LET'S CHANGE 
TOGETHER

Dear Friends of JDRC,

Shalom!

We hope your summer has been restful and meaningful.

In this issue of JDRC Connections, we're excited to share some significant developments at the Jewish Deaf Resource Center.

• We've welcomed Amanda Richter, our new part-time Office Coordinator. Amanda brings valuable experience and a deep commitment to accessibility, and we're thrilled to have her on the team as we continue to grow.

• We will soon launch our new, interactive website -- designed to make our resources more accessible to both the wider Jewish community and Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals across the country and Israel.

• We're excited to share our growing partnership with Chushim in Israel. Together, we are building bridges between the wider Jewish community and the Jewish Deaf and Hard of Hearing community-- so that we can grow, learn, and belong. Especially in a time of war in the Middle East, Chushim in partnership with JDRC and the wider Jewish community, has provided respite, support, and connection to Israeli families by ensuring communication access to Jewish communal events. Read the article in this issue about this partnership which has deep meaning for us all.

• As we begin planning for the High Holy Day season, now is the time to reflect on how we make our congregations welcoming and inclusive of all. In this issue, we provide an Accessibility Checklist to help guide your preparations and ensure that your services and programs are inclusive of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. JDRC is here to support you with resources, consultation, and connection.

Special thanks to UJA Federation of New York for supporting JDRC's initiatives through their operating grant. 

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Shabbat shalom!

With much gratitude,

Susan F. Cohen

President

Jewish Deaf Resource Center

Photo credit: Doron Hafif

Image description: Photographed is a boy with short curly brown hair wearing a “Chicago” sports top signs “peace,” flanked by two boys in yarmulkes; girls and Rabbi Yehousha Soudakoff play in the background.

by Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff

On Friday morning, July 11th, 2025, over 75 Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families gathered from across Israel for a special day of fun, connection, and community. This vibrant and fully accessible event, made possible thanks to the generous support of the Jewish Deaf Resource Center (JDRC) and the UJA Jewish Federation of New York, was a meaningful example of how shared experiences can bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing members of the Israeli community.

Note: We thank Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff, Executive Director of Chushim Ben Dan for sharing the article of the Chushim-JDRC partnership.

As the High Holiday approach, we're compiling a list of congregations that offer ASL interpretation and/or captioning access for in-person or virtual services which will be featured on our new website. We'll share this list widely so Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals can find welcoming, accessible spaces to observe the High Holidays.

If your congregation is planning inclusive services this year, we'd love to help spread the word! Please email us the following details:

• Congregation name and location
• Dates and times of interpreted and/or captioned services
• Whether access is n person, virtual or both
• URL to registration page or livestream information (if applicable)

If you receive requests for accessibility services and need help locating ASL interpreters and/or captioners, feel free to reach out to us. We'll do our best to support you in finding or advising on access.

Let's work together to ensure that all members of our community can participate meaningfully on these sacred days.

JDRC invites Jewish museums, organizations, schools, and synagogues to participate in any of the three opportunities to highlight your commitment to creating an inclusive community for all:

1. Be included in our Online Directory of Congregations and Jewish Museums: We are compiling a public directory of congregations that prioritize accessibility and belonging. To be listed, your synagogue must have a statement of commitment on its website, including information on how Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals can request communication access services (such as ASL interpretation or captioning).
2. Share Photographs That Reflect Belonging: Help us visually tell the story of inclusion which can be considered for JDRC's new website. Submit a photograph that represents your community's commitment to accessibility and belonging. Photo credit will be given.
3. Share Your Accessible Events on our calendar - a one stop resource! Just send us an URL that describes the accessibility services at your event.

Calling ASL Interpreters and CDIs!

Are you preparing to interpret the High Holidays this year - or next?

Join us for a dynamic, all ASL workshop (no voicing) where you will:

• learn the major themes of the High Holidays
• review the core prayers in honor of the season
• gain practical strategies for moments when Hebrew is unfamiliar

Strengthen your skills and confidence to provide meaningful access during this sacred time.

Register at this link. CEUs will be available.

JDRC is partnering with Melton School for Adult Jewish Learning on a six-week course:

A History of Hatred: the Ever-Present Threat of Antisemitism

October 19 - November 23, 2025

7:30 - 9:00 PM EST

The course, taught in ASL by Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe, with captioning provided, is for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants. 

Participants can fill out a form to express interest; eligible participants will then receive a registration link.

Share this announcement with your Deaf and Hard of Hearing connections.

JDRC gives special thanks to UJA Federation of New York for partially funding this initiative through their operating grant.

Using the allyship model, the Jewish Deaf Resource Center (JDRC) serves as a communication access bridge by bringing together a partnership of Jewish Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals, their families, and the individuals and organizations in the wider Jewish community in North America.

JDRC is a 501(c)3 national nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. No goods or services will be provided in exchange for your generous donation.

JDRC thanks UJA Federation of New York for partnering with JDRC through their operating grant.

Jewish Deaf Resource Center | P.O. Box 318 | Hartsdale, NY 10530 US