WASHINGTON SOCIETY OF JEWISH DEAF
ANNUAL APPEAL
AUGUST 30, 2020| 10 Elul 5780
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WSJD Babka Bake at Shaare Tefila,
November 2019
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Psalm Discussion with
Rabbi Darby Leigh,
Virtual ASL Shavuot Service,
May 28, 2020
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Chaim Levinson at
Virtual ASL Shabbat Service (ASL Shabbat Coalition), July 10, 2020
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"We are worth what we are willing to share with others." - Rabbi J. Sacks
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Dear WSJD member,
Thanks to our founders' vision forty-seven years ago, the Jewish Deaf Community of the Greater Washington, DC metropolitan area gained opportunities to engage with one another, learn our heritage together, and apply Jewish values, such as tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gemulit chasidism (acts of loving kindness through caring), through spiritual, social, educational, and cultural programs.
WSJD continues to grow, expand, and respond to our community's current needs. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, WSJD has continued to bring together the community through virtual programming.
As we reflect upon this past year, we note the following:
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Thanks to the generosity and hard work of WSJD member Jane Jonas, owner of Eyeth Studios web development company, WSJD now has an updated website! Check it out!
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The members of the WSJD's Terry Bittker Caring Committee continue to actively support our community with life cycle events and by adding resources to the WSJD website.
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WSJD hosted several programs, including the virtual ASL Passover program, and a virtual ASL Shavuot program in loving memory of Steve Brenner, one of our founders, with Rabbi Darby Leigh, who led a discussion of the Psalms.
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WSJD was one of the four organizations to form the ASL Shabbat Coalition in response to the need for virtual Shabbat programming during COVID-19 pandemic. Since May, the monthly ASL Shabbat services have drawn between 100 - 200 people on Zoom meeting platform.
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Along with members of the ASL Shabbat Coalition and in the spirit of tikkun olam, WSJD has offered the community opportunities to discuss current issues, such as anti-semitism, systemic racism, and various "isms."
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WSJD has shared announcements of ASL led or ASL interpreted/captioned programs planned by our community partners, such as JADE, Jewish Deaf Congress, Our Way, and other Jewish institutions with our email subscribers.
We are still standing strong and well connected with over 400 email subscribers!
WSJD can stand even stronger with your continued support! As a 501(C)3 tax exempt non-profit congregation without walls and external funds, WSJD must rely on community support to help cover costs associated with building rentals for WSJD events for when we are able to physically congregate in person, online programming, accessibility services, website upgrades, and other operating expenses.
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As we enter a time of reflection in preparation for the high holy days, please include WSJD in your plans for charitable giving to support its vital programs and projects.
- Make a donation in any amount to help support WSJD.
- As a token of our appreciation and with your permission, we will list your name on the website (no amount will be listed.)
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Download the form. Print, fill it out and mail it to the address listed on the form.
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To make a donation via PayPal or credit card, visit our website, www.wsjdeaf.org/donate.
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The WSJD Board of Directors look forward to planning an even more meaningful and productive 2020-2021 (5780-5781) for you, your family, and friends.
The WSJD Board of Directors, our families and I wish you and your family a meaningful time of reflection as we all plan for the High Holy Days.
With much warmth,
Susan F. Cohen
President
WSJD Board of Directors
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Washington Society of Jewish Deaf
P.O. Box 70912
Chevy Chase, MD 20813
All mail sent to the former address will be returned to the sender.
Is your friend or family member not receiving WSJD's emails?
We don't want to lose contact!
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WSJD TERRY BITTKER CARING COMMITTEE
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The Washington Society of Jewish Deaf's Terry Bittker Caring Committee is a committee of volunteers who provide support and resources to the community during times of need. This includes information and suggestions related to religious practices, mental health providers, senior care communities, and ASL interpreters. To learn more, click here.
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WE THANK OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
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Jewish Deaf
Resource Center
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The WSJD Community welcomes the participation of Jewish Deaf adults, Kids of Deaf Adults, Children of Deaf Adults, non-Deaf parents of Deaf children, interfaith couples and families, people of all abilities, backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations, all of whom reside in or outside the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
As a 501(C)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization, all contributions to WSJD are tax deductible to the extent of the law. No goods or services will be provided in exchange of your generous donation.
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