Many organizations have pushkas, or collection boxes, that have become staples in classrooms, offices, and restaurants. Now, Our Way for the Jewish Deaf and Hard of Hearing, of the Orthodox Union, introduces a brand new addition with is first-ever pushka.
Designed by Moshe Lehmann and artist Yaakov Rubinov, both members of the deaf community, the pushka is a beautifully-crafted way to raise money for an excellent cause.
Rabbi Eliezer Lederfeind, Founder and Director of Our Way, declared, “This is a project created by deaf people and that is specifically to help the deaf, and something the deaf community can be very proud of. Whether it is the deaf community in Dallas, Texas that now has Jewish holiday classes and programs throughout the year; the hundreds of Jewish deaf who have attended Our Way Family and Community shabbatonim; or a deaf single who wants to marry Jewish, they all have a listening ear and helping hand with Our Way.”
Twice a year, before Rosh Hashana and Passover, Rabbi Lederfeind will contact those who have ordered a pushka and request that the money be exchanged for a tax deductible check made payable to Our Way. Money will go towards helping fund Our Way programs, events, and services.
Some Our Way programs are the Jewish Deaf Singles Registry, which sponsors social events throughout the year, a yearly singles retreat, and a newsletter and online database of personal ads for singles who are deaf or hard of hearing; different manuals in sign, such as “Shabbat Manual in Sign” or “Signs of the Seder,” which illustrate various blessings for holidays, Shabbat, and milestone events in sign; weekends retreats, job placement services, and more.
To order a free pushka, or for more information about Our Way and its programs, contact 212-613-8234 or ourway@ou.org.
www.ou.org