Administrator August 27, 2007 - י"ג אלול תשס"ז
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Marla Berkowitz, MA
President, Jewish Deaf Congress, Inc.
President@JewishDeafCongress.org
Announcing Launch of Jewish Deaf Congress Inc website!
Columbus, Ohio (August 27, 2007 )
Announcing the launch of a national Jewish Deaf organization, Jewish Deaf Congress’ website, www.JewishDeafCongress.org; everything you’ve wanted to know about Jewish Deaf Congress, Inc. which was formerly known as National Congress of Jewish Deaf (NCJD) by many old timers. The new site is a work in progress with a goal to give an insight of the JDC’s story, JDC Quarterly archives, articles submitted by various Jewish individuals, and updated information of its upcoming retreats and national conference.
JDC’s president, Marla Berkowitz explains the motivation for the creation of the website: “Preserving our passion for strong identity as Jews who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals and our Jewish Deaf history deserves visibility. Therefore, the best venue for educating and staying abreast of our activities is the website.”
The Jewish Deaf Congress, Inc. today is a vibrant organization, serving persons who are Jewish and Deaf or Hard of Hearing primarily in North America. Our mission is to provide religious, cultural, and educational experiences. Our people include those who became deaf before acquiring language, those who became deaf later in life, and those who are hard of hearing. Parents join our organization, as do grandparents. Some with our deaf constituents represent a community of interpreters or educators, and rabbis, or perhaps even children or siblings or just friends of deaf adults.
JDC board is striving for innovative ways to create a “Jewish home” where there are ample opportunities for Jewish learning, fostering friendships, and celebrating Judaism is valued. “My hopes and dreams for JDC is to reach out and connect with as many Jewish deaf or hard of hearing people throughout the country and the world”, says Deborah Mayer, JDC’s Board at Large. Just as the wandering Jews have been for thousandths of years, Jewish Deaf and Hard of Hearing people may have found a place of their own.
The highlight of the website is the announcement of JDC’s upcoming retreat in October called “Mapping your Jewish Spiritual Journey”. Check www.JewishDeafCongress.org to download the flyer. We encourage everyone to join us! “Education is the key…. I want JDC to provide as many educational opportunities, especially through the use of Vlogs on JDC’s website. In this way, Deaf and Hard of Hearing people can learn about Judaism in ASL”, says Allon Yomtov, JDC Treasurer.
Jewish Deaf Congress, Inc. is a voluntary organization, and is actively seeking funding from various sources. Donations and sponsorships are welcome.