Celebrating Jewish Deaf Students At Gallaudet Hillel
February marks Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a time to highlight the achievements and contributions of Jewish individuals with disabilities. We are honored to share the story of Sofia Seitchik, a dynamic leader and the program director of Hillel at Gallaudet University, the nation’s only university designed specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Through her transformative work, Sofia has created a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community at Gallaudet, ensuring Jewish Deaf students have access to their faith, culture, and traditions in a fully accessible environment.
When Sofia Seitchik signed her contract as program director for Hillel at Gallaudet University on October 4, 2023, she knew she was stepping into a critical role. However, she had no idea just how quickly she would need to act to support her students in a time of crisis. Within days, on October 7, the world witnessed the devastating terrorist attacks in Israel, sending shockwaves through Jewish communities everywhere. In response, Sofia swiftly organized a campus vigil at Gallaudet. She also united five Jewish organizations serving the Deaf community to provide space for mourning, solidarity, and advocacy for the hostages taken to Gaza.
Her ability to lead in the face of adversity stems from her years of experience as a business owner, transformational coach, and dedicated member of the Jewish Deaf Congress. However, it is also rooted in her journey of resilience.
A Journey of Identity and Empowerment
Born in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Sofia grew up under the Soviet Union’s restrictions on religious freedom, and she was unable to fully express her Jewish identity in her homeland. From the age of 3 to 15, she attended a residential school for the Deaf in St. Petersburg, Russia. At 16, she immigrated to the United States, where she embraced a land of freedom and new possibilities—learning American Sign Language, openly practicing Judaism, and fully embracing her identity as a Jewish Deaf woman.
“In Uzbekistan, Jewish women faced oppressive restrictions, with no voice or chance to dream during the communist era,” Sofia said. “When I arrived in the United States, I realized I wanted to inspire other Deaf women to overcome barriers and follow their dreams and aspirations.”
With few mentorship and coaching programs available for Deaf women, Sofia took matters into her own hands and formed Global Deaf Women. For 15 years, she provided transformational coaching services, empowering Deaf women to become entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities. Her work didn’t go unnoticed; when the Jewish Deaf Congress faced organizational struggles, they sought her expertise in fundraising and community building, which led her to play a crucial role in sustaining the organization.
Transforming Jewish Life at Gallaudet
Sofia’s leadership at Gallaudet Hillel has revitalized Jewish life on campus. In just over a year, she has organized more than 20 events, fostering a sense of belonging among Jewish Deaf students who often face unique barriers in accessing Jewish education and traditions.
“Most Deaf individuals are born into hearing families that do not learn sign language,” Sofia explained. “This creates a communication gap, making it difficult for Deaf Jewish young adults to understand their religious customs deeply. At Gallaudet Hillel, I am working to bridge that gap by providing accessible Jewish education and cultural experiences.”
Her initiatives have included:
- Shabbat and holiday celebrations, such as a Hanukkah event featuring Shirly Pinto, the first Deaf Israeli Member of Knesset, drew over 120 attendees.
- The first-ever Passover Seder hosted by Gallaudet President Roberta Cordano symbolized institutional support for Jewish Deaf students.
- Educational programs with Deaf Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff, who provided insight into lessons about Judaism through accessible, visual language.
- The groundbreaking premiere of “Antisemitism: A Long History of Hatred,” the first ASL film on antisemitism made by and for Deaf audiences, was attended by over 250 people in person and online. This film was inspired by Hillel International’s antisemitism video series.
A Vision for the Future
Sofia’s passion for accessibility in Jewish life extends beyond events; for her, it is about creating a movement where Deaf Jewish students feel seamlessly included in their faith and traditions.
“Accessibility within Judaism isn’t always easy for the Deaf community,” she acknowledges. “My goal is to provide a space where Jewish Deaf students can practice, celebrate, and strengthen their Jewish identities in their own language and feel at home on campus.”
Thanks to Sofia’s dedication, Jewish Deaf students at Gallaudet are thriving and finding connection, education, and a profound sense of belonging. As Hillel at Gallaudet continues to grow, Sofia remains steadfast in her mission: ensuring that Deaf Jewish students can embrace their heritage with pride, knowledge, and full access to their community.
For more information about Gallaudet Hillel or to support its programs, visit gallaudethillel.org.