In the last issue of JDCC News, we printed copy of Jewish Deaf Community Center’s proposal to Temple Beth Solomon of the Deaf suggesting that JDCC and TBS conduct a joint Passover Seder. We printed reply from TBS president Joe Slotnick.
I attended two Passover Seders which were held at the Jewish Deaf Community Center. I enjoyed the 100% Kosher Passover Seder food and it reminded me of my Orthodox Jewish Grandmother’s Kosher cooking for the Passover Seder during my early childhood. I felt more comfortable in the synagogue because of the Jewish atmosphere instead of a restaurant. It is wonderful to enjoy eating the traditional Kosher food for the Seder one time every year. I am looking forward to attending the JDCC Passover Seder again this coming spring. President Sharon Dror did a very extraordinary job of preparing the Seder and I take off my hat to her. Thank you very much.
Harold Levy
I think joint Passover Community Seder is a splendid idea, although they are the same Jewish Deaf people. Multimedia community seder videotape shown are fantastic and magnificent to give them increased understanding like educational and also enjoyment during the seder.
Ruth & Percy Morris
I think it is pretty ridiculous to have 2 small deaf Jewish minorities especially in same big city (Los Angeles). Let’s form to one big family. That’s why I am not a member in either of them. Shalom!
Bobby Sogolow
Temple Beth Solomon of the Deaf (TBS) and Jewish Deaf Community Center (JDCC) should do a joint Passover Seder. I have to give JDCC a lot of credit for making the first move. My Yarmulka (hats) off to JDCC and Sharon Dror.
Many people from the TBS are my dear friends. I have received a negative impression from the members about the Board of TBS. TBS Board does not represent the members at large, only themselves and a few others. I see there is a conflict. The Board did not ask the members if they want to do a joint Seder with JDCC. I know many members are still not fond of JDCC and Sharon Dror. Many of them feel intimidated by her success. JDCC is celebrating its 10th year. This does show Sharon and JDCC are doing something right for the Deaf Jewish Community.
We all know both Jewish groups believe in the same GOD and religion. We know both groups observe the same Jewish Holidays. We know both groups study the same Torah and Talmud. We know both groups know how significant it is to teach our children about Judaism and the Torah. There are two main differences between them, the age factor of its congregation and the kosher issue. I can not think of any other important relevant difference between them.
I was not impressed by reading the TBS letter to JDCC. JDCC made an offer to TBS with some room of flexibility. TBS just shut them cold-hearted saying “we don’t want to break our own traditions and rituals” and said some “short notice” excuses. As long you talk to God, what difference does it make about which method you use such as talk, sign and read. TBS did not even try to meet with JDCC Board to work things out or counter offer its proposal? Yes, I am telling you again, TBS Board did not even try once to meet or arrange a meeting to resolve any difference. What did they do? Send a letter without trying to face JDCC Board. This doesn’t feel very Jewish to me.
The membership at TBS has dwindled to almost no children or young adults needed to continue the existence of TBS. Jewish families consist of the young and the old. So should TBS.
I have one last comment for the TBS Board. Stop thinking of yourselves and think for the future of the Deaf Jewish Community and TBS, which needs youth to grow and survive.
From a friend of JDCC and TBS
Dear JDCC and TBS:
After reading both the JDCC’s Joint Passover Community Seder proposal and TBS’s response (JDCC News Nov/Dec Issue), I find this ironic because the Jewish Deaf community in the vicinity of Los Angeles is supposedly the second largest in the country, beside New York. It has puzzled me tot years, wondering where are the Jewish deaf people in Los Angeles, where do they go for High Holy days services, and other Jewish holiday celebrations, especially the Passover Seder. Still, this very same Los Angeles Jewish Deaf community cannot meet together as one community for any holiday festival.
I thought the JDCC Joint Passover Community Seder proposal was a fantastic idea. Why? Because this joint Seder will allow everyone to join together as one community. I am not talking about being affiliated to a certain organization. I am talking about being one community, regardless of which temple or organization one may belong to. This will allow for all Jewish deaf people, the entire Jewish Deaf community, to celebrate this Seder together.
Additionally, I have seen the multimedia community Seder video myself. I must say that this project was one of the most remarkable, visual and teaching tool that is for all of us! Sharon and the JDCC board did wonderful job creating this Seder videotape. I wish I could use it for my own Seder.
Our grandparents and parents have taught us the Jewish value of the importance of being together as one family as one community. I urgently encourage the TBS Board to reconsider the Joint Passover Seder proposal for the sake of Klal Israel, one Jewish people, one community for all.
Michael Dubowe
We like the idea of the joint seder and would like to see an option to be added for us who wish to have unsalted or low sodium meal that includes chicken, matzo balls, et al.
Paul & Leslie Levenson
Think it should be combined of two organizations for Second Night Seder. Makes no sense of each person to decide which one. After all it is a mitzvah to have all Jewish people to sit together.
Alfred Weinrib
I absolutely think a joint seder would benefit all of Los Angeles’ Deaf Jewish members as well as interested Deaf Jews from other states. First, the cost would be minimized with one seder. Second, a joint seder poses the opportunity for all to mingle with those who would go to the TBS seder or to the JDCC seder at once. Finally, every effort should be attempted to unify America’s Deaf Jews in this time following September 11, 2001: togetherness, generosity, under standing, PEACE. I would go to the joint seder.
Mistie Collette-Shaar
I miss the Seders so much and feel sad at not participating but when one lives in LA and the Seders are in Burbank or Eagle Rock forget it. I did attend twice the seder at Temple Jacob in Beverly Hills, and also Sportsman Lodge both were in good driving distance but at age 78 I cannot think ahead to the year 2003. If I’m still around and it’s in a convenient locale, I’d love to attend and see all the dear folks of TBS
Mona Fleeman
Why not joint for the first time to see how we are doing, if positive then every year on Passover. If not respect each other, it wont hurt to try for next year Passover to see what happen. Ok wish you good luck.
Rachelle Friedman
As a former member of Temple Beth Or of the Deaf of New York City, I strongly feel that JDCC and TBS should have joint Seder services as to show our Jewish unity and to stop the rivalry between your congregations as it is negative to our Jewish values. In the wake of the WTC tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, it’s time for us to forget our petty quarrels and to unite as a people of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. Life is too short and we need to do more to enrich our lives. Please do this for the sake of your children and grandchildren who look up to you as role models.
Joan K. Berke
I have not been around for long time and I am not sure if there is a problem in the past. I can give you a hint. Maybe in the first night, co-host together to celebrate a big party together. maybe less problem and more people on the first night. If both TBS and JDCC committees cooperates together as a good team work with no hard feelings, then it is worth a try. Then on the second night JDCC and TBS will host their own separate Seders on the second evening of Passover. Hope the solution will solve in any way to make everybody happy! I wish you best of luck!
Sandy Hart
Yes, I strongly encourage that the seder be of joint celebration for both, the JDCC and TBS. People from both organizations will greatly benefit because of the additional support and will feel a stronger sense of unity and spirit among the Jewish Deaf community. I never understood the need for separation as we are already a small group of people who greatly rely on each other to ensure that a seder or two will take place annually. By coming together, the Jewish Deaf community as a WHOLE will be guaranteed a WONDERFUL and ENRICHING Seder.
Lauren Abbott Maucere
Together in both same day or second day since we are small number of Jewish we cant afford to ignore to accord to their dislike or like it is very important to be together as long we are Jewish to be united forever.
Hertha Myers
I think it is a great idea. Unfortunately I personally can not attend because it is on a Yom Tov and I can not drive etc… because I am Orthodox. But that idea to combine both is a good idea. It doesn’t matter what level of Judaisim you are on, what is important is that we are all Jews …….
Sherry Morgan
It would be a great night to share together like a family. Why not?
Diana Prioleau
Yes, I am strongly in favor of getting together for Seder. Let us try it out.
Bummy
IT’S A SHAME, THAT WE CAN’T share it as it’s not fair for us to pay twice Too many friends both sides Stop this petty crap and learn to respect each other.
Larry Dubin
Yes! and No!
Yes: If there are small amount of attendance from each TBS and JDCC organization, each organization can have Joints seder and split the cost.
No: It depends there is a large group from TBS more than JDCC. TBS has a rights to sponsor its own Passover Seder for its members only or TBS can welcome outside people (JDCC or others) to join with their members for the Seder with high prices than TBS members.
If there are some members that belongs both organizations, they can choose to go TBS or JDCC Seder on same day or both seder if each hold different date.
Robert Katz
I believe we should have one seder night for both organizations …. all for one, one for all. At this point I may go or not depending on my family’s situation. Hope things will work out.
Scott P. Kramer
I read that understand but it does not bother me. I mean I just want to keep continue passover seder same idea like that last year and 2 years ago, that is what I want to keep continue same before. More better TV personal live than service books too long hour. When you plan set up for Passover seder so please let me know when and where. I will look forward of that soon. Thank you…
Bill Parker
Over the years since JDCC has started having their own seders and having them with a completely different style than TBS I have felt that it was really nice for Deaf people to have choices. Look at all the events available to hearing Jewish people for all the holidays. I think the fact that TBS and JDCC do not have their seders on the same night, makes it even better! I would like to see the choice continue and perhaps, for people who wish to attend both and cannot afford it, a seder fund could be established with donations to allow subsidized payments for people who could otherwise not attend. Variety is the spice of life and I think it’s good that both groups have different things to offer.
Roz Robinson
Hello TBS and JDCC members,
I think it is a good idea to have JDCC and TBS together for Passover Seder. More people and more merrier. Makes this easier for everyone! Hope all goes well and good luck,
Barbara Goldman
I think it is a good idea – but have opportunity for each group to have their own seder and one big joint one – I’ve read all materials and felt a joint one could be a good one if both sides are not adamant on the particulars.
Charles Katz
I think that having a joint seder gives people a chance to see all of their deaf friends at one seder without having to pay for two. It also allows for a better turnout. I would, however, suggest a compromise in format. There are people who do prefer a paper-based Haggadah. I would suggest that both PowerPoint on screen and booklet be provided.
Nina Treiman
I think it is a smart move to have a joint Passover seder because lot of us live quite a distance away. We don’t want to drive all the way to the place to have a seder night and drive back home. And then drive back for the another Seder night, It is a waste of time and money, Beside it is easier to have a joint Seder because it shows the spirit of cooperation among the Deaf Jews.
Cynthia Glick
Well, if I lived in the LA area, I would vote for one Seder. This is assuming that the one Seder would not be so large that people could not greet/talk with each other easily. I only wish that the Bay Area had such dilemmas.
Frank Hochman
I think is good to have two nights because it is part of the Jewish holiday and on holiday we always celebrate two big meals.
Gittel Lederfeind
Every effort should go ahead and put aside philosophical differences. The Jewish deaf and hard of hearing community in the L. A. area is spread out, with one group, the resources are better used. I personally fill the trip driving to L. A. is too far from Mission Viejo, and I will contacting Jewish deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Orange County to form an informal people of like minded backgrounds.
Randy Belzer
With my experiences to attend both events, I think it would be great to see two temples be together for seder as one big family instead of going to each seder with the same faces on the first and second day. We might as well get together at once.
Melinda Weinrib
Go for it …UNITED!
Anna Petrillo
Have ONE big Passover Seder!!!
H.F.
In regards to having joint Seder with TBS and JDCC, we think that is an excellent way to meet and learn from each other. Sadly, TBS old guard has no vision to consider the future. They are mostly elderly people who are uncomfortable to change and are afraid of new ideas. That thinking will only hurt the Temple and its future. They should think about the example that is occurring as a result of the tragedy on Sept 11, 2001. People are uniting for the common cause and good from all walks of life, young and old, and all religions. We surely would benefit with the collaboration of the young and the old in joint Temple activities. The young can help bring new life and support to Temple matters, the old can help bring wisdom to the teachings of the torah and matters of daily living. We can then be a strong community for the hard of hearing and deaf causes, surely a wonderful benefit. We support that. Let’s consider the New Year 2002 a year of new ideas and change for the betterment of deaf Jewish life.
Brad & Dianna Kanawyer
Yes, I read it. I think it would be great if both groups could get together. The old folks won’t be around for ever, and once they are gone, so is their history and achievements, if they haven’t passed these along to the younger generations first. Both sides need to bend a little to get along.
Therese Shellabarger
It would be nice if there is a big gathering and can socialize together during Seders. Even though I never attend this kind of occasion at TBS or JDCC before. And it may be save money on both organizations to spend.
Sara Patterson
I think this makes sense!
Corina Jarvennah Josephson
A joint seder is a very good idea. Maybe not this year but always possible in the future.
Ira Rothenberg
one-joint -seder
Michelle Nemetz
Please feel free to request a copy of JDCC News Nov/Dec issue to read the proposals if you missed it. Email to [email protected].
