Notices and information in this section may be of interest to Monitor readers. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the information; we have edited only for space and clarity.
Rabbi Lenny Sarko has three programs that are of interest for the Jewish blind and visually impaired. He has a home program that teaches Hebrew Braille. There is no cost for the course. He has a refreshable Braille file of the Reform prayer book Mishkan Tefilah that will go with either the free National Library System units or any commercial refreshable Braille device. This file is also free. He also has made a Hebrew Braille Sefer Torah that people can borrow to do a bar or bat mitzvah or Aliyah at their congregation. If you do not have a congregation, you are welcome to try my services at the Pittsburgh congregation I lead that we do both live and online. You are welcome to join in remotely, including for our weekly Friday night Shabbat services. Please contact Rabbi Lenny if you have interest in any of these programs at [email protected] or you can call him at 724-963-0789.
Ski for Light (SFL) makes tracks to Rhinelander, Wisconsin, January 28 through February 4, 2024. Ski for Light, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization hosts an annual, week-long event where adults with visual or mobility impairments learn the basics of cross-country skiing.
Around 250 active, adventurous adults from across the United States and several other countries will meet in Rhinelander to ski the Northwoods of Wisconsin and hopefully catch a glimpse of the mythical Hodag. Participants will stay at the Quality Inn or AmericInn and enjoy skiing on trails expertly prepared by the Northwoods Nordic Ski Club. While described as a fearsome creature with giant fangs, bull horns, and spines down its back, the Hodag will certainly be smiling as new participants learn the thrill of gliding on the snow while veteran skiers hone their skills, and everyone builds confidence and friendships to last a lifetime.
During the International Event, each blind/visually or mobility-impaired skier is paired with an experienced, sighted cross-country skier who acts as ski instructor and on-snow guide. The program emphasizes recreational trail skiing, rather than competition, with the skier and guide deciding together each day how far, how long, and on what kind of terrain they will ski.
“I immediately felt right at home as a first-timer,” agrees skier Jessie Mabry of Connecticut. “I was not surprised to find that the week was everything I’d expected and more, whether on the trails with my fantastic guide or around the fireplace during evening pop-up jam sessions. There was always plenty to do, but no pressure to do it all.”
Come and share the magic by participating in the Ski for Light 2024 International Week as a skier, a guide, or a volunteer. Applications for all, including details about event fees and financial assistance, will be available in late July/early August at www.sfl.org; meantime, you can get answers to frequently asked questions on our website and join our community on Facebook or Twitter (Ski for Light, Inc.), and check out our YouTube channel (Ski for Light International). To speak with a visually impaired participant in person, call VIP Recruitment Chair Melinda at 231-590-0986.