For Marcia Zisman, Washington Society of the Jewish Deaf is in her DNA. Having joined at its inception, she is now the secretary of the organization, carrying on her parents’ legacy. So, she’s looking forward to its next chapter.

The volunteer-led WSJD began in 1973 at a meeting in a local couple’s home with the goal of creating a formal organization for the Jewish Deaf community. About 25 community members agreed to pitch in.

The group has hosted programming through the present day, continuing to meet virtually during the pandemic. Once in-person activities began again, WSJD hosted Chanukah parties, a community picnic and other events. The group partnered with Gallaudet Hillel for a Rosh Hashanah luncheon.

“Although not as active as previous years, WSJD still has a heartbeat,” according to a statement the WSJD board sent to Washington Jewish Week.

And change is in the air after a lively town hall recently brought together 50 attendees committed to revitalizing WSJD’s programming.

“We were very inspired that many community members attended the Town Hall and we could feel the excitement and motivation at the event,” the board wrote. “We are happy to know that our community definitely wants to continue to participate in WSJD events and be part of the general Jewish community, such as Jewish learning and other inclusive activities that are offered in the community.”

Attendees participated in a roundtable discussion and responded to a survey to identify community priorities and develop a roadmap for WSJD’s future. The survey indicated a strong interest in Jewish holiday celebrations — nearly 79% of respondents — as well as other social gatherings.

While close to four out of 10 respondents reported feeling “highly connected” to the Jewish community, more than one-quarter indicated that they felt “limited connection,” highlighting a need to increase engagement.

The survey identified scheduling and location as the biggest barriers to attending events.

WSJD’s “new chapter” is about renewed lay leadership, increased community participation, fresh ideas and plans for more programming.

“Our goal is to build a vibrant, year-round calendar of programs that brings the Deaf Jewish community together,” the board wrote, listing American Sign Language-accessible High Holiday services, Jewish learning opportunities, cultural programs, Shabbat gatherings, field trips and Deaf Jewish storytelling events.

This vision comes after challenges: volunteer burnout, difficulty recruiting new leaders and younger members, and changing patterns of community involvement. A shortage of volunteers makes it difficult to hold more events.

The board members said the July 12 town hall renewed their collective hope about the future of the organization. Their plan is to launch pilot events, recruit new volunteers, strengthen community communication, develop youth partnerships and expand board leadership over the next 90 days.

They also hope to establish a social media presence to keep the community updated on upcoming events, local news and opportunities in greater Washington.

“The Town Hall demonstrated a shared commitment to moving forward and making WSJD an active, welcoming, and thriving organization once again,” the board wrote.

For a majority of its board members, WSJD replaces a traditional synagogue.

Zisman, a Rockville resident, currently doesn’t belong to a synagogue. For several years, she virtually attended a Massachusetts shul whose rabbi is Deaf.

Scott Recht, WSJD’s treasurer and a longtime member, belonged to Temple Beth Ami in Rockville in the 2000s and 2010s. He no longer belongs to a synagogue.

WSJD President Lizabeth Katz and Member-at-Large Stephanie Summers do not belong to a local synagogue, though they grew up attending shul with their families.

Over the past two decades, Katz has attended services sponsored by WSJD, which partners with various synagogues that have ASL interpreters.

Toby R. Silver, a member-at-large on the WSJD board, is a member of Beth Sholom Congregation in Frederick, a Conservative egalitarian shul that offers ASL interpretation at High Holiday services and various community events.

Beth Sholom’s ASL accessibility is part of a growing effort among synagogues today.

“Over the years, quite a few synagogues have made an effort to make their services accessible to the Deaf community,” WSJD’s board wrote. “But many are not sure how to do this. Full inclusion means not only full access to communication but also a feeling of belonging.”

As many synagogues work on providing accessible events and services, the Jewish Deaf community isn’t going anywhere.

The survey results indicate a “committed core membership” and “significant opportunities for growth,” according to the board.

“By focusing on accessibility, meaningful programming, cultural pride, and inclusive leadership, the organization aims to strengthen community connections and create a vibrant future for Deaf [Jews] in the Washington metropolitan area,” the board wrote.

zbell@midatlanticmedia.com