About JDC - Jewish Deaf Congress

Welcome to Jewish Deaf Congress!

We make Judaism relevant, meaningful and joyful.

Support Jewish Traditions!

About Us

Jewish Deaf Congress is a vibrant organization, serving persons who are Jewish and Deaf, primarily in North America.

Jewish Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafned persons and their families gather together in our community of pluralism – whether Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox, or any other Jewish affiliation that is of Jewish belief, practice, and community. We are an essential part of Klal Yisrael – the worldwide community of Jewry.

As an organization, we join the greater Jewish community in our dedication to Tikkun Olam – the Jewish healing of the World.

We invite you to join us in conversations!

Mission Statement: JDC functions as an inclusive and accessible Jewish Deaf national organization, network and resource center, rooted in Judaism and Deaf experiences, cultures and values of lifelong Jewish learning to discover, connect and flourish.

Vision Statement: JDC will inspire Jewish Deaf people, families, allies and professionals with full access to the spirituality, traditions, culture and social heritage of Judaism and of the Deaf community.

JDC Core Guiding Values

Inclusive and accessible learning, resources, and advocacy

Embrace Jewish traditions, culture, and history.

Embrace American Sign Language and/or Israeli Sign Language, Deaf culture, and Deaf community

Bring Jewish spirituality to light

Growth and preservation of Jewish heritage and fellowship

Strong support for Israel and the Israeli Deaf community

“It is our goal to revive Jewish Deaf Congress (JDC) so that it can continue its mission to ensure that the Deaf Jewish population can stay in touch with Deaf Jewish people, maintain our Jewish heritage and meet our religious needs.”

The reason for my being on the Ad Hoc Committee is that I cannot bear to see JDC fade away forever and I will work to keep it alive for the sake of future generations. In the future, our local affiliates may need a national organization for help and resources. Deaf people will want to know what the JDC affiliates are doing in their cities, enabling us to improve our organization.

I am on the Ad Hoc Committee because I feel it’s important to have an organization for Jewish Deaf people from all over the world to connect for educational, informative & social purposes.

I believe in JDC’s vast potential and ability to grow as an inclusive national resource, network and advocate for Jewish Deaf people, their families, friends and professionals.

Strategic Plan

Read more about JDC Strategic Focus on Judaism and Deaf People (2019-2021)

By-Laws

JDC By-Laws. As approved by the Board of Directors prior to 2011 Conference. (June 28, 2011)

History

The National Congress of Jewish Deaf (NCJD) was established in 1956 by Jewish Deaf leaders in New York City…

Meet Our Team

Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe

Advisor

Bloomington, IL

Rabbi Darby Leigh

Advisor

Concord, MA

Sofia Seitchik

JDC Program Director

Germantown, MD

For JDC Success

Meet Our Board Members

Marla Berkowitz

Interim Chair

Columbus, OH

Dr. Roz Rosen

Secretary & Fundraising Chair

Surprise, AZ

Vadim Milman

Treasurer

Palm Springs, CA

Liz Tannebaum

Board Member

Chicago, IL

Dr. Stephen Weiner

Board Member

Odenton, MD

Dr. Janis Cole

Board Member

Crofton, MD

Roxanne Baker

Board Member

Cape Elizabeth, ME

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors!

Welcome to Our Community

JDC Offerings

L'Chaim Learning

A virtual and visual Learning Community making Judaism relevant, meaningful and joyful in our own language!

Events

Celebrate holidays, festivals, lifecycle events and more, in-person or virtually near and far.

Virtual Celebrations

Join us to celebrate Jewish holidays, festivals, and many other celebrations. For example, Hanukkah contest, Jewish Deaf That! Chat, and many more.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is JDC only for Jewish Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals?

JDC was founded as an organization serving Jewish Deaf people of all ages, their families, service providers, and synagogues. JDC is inclusive, serving Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafPlus, Hard of hearing and Late Deafened people, of various belief levels, who are interested in enhancing their spirituality and understanding of Judaism, through full access and using American Sign Language.

I am uncertain whether I want to be a JDC member. Can I still join some of Jewish learning, community engagement and social justice activism?

Yes, you can! We hope you will join us as a JDC member to enjoy the perks we offer for you! Check it out! For more information, contact Program Director.

What are the benefits for being a JDC member?

By becoming a member of the JDC L’Chaim Judiac ASL Learning Circle, you will have opportunities to engage in the Jewish learning community, classes, discussion, community connections, social justice activism and fellowship.

Can I pay my JDC Membership in installments?

Yes! You can pay monthly or quarterly installments. For more information, please contact Program Director.

I cannot afford the yearly payment to become JDC member. What are my options?

We do not want your financial situation to prevent you from becoming a JDC member. Three options for you:

Quarterly payment
Contact [email protected] for more information about having a JDC Sponsor to cover for you.

How do I become a JDC’s L’Chaim Circle Member?

Sign up for JDC news and updates, as a member, at no cost. To be an active member within the JDC L’Chaim Judaic ASL Learning Circle, you can choose either the individual or couple/family member’s annual fee. The fee is non-refundable, however you can opt out any time.