New Judaic Studies Program In Jerusalem & Rehovot

Increased awareness arising from the tragedy in Israel six months ago in which eight people including Shimon Malka’s daughter were killed by a Jordanian during a visit near the Israel/Jordan border, Yeshiva University Alumni Association, the Jewish Agency and United Jewish Appeal, funded a new project which they say provides a way for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Israelis to explore and connect with each other and their Jewish identity. Shimon Malka and his wife, are deaf, has had to struggle in the hearing world since the death of their hearing daughter. Rabbi Chanoch Yeres, the project’s leader, was quoted by the UJA Press Service as saying “We found there was no real vocabulary when it came to Judaism for the deaf…We wanted to make the religion more accessible to people whose handicap prevented a fuller understanding of the many facets of Judaism.” Over two dozen people are now participating in weekly seminars which are interpreted. Rohrat Cohen, one of the participants, says the Judaic Studies project “provides an essential service. Deaf people don’t have many places to go, learn and socialize. I come here to meet and see people.” Also part of the project involves sensitivity training of Rabbis and teachers.