It is not often when we see videotapes showing Jewish prayers in I American Sign Language (ASL). JDCC was anxious to see two such videotapes that E. J. Cohen, a hearing interpreter, had developed. Titled ‘Hand in Hand’, the two videos which cost $50 if purchased together, left much to be desired. The idea of the videos was to show signs for Jewish prayers and terminology.
The first tape, Hand in Hand (Yad B’ Yad), is six minutes long featuring six prayers in both ASL and Hebrew manual alphabet. The second tape, Hand in Hand 2 (Yad B’Yad Sheni), is longer with more prayers and terminology.
While E. J. Cohen has devoted her time and energy in consulting hearing and deaf Jews in developing signs most accurate to their meanings, the length of the tapes, its amateurish look, and the cost would be a deterrent. For information, she can be contacted at 33154 Lake Garrison St. Fremont, CA 94555, 510/487-3523 V/T or [email protected]
