Our Way, the Orthodox Union program for the deaf and hearing impaired, together with Congregation Shaare Torah, 2319 Murray Avenue, invite the Jewish deaf and their families to a Shabbaton (Sabbath experience) June 23-24.
Highlights of the weekend include a Deaf Scholar-in-residence, who will be named prior to the event.
Along with special programming, the Shabbaton will provide three delicious meals and snacks, an interpreted synagogue service; a beginner’s prayer service; child care; and an opportunity to join together with others from the deaf community to live and learn about Judaism.
Congregation Shaare Torah will host the Shabbaton in the midst of its remodeling program. The congregation, led by Rabbi Daniel and Judi Wasserman, promotes many innovative programs which appeal to many Jewish families in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill Community. The Squirrel Hill Community serves the heart of Jewish activities in Pittsburgh. Here one will find many synagogues, Jewish learning centers, the Jewish Community Center, kosher restaurants and bakeries, a Jewish bookstore and even the Mayor of Pittsburgh.
Our Way started in Pittsburgh in 1969 at The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in a program that was led by Rabbi Eliezer Lederfeind. When Rabbi Lederfeind joined the Orthodox Union in New York, he brought the program with him. The program now returns to Pittsburgh.
For more information on the Shabbaton contact Allan Goodkind at 412-422-2131 or ceciliagoodkind@yahoo.com.
For information on Our Way national programs, contact Rabbi Lederfeind, Director of Our Way, at 212-613-8234 or email ourway@ou.org.