November 12, 1999
Lights of Chanukah Signify
Hope in Every Language
Our Way Publishes Chanukah Candlelighting Chart
in Sign Language
Chanukah is all
about miracles. It was a miracle that the Macabees won against the more numerous, stronger
Greek army and that the tiny jug of oil that should only have been enough for one day
actually lasted for eight. It is a miracle that Jews for thousands of years have been
bringing Chanukah into their own homes by lighting the Menorah (special Chanukah
candelabra) and now, for the first time, Jews who are deaf and hearing impaired can
commemorate these miracles in their own language – sign language.
The Our Way outreach
program for the deaf and hearing impaired, part of the Orthodox Union's National Jewish Council for the Disabled has
published an illustrated sign language chart of the Chanukah candlelighting blessings that
will be mailed to thousands of deaf and hearing impaired Jews throughout the U.S. and
Canada.
The laminated chart, which features brief descriptions of some of
the holiday’s basic laws and popular customs, was created under the direction of
Tchia Kastor, a deaf activist living in Baltimore, and was illustrated by the Baltimore
firm, Staiman Design. The chart is available for a suggested donation of $10.
"It is very important to provide for the needs of the deaf in
their language. In creating the Chanukah candlelighting chart -- as well as the sabbath
candlelighting chart published earlier this year -- my desire has been to help everyone
who best expresses themselves through sign language participate in these wonderful rituals
and grow closer to God," explained Mrs. Kastor.
"The candles that we light on Chanukah signify a hope so strong
and enduring that it transcends language," said Rabbi Eliezer Lederfeind, Director of
Our Way. "Though it is still important to recite the blessings aloud (if possible),
the sign language candlelighting chart enables deaf and hearing impaired Jews to
experience the beauty and meaning of Chanukah in their own special way."
Our Way offers a variety of programs and services for the deaf as
well as for family members, friends and anyone who interacts with the deaf and hearing
impaired. To order a copy of the sign language Chanukah candlelighting chart, join the
mailing list, or obtain more information on Our Way programs for the Jewish deaf, please
call (212) 613-8234, e-mail ourway@ou.org, or write to
Our Way/NJCD 11 Broadway New York, NY 10004.
Established in 1969, Our Way is the only Jewish movement reaching
out to the deaf and hearing impaired across the country and bridging the gap between the
hearing and non-hearing worlds. Through a vast array of programs including holiday
celebrations, a Jewish Deaf Singles Registry, Torah study groups, summer tours, family
retreats, conventions and special signing publications, Our Way provides spiritual and
social opportunities for nearly 1,000 deaf youths.
The Orthodox Union, celebrating 100 years of service to the Jewish
community of America and beyond, is the world leader in youth
work, advocacy for the disabled, synagogue services, adult education and political
action. Its kosher supervision label, the OU,
is the world’s most recognized kosher symbol and can be found on over 200,000
products in 62 countries around the globe.
www.ou.org
Comments?
Requests? Questions?
 Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations
of America
Department of Public Relations
Sharyn Perlman, Director
Main Office:
11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-613-8321 Fax: 212-564-9058
E-mail: media@ou.org |
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