Temple Beth Solomon of the Deaf (TBS), host of the JDC Convention, has announced that Alan Abarbanell of Chicago, IL will be the keynote speaker at the Convention. Abarbanell, 35, is the hearing son of deaf parents. He studied for four years at Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf (HSD) and one year at Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York. He is currently exploring options to formally complete his studies. He is also the student rabbi for Hebrew Association of the Deaf and Temple Beth Or of the Deaf, both in New York. Alan uses his unique brand of storytelling and fluency in sign language to weave the history and traditions of Judaism into a living tapestry for the Jewish Deaf Community. This 22nd biennial Jewish Deaf Congress convention takes place at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, CA on August 11-15, 1998. The theme is ‘Being Jewish in the 21st Century, Our Heritage, Our Future’. JDC organizers say this six-day gathering will include religious, educational and recreational activities for families, youth, singles and senior citizens. Friday night Sabbath Dinner and a Grand Ball on Saturday night conclude the festivities. Special programs for children, teens and young adults are planned for August 12-14th. For information, contact Fred Lovitch, chairman at TBS, 13580 Osborne Street, Arleta, CA 91331, TTY: 818/896-6721, Voice: 818/899-2202, FAX: 818/899-2123 or e-mail to [email protected].