million level which may take several years according to a Gallaudet spokesperson.

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