United Kingdom's Sign Language in Judaism
by Sharon Ann Dror
Ruth & Percy Morris of Los Angeles just gave me a gift from Ruth's recent
trip to England. I was delighted and surprised to learn that the Jewish
Deaf Association in London published a new book, "Sign Language In
Judaism" in December, 2003. Thanks to Ruth & Percy for making my day.
This is the second book I have come across to any sign language
specializing in Judaism signs. The National Congress of Jewish Deaf/Jewish
Deaf Congress published a book with author Adele K. Shuart, "Signs in
Judaism" in 1986.
The British book, SIGN LANGUAGE IN JUDAISM is in full color, 60 page
guide, and has color photos illustrating the signs. Some signs incorporate
the British Sign Language letters usage, but many of these signs are very
visual and understood by the general Jewish Deaf anywhere and are somewhat
similar to Shuart's book.
The book's inception was started in 1996 by Mira Goldberg who was, as
quoted from the book's introduction, basked by a parent if she could
recommend a book suitable for a Jewish Deaf youngster to learn about their
religion and culture. Mira learned that there was a book published in the
USA and Israel. Rather than losing the original signs of a unique
community to posterity, Mira took up on this project to fruition. She
explains that tithe guide was conceived with two purposes in mind: to
offer a basic explanation of Jewish practices to Deaf people about their
cultural and religious heritage and as an historically important way of
preserving specific Jewish signs for future generations.
Forfurther information on this book, visit the Jewish Deaf Association's
website at www.jewishdeaf.org.uk