Our Way for the Jewish Deaf Hosts Shabbaton in Silver Spring, 11/2-3

23 Oct 2012

OUR WAY FOR THE JEWISH DEAF HOSTS SHABBATON IN SILVER SPRING, NOVEMBER 2-3

Our Way, the Orthodox Union’s program for the deaf and hard of hearing, will present a Shabbaton in Silver Spring the weekend of November 2-3, at Woodside Synagogue Ahavas Torah, 9001 Georgia Avenue.

Our Way is dedicated to providing resources, services and social programming for its constituency. It is a division of the OU’s National Jewish Council for Disabilities.

The Shabbaton will feature a Deaf Torah Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi David Kastor, and Deaf Hosts Charles and Debbie Roth. Guest speaker Hannah Klein is editor of “Jewish Deaf Heroes in the Face of Terrorism.” ASL interpreting services will be provided. The event is coordinated by Rabbi Eliezer Lederfeind, Director of Our Way.

Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Kastor graduated from Gallaudet University with a BA in Computer Science. He married an Israeli deaf woman, Tchia. Rabbi Kastor received his semicha (rabbinical ordination) from Yeshiva Ner Israel in Baltimore. He started the Ahavas Israel School of the Deaf in Frederick and taught there for two years. He has served as Our Way Regional Representative for Maryland for more than 22 years.

Deaf Hosts Charles and Debbie Roth have been Maryland residents for 12 years. They have two sons, Stanley, 16 and Justin, 8. Stanley became Bar Mitzvah three years ago, and his parents look forward to Justin’s ceremony in a few years. Debbie says, “When I was growing up I truly enjoyed attending these rewarding Shabbatons. We encourage everyone of all ages to come for the easily accessible, sign language enriched, spiritual Jewish learning and sense of community.”

At the Shabbaton, pre-publication copies of “Jewish Deaf Heroes in the Face of Terrorism,” will be distributed by its editor, guest speaker Hannah Klein.

The program, led by Rabbi Lederfeind, guides participants in experiencing a traditional Shabbat. It will include workshops on prayer and Shabbat observance, an interpreted synagogue service, and delicious Shabbat meals.

Rabbi Ledefeind travels all over North America, most recently to St. Louis two weeks ago, to bring Our Way Shabbatons to the deaf and hard and hearing community.

The cost of the Shabbaton is $35 per person, with discounts for families and scholarships available. Applications and checks (payable to Our Way Shabbaton) for reservations should be sent to Our Way, c/o Charles and Debbie Roth, 14600 Myer Terrace, Rockville, MD, 20853. They can be reached by video phone at 240-292-6826, by cell at 240-498-2700, or at {encode=”mailto:appletree4@comcast.net” title=”appletree4@comcast.net”}.

For more information about Our Way programming, contact Rabbi Lederfeind at {encode=”mailto:ourway@ou.org” title=”ourway@ou.org”}, or by relay/voice at 212-613-8234.

OU | Enhancing Jewish Life