Jewish Deaf Tidbits |
American Lewis Merkin is one of the writers of a play "Language of the Love" presented by the Australian Theatre of the Deaf as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, Australia. This play, according to Sunday Morning Herald reviewer Doug Anderson, is about a "capable young man - deaf, gay and Jewish - whose sense of self has been under attack all his life..." For more information, see website at
http://www.mardigras.com/au/events/event_act_0211_language.asp
Travel Opportunities
J. Mendoza Lopez with Art & Video says that along with tours
for persons with other disabilities, they also do tours for People with hearing
disabilities." Based in Berlin and Caen, France, Lopez explains, they offer programs
to deaf individuals, schools for the deaf, deaf associations and clubs. "I have had
my company for several years, and, after arranging tours for deaf friends for many years
in Berlin, the rest of Germany, France and Spain, decided to go full time in offering
tours for the deaf..." Among planned tours in the next year: Spain, France, and
America. For information, contact Lopez at arteyvida~berlin.snafu.de or voice (49 30)
44.35.91.80 and FAX (49 30) 44.35.91.79.
Philadelphia Has Its Own Building!
Members of the Philadelphia Hebrew Association of the Deaf (HAD)
expect to settle on purchase of the Rose Olanoff Community Center as the first owned
property of HAD in 92 years. They had been renting the property for the last seven years.
HAD's Jules Kass, Robert Katz and Richard Balsam met on January 20th to make the deposit
and the real estate paperwork is expected to be finalized by April 21st.
New Torah Learning Program For Deaf
Mordechai Weis is leading a Torah Learning Program for Jewish Deaf
youth and adults in cities across the country through use of TTY, e-mail and relay. This
year, they are studying the Book of Bereshis (Genesis) and the "fascinating story on
how the world was created and how the Jewish people Vegans Interested persons should
request a Torah Study Application by writing to Mordechai Weis, 6203 Pearce Avenue,
Baltimore, MD 21215 or sending e-mail to Wisk001@aol.com
Interpreter Familiar
With Limudei Kodesh Available
Paulo Cohen-Myers in Providence, Rl recently ended
several years of interpreting for a deaf son attending Maimonides School in Brookline, MA
when the son graduated and enrolled at an university. Cohen-Myers explains that she
interpreted all aspects of limudei kodesh, that the classes were conducted in Hebrew with
Chumash and that during high school, students were introduced to Navi and Talmud. She is
now available to interpret in a similar setting and is willing to relocate. Paulo
Cohen-Myers can be reached at 401/861-1668 FAX or e-mail to Fadoop@aol.com
Actress Marlee Matlin In ER'
Recent episodes of ER' in February
and March shows Dr. Benton struggling with his child's hearing loss and communication
issues. Entering the picture is Alycia (Marlee Matlin) who teaches him sign language.
Matlin admitted in an interview with TV Guide's Mark Schwed that she's been wanting to
appear on ER' for five years!
Hadassah Opens Arms To Jewish Deaf
New Jersey Couple Honored
Speech therapist Naomi Miller and husband Harvey, who has
interpreted services at Shomrei Torah, a conservative congregation in Wayne, NJ were
honored during their annual Dinner Dance on February 27th for their contributions to the
community. The Millers have been very actively involved: Harvey also serves on the Board
of the Fair Lawn Deaf Program, had served on the New Jersey Advisory Council on the
Education of the Hearing-lmpaired, Naomi had organized shabbats dedicated to Jewish deaf
people and both were on the Advisory Council to Union County College's Interpreter
Training Program and founded Parents for Deaf Awareness, to name just some instances of
their involvement.
Keeping An Edge Against 'Biggies'
Marlee Continues As Part Of Lecture Series
Matlin will give lectures on "Courage, Dreams and Success" at the following locations and dates: Uhlein Hall in Milwaukee, Wl on Monday, March 29 at 7:30 pm, Ohio Theatre in Columbus, OH on Tuesday, March 30 at 7:30 pm, The Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA on Monday, May 10th at 7:30 pm. She has already appeared at the State Theater in New Brunswick, NJ on February 16th. She is being promoted as having "single-handedly fumed obstacles into opportunities and today stands as an inspiration to us all". According to Unique Lives & Experiences' website, "With the aid of an interpreter, Marlee will speak out on courage, dreams, hope and success. Ms Matlin's demanding film and television work makes her UNIQUE LIVES & EXPERIENCES appearance a rare opportunity". All presentations are also being interpreted for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
TBS Gives In And Puts Property On Market
After years of resisting input as to changing demographics
essentially making their location inappropriate, the Board of Directors of Temple Beth
Solomon of the Deaf (TBS) in Arleta, CA has given in and announced that they have put
their property on the market. ~After 34 years in Arleta, California, Temple Beth Solomon
of the Deaf has recently announced plans for relocation... Our property is larger than we
need and requires a great deal of upkeep... They will remain in their present location
until a buyer is found. All regular temple activities, services and socials will continue
as usual..."
Parenting Magazine Shows Deaf Parents of Child
In the March issue of 'Mothering' magazine, a positive news item ran on Larry Taub, principal of the New York School of the Deaf and his wife, Diane who are Deaf parents of an eight-year old hearing daughter, Sarah. "Sarah and her father trade off book reading duties most evenings", says the story which also showed photos, "Disabilities shouldn't be viewed as a tragedy" says Larry Taub.
Deaf Theater Presentation Tours Schools