Aleinu (the 20s/30s group) is having an Accessibility Shabbat at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) at 130 West 30th Street on February 2nd.
They expect and encourage the event to be attended by people of all ages. Aleinu is working on accessibility as a larger initiative, and during this kick-off event, they will be exploring the intersection of Deaf and Jewish issues and the complexities of accessibility in this community.
During the regular Friday evening service (6:30 to 8), the sermon will either be given by a Deaf person or an interpreter, and they expect Deaf people participating in various parts of the service in sign. The entire service will be interpreted.
Afterward (8:15 – 10), there will be dinner ($5+ suggested donation, although no one will be turned away for lack of funds), and a panel discussion with approximately 7 people featuring both members of the Deaf Jewish community and interpreters. This panel discussion will also be interpreted, and there will be a registration page for this event.
They say “It’s important to us that this event is for members of the Deaf community (as well as for hearing folks), and we’d love you to advertise our event as well as share it with anyone you think might be interested.”
For more info, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Source: Beit Simchat Torah
