Congregation Bene Shalom/Hebrew Association of the Deaf is
a Reform Jewish congregation that welcomes all people—Deaf and Hearing—to come
together as equals to feel the presence of God. We strive to create an inclusive
environment that enables us to all experience God and understand our Jewish heritage
through prayer, study of Torah and community activities.
Hello Friends,
As the President of Congregation Bene Shalom/Hebrew Association of the Deaf
(CBS/HAD), I am delighted to have this opportunity to welcome you and share my love for
our unique synagogue. Our beloved temple offers rare insights into our Jewish heritage and
deaf culture through the use of English, Hebrew and Sign Language.
CBS/HAD is a Reform temple that has served the Deaf and Hearing communities of
the Chicago area for almost 35 years. Under the spiritual guidance of Rabbi Doctor Douglas
Goldhamer, we have grown from a small congregation of only 12 families to a thriving
membership of 240 Deaf and Hearing families.
The first thing that most people notice when they visit us for services is the
feeling of warmth and a welcoming atmosphere. As a Deaf person, I am quite proud and glad
that we Deaf people have CBS/HAD as a temple where we can learn about Judaism, pray, and
obtain spiritual and pastoral guidance. At our holiday and Shabbat services, the
traditional liturgy is translated into Hebrew, English and Sign Language, so that the Deaf
and Hearing all can feel as one family. It is great to see Hearing people eagerly want to
learn Sign Language as well as learn about Deaf culture. It is very important that we Deaf
and Hearing accept each other and respect our respective cultures as well.
I invite you to attend our Shabbat services and see for yourself how inspiring
Congregation Bene Shalom is.
Shalom,
Nona Balk
President