November 27, 2020
Greetings:
This is to update you on the work of the Jewish Deaf Congress (JDC) since the last conference, August 2017 in Rockville, Maryland. A group of attendees formed a JDC Ad Hoc Committee on Future Success for JDC.
This committee has been busy since then with many activities and “behind the scene” planning – strategic planning, finances and organizational matters. Everything listed below is possible only with your support, both volunteer time and financial.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
1. Met twice at the Brenner home to review past and develop plans to strengthen JDC.
2. Developed a strategic plan (a living, working document) based on two national surveys
3. Worked on a strategic plan to revive, revitalize and update JDC to meet the needs of modern-day Jewish Deaf Americans
4. Reviewed and updated the JDC mission and vision statements for approval at next business meeting
5. Developed mission statements to inspire and mobilize the Jewish Deaf community
6. Renamed JDC ad hoc committee the JDC Board
7. JDC co-chairs held online sessions with several local Jewish Deaf Organizations to determine mutual needs and desires regarding networking, collaborations and needed resources
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Updated and upgraded the JDC website (still in progress) JewishDeafCongress.org
2. Send periodical emails and bulletins to JDC subscribers
3. Disseminate information via Facebook “Jewish Deaf Congress” which now has nearly 1,000 followers
ACTIVITIES
1. Collaborated with the Washington Society of Jewish Deaf (WSJD) in hosting a virtual ASL Passover Seder last April
2. Formed a Virtual ASL Shabbat Coalition with WSJD, Gallaudet University Hillel Club and Jewish Deaf Resource Center (JDRC of NY) to plan monthly zoom Shabbat services
3. As part of the Virtual ASL Shabbat Coalition, co-hosted monthly zoom Shabbat services in ASL, led by Deaf people, with voice interpretation and captions, which attracts about 150 attendees per service since last April
4. Hosted a panel discussion “High Points of the High Holidays” featuring 5 Deaf Rabbis and Leaders
5. Named JDC historical records belonging to the Brenner’s dating back to 1956 the “Stephen and Dorothy Brenner Jewish Deaf Collection.” Now exploring how this Collection may be best archived and electronically accessible to the public.
6. Co-hosted, with WSJD, a three-part series of panel discussions on Anti-Semitism
7. Host a national Hanukkah Menorah Creation contest for DHH Kids and KODAs, to generate awareness and enthusiasm, and a zoom party on December 10, 2020
8. Lead a Virtual ASL Shabbat/Second Night of Hanukkah service, cosponsored by the Virtual ASL Shabbat Coalition on December 11, 2020
9. Identified Jewish themes to develop for the JDC Virtual Resource Library (examples: modules on Jewish Life Cycle events, holidays, traditions and spirituality) and virtual Torah discussion sessions
FINANCES
1. Updated JDC’s financial report and annual budget
2. Maintained good 501c3 standing with IRS
3. Established a JDC Fundraising Committee (JDCF) with eight members
4. Raised almost $30,000 in donations to develop resources, improve networking and support operations and a future meeting
5.Created a video “Jewish. Deaf. Proud.” of various members explaining why JDC is important and needs donations – posted on JDC website and Facebook
6. Started a JDC “Light up Lives” fundraising campaign to achieve 6 goals –
– ASL Judaism Education
– Community and Advocacy
– Jewish Lifecycle Events
– Virtual Shabbat & Holiday Services
– Weekly Torah Studies
– JDC Website
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
1. Pre COVID-19, JDC meetings were conducted on person or by email
2. Now since COVID-19 restrictions precludes face to face meetings, JDC held frequent Zoom meetings of the Board and the JDC Fundraising committee
3. Hoped for a JDC Summit in 2021 with representatives of local organizations; now postponed to October 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
4. Now planning for virtual sessions with these representatives during 2021 as a lead up to an October 2022 in-person Summit. During the 2022 Summit, JDC mission, goals, & bylaws will be discussed and aligned with modern/future needs and officers will be elected.
And many more accomplishments to come! JDC is committed to working to meet the spiritual, educational and community needs of Jewish Deaf people of all ages. We need JDC and are committed to keep it viable and strong. Please do contact us if you have ideas or issues or wish to be involved in JDC. [email protected]
JDC needs your support to develop resources, to support networking, and to continue with services. Please keep the JDC flame burning brightly. Please, please consider donating to JDC to meet the religious, spiritual, and social needs of the Jewish Deaf community and their families.
www.jewishdeafcongress.org/donate/
Heartfelt thanks to you for lighting up the lives of so many people. Happy Holidays.
JDC Board
Marla Berkowitz
Dorothy Brenner
Lance Fischer, Co-Chair
Vicki Lowen, Treasurer
Tracey Rattner
Elliott Richman
Roz Rosen, Co-Chair
Ellen Roth
JDC Fundraising Committee
Myrna Aiello
David Birnbaum
Jeff Cohen
Lance Fischer
Roz Rosen
Sofia Seitchik
Liz Tannebaum
Christ Wagner, Chair
Steve Weiner
Source: Jewish Deaf Congress
