Re:sign language

[QuelliPG <QuelliPG...>]

I think what you are doing is wonderful... however after a number of summers
at CAJE taking sessions on Jewish ASL with E.J.Cohen, who is wonderful, she
has explained that it's important to differentiate between interpretive
signage for hearing audiences (which I assume is what you are doing) and
signing to Jewish Deaf communities.  There is a body of people who determine
what the official signs are for Jewish liturgy.  EJ is among the people who
help create it - and according to her that is the only acceptable signage.
And actually for the shema the first sign is the sign for Pay Attention.  I'm
not suggesting that you change the way you it necessarily but just passing
along the official word that what is acceptable sign for the DEAF community is
the signs that THEY vote on to accept, not what we hearing people THINK they
should accept because it's more politically correct or whatever our reasons...
if you ever have a chance to study with EJ, it's a wonderful learning
experience...she also has a video out...I'll try to find the information if
you want it..
Raquel Gershon