09/03/2026
Baltimore Jewish Deaf Community Hosts Fourth Successful Event with Summer BBQ Bash
The Baltimore Jewish Deaf Community (BJDC) did it again! On Sunday, August 30, BJDC hosted its Summer BBQ Bash at Rabbi and Yael Zelinger’s beautiful backyard in Baltimore, Maryland. This marked the fourth event organized by BJDC, and it was another tremendous success.
The BJDC organizing team consists of Tchia Kastor and her husband, Rabbi David Kastor, Leah Caplan, Shira Ziegler, and Yosef Gavert. Together, they put tremendous effort into creating a fun, welcoming, and memorable afternoon for everyone who attended.
Tchia Kastor beautifully decorated the tables with red-and-white gingham tablecloths, cups, utensils, and other decorations to match the BBQ theme. She also prepared delicious salads, chopped tomatoes and onions for the burgers, and cooked French fries and roasted vegetables.
Rabbi David Kastor, an advisor to the team, provided valuable guidance throughout the planning process. He shared helpful tips about food preparation, networking and reaching out to people, and working together as a strong and effective team.
Leah Caplan organized a variety of fun water activities. One game involved participants passing water balloons to one another until a balloon popped, eliminating the person holding it. In another game, participants ran back and forth between a tub of water and a table while using a wet sponge to squeeze water into an empty bottle. The goal was to fill the bottle first. Another activity involved blowing up a balloon inside a cup and attempting to move one cup into another. And, of course, the most exciting activity of all was the water balloon fight!
Shira Ziegler and Yosef Gavert helped transport seven heavy round tables and 43 chairs to the Zelinger backyard. Yossi Globman, who is not part of the BJDC organizing team, generously helped them carry the tables and chairs to the event.
Shira Ziegler also gave a beautiful and meaningful speech during the event about the upcoming Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. She shared inspiring thoughts and reflections about these important holidays, adding a meaningful Jewish and spiritual element to the event.
Yosef Gavert spent approximately four hours grilling hamburgers, hot dogs, boneless chicken thighs, and boneless chicken breasts for the guests. Through Yosef’s networking and outreach, approximately 39 people attended the event. What made the gathering especially meaningful was how far people traveled to be there. Guests came not only from Baltimore, but also from Frederick, Washington, D.C., and New York to take part in the celebration.
The event brought together a wonderful mix of people from across the Jewish Deaf community, giving everyone an opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, socialize, and enjoy an afternoon together.
Leeba Krigsman shared her thoughts about the event:
“Hi, my name is Leeba. I’m here at the Baltimore Jewish Deaf Community Event for the BBQ, and it’s wow! Champ! Here we have fun water activities like a water balloon fight, delicious hot food, and also really delicious chocolate cake for my mother’s birthday! The people here are incredible because there are so many different kinds of people here. Some are hearing, some are deaf, and some are deaf and blind! So many varieties of Jewish people here! I have so much fun when I come to their events! Thank you!”
Shimmy Zonenberg also shared his experience:
“Hi, my name is Shimmy Zonenberg. Every time I come to their event, it just gets better and better every time! More people, new faces and old faces, and the games just keep getting better! I really loved playing the water balloon fight! That’s my favorite so far! I never get bored of their events! They serve delicious food, have games, and, most importantly, socializing! I feel really connected to this event, meeting all kinds of people that sign. I am so looking forward to the next Baltimore Jewish Deaf Community event! Thank you!”
As a special thank-you to Rabbi and Yael Zelinger for generously hosting BJDC and all of the attendees in their beautiful backyard, the BJDC organizing team purchased them a beautiful glass vase designed to look like a purse. The team presented them with this special gift as a token of appreciation for opening their home and helping make the Summer BBQ Bash such a wonderful and memorable event.
The Summer BBQ Bash was another wonderful success for BJDC and its fourth event since the organization began. The growing attendance, along with the fact that people traveled from different cities to participate, demonstrates the strong interest in creating more opportunities for the Jewish Deaf community to connect.
With food, games, laughter, and plenty of socializing, the Summer BBQ Bash was a memorable afternoon for everyone. The BJDC organizers are already looking forward to creating more opportunities for the community to come together, make new connections, and celebrate together.
For information about upcoming BJDC events or to learn more about making a donation to support future events, please contact [email protected].
