September 8, 1999

Our Way Publishes Shabbat Candlelighting Chart
in Sign Language

For the deaf, signing not singing is the way to celebrate Shabbat. In a religion that is rich in rituals including communal prayer, song and dance, the deaf have often felt alienated, unable to participate in many of Judaism’s most treasured traditions. To combat their isolation, the Our Way outreach program for the deaf and hearing impaired, part of the Orthodox Union’s National Jewish Council for the Disabled (NJCD), has published an illustrated sign language chart of the Friday night Shabbat candlelighting blessing.

The laminated chart, which was created under the direction of Tchia Kastor, a deaf activist living in Baltimore, and illustrated by famed artist Esky Cook, is available for a suggested donation of $10.

"While attending an Our Way Shabbaton, [Shabbat retreat] I noticed that there were no guidelines demonstrating how to light the Shabbat candles and say the blessing in sign language," Mrs. Kastor said. It is very important to provide for the needs of the deaf in their language… The chart has enabled deaf Jews to express themselves and grow closer to G-d."

The chart has already been mailed to thousands of deaf and hearing impaired Jews across the country and requests continue to pour in. "Though it is important to recite the blessing aloud (if possible), with this chart, we hope to make the beautiful experience of welcoming Shabbat with traditional candlelighting more meaningful to deaf Jews who best express themselves in sign language," said Rabbi Eliezer Lederfeind, Director of Our 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 Shabbat candle lighting 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 Shabbatonim, holiday celebrations, a 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.

Comments? Requests? Questions?

• Our Way

• The Hearing-Impaired Child in the Jewish Classroom Handbook - By Batya Jacob

• Strategies for Inclusion: Creating a Synagogue That is Blind/Deaf Friendly

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

OUPR Archives Recent statements to the press Articles and statements from 1998  are available here...