Ruth & Percy Morris of Los Angeles just gave me a gift from Ruth’s recent trip to England. I was delighted and surprised to learn that the Jewish Deaf Association in London published a new book, “Sign Language In Judaism” in December, 2003. Thanks to Ruth & Percy for making my day.

This is the second book I have come across to any sign language specializing in Judaism signs. The National Congress of Jewish Deaf/Jewish Deaf Congress published a book with author Adele K. Shuart, “Signs in Judaism” in 1986.

The British book, SIGN LANGUAGE IN JUDAISM is in full color, 60 page guide, and has color photos illustrating the signs. Some signs incorporate the British Sign Language letters usage, but many of these signs are very visual and understood by the general Jewish Deaf anywhere and are somewhat similar to Shuart’s book.

The book’s inception was started in 1996 by Mira Goldberg who was, as quoted from the book’s introduction, basked by a parent if she could recommend a book suitable for a Jewish Deaf youngster to learn about their religion and culture. Mira learned that there was a book published in the USA and Israel. Rather than losing the original signs of a unique community to posterity, Mira took up on this project to fruition. She explains that tithe guide was conceived with two purposes in mind: to offer a basic explanation of Jewish practices to Deaf people about their cultural and religious heritage and as an historically important way of preserving specific Jewish signs for future generations.

For further information on this book, visit the Jewish Deaf Association’s website at www.jewishdeaf.org.uk.