Synagogue reaches out to deaf/hard of hearing

A local synagogue will hold services for the deaf and hard of hearing this weekend, as part of a larger effort by the congregation to reach beyond the traditional Jewish experience.
Congregation Machane Chodosh, located in Forest Hills, will host the services on November 19 and 20. “Our Way,” which serves the hearing impaired community, will organize the services, which include an American Sign Language interpretation of the sermons and Torah.
“The hearing impaired community has been largely isolated from synagogue life since the service is so verbal,” said Rabbi Yossi Mendelson. “I welcomed this challenge by ‘Our Way’ to find a way to include them, exposing the richness, depth and timeless meaning of our tradition to the widest audience possible.”
The synagogue was once primarily attended by older, very traditional German Jewish immigrants. However, according to Mendelson, it has recently begun to emerge as a destination for younger, less traditional members who would not have considered attending an orthodox temple.
Mendelson said that at least one attendee was “surprised to find that the service was relevant to me and my life in a really meaningful way.”