On April 24, OneTable Live hosted a “Deaf Shabbat PAH!” virtual online session.
In the OneTable announcement and invitation, they explain that they were teaming up “with Jacob Salem, Director of Hillel at Gallaudet, and young Jewish professionals from the Deaf community to create a Deaf-run Zoom Shabbat! Now more than ever, finding ways to get together and catch up is so important — especially when we’re connecting on a Friday night, meeting new friends over video chat, and building community.”
The virtual service included a Candle lighting, wine and challah blessings followed by chat and breakout sessions. One participant said “It was a mix of learning to sign hearing students or CODAs as well as Deaf participants.”
OneTable is a national hearing nonprofit funded to support people (21-39ish) looking to find and share this powerful experience of a consistent Shabbat dinner practice to build one that feels authentic, sustainable, and valuable.
Jacob estimates as many as 70 people participated. How did the “Deaf Shabbat PAH!” come about? “In short, Tori Greene who is a friend of mine started working for One Table less than a year ago and she reached out to me asking if I’d be interested to become a host,” Jacob explains, “I thought about it and then a community member told me about it but nothing clicked for me because I didn’t quite understand what was the program about.
“Another community member told me about it again several months later. It finally connected just right after the pandemic because I was figuring out how to support our community as well as myself. Ultimately, I submitted an application to become a host and was approved few days before Annie Prusky, who is also a friend of mine, coincidentally began her role as a field manager for One Table.
“As a young professional, I can tell you there is a gap in terms of support resources and programming for our age range in comparison with other age groups. It is a steep learning curve for many of us while we navigate through our professional career and personal life. One Table fills this gap in the area of resources and support for young professionals who wish to begin or continue with Shabbat rituals.
“I, of course, couldn’t pass up any opportunity to team up with nonprofit organizations to support our young Jewish community especially those who graduate from college since I am currently serving college students.
“I plan to host on a regular basis throughout the pandemic and even afterward since this program also serves those hosting in person, both private and public.” Jacob has been program director for Hillel at Gallaudet University since July 1, 2016.
JDCC News asked Annie Prusky how she got involved with Jacob Salem to start the “Deaf Shabbat PAH!” program.
What is your relationship, if any to the Deaf community. Any Deaf members or experiences. Do you know ASL?
I started studying ASL in college, initially just wanting to expand my linguistic knowledge. It was much harder than I expected, but the more I stuck around, the more my skills developed, and the more I learned about Deaf culture, the more I was actually able to go out into the community and make friends. I got more involved and Deaf Studies and the Deaf community ended up being a pillar of my college experience, both academically and socially — my senior capstone was in ASL, in partnership with local Deaf community members. Still, I very much see my role as one of participation, not leadership — I’m always grateful when I am welcomed into Deaf space, and do my best to demonstrate good ally ship by opening doors where I can and uplifting Deaf perspectives & leadership.
What is your role with OneTable?
I’m the OneTable Field Manager which means I support our young adults who want to create or find community around the Shabbat dinner table in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. I’m based in DC, and also oversee our partnerships and programming for the region. Feel free to get in touch with any questions about Friday night!
What prompted you to approach Hillel and the other groups to host this event?
I met Jacob Salem at a conference a few months ago, and the two of us hit it off. I’d been wanting to engage more with Hillel at Gallaudet, and I know Jacob had just gotten involved with OneTable. When I transitioned from an OneTable community member to joining the team myself, he was one of my first calls.
The OneTable website can be seen at onetable.org/
Source: OneTable, Jacob Salem and Annie Prusky
