R' Yehoshua Soudakoff | The Deaf Rabbi

In this powerful interview, we sit down with Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff, a trailblazing deaf rabbi, to discuss his journey, the challenges he has faced, and the impact he is making in the Jewish Deaf community worldwide. He shares his experiences growing up deaf in a hearing world, his path to becoming a rabbi, and the work he is doing to make Torah and Judaism more accessible. There are an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Deaf and hard-of-hearing Jews in Israel and around 40,000 to 50,000 worldwide, with communities in the U.S., Europe, and Russia. Many face limited access to Jewish education, Torah learning, and religious services due to a lack of sign language resources. Organizations such as the Jewish Deaf Foundation and The Israel Deaf Community Center are working to bridge this gap and create more inclusive opportunities. This conversation is both inspiring and eye-opening, offering a glimpse into the resilience, faith, and dedication of Rabbi Soudakoff and the broader Jewish Deaf community. Watch now to hear his story and gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and triumphs within this often-overlooked part of the Jewish world. For more information, you can visit his website: https://chushim.org/ ____________________________________________________ To win $200 comment on YouTube under this episode, who you think that we will be recording a new episode of Meaningful People next week! And the first person who comments and gets it right, will also receive a Meaningful People Game!  ____________________________________________________ This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ____________________________________________________   ► PZ Deals - Download the app and never pay full price again! https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp  __________________________________________________ ► Lalechet     We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.    https://www.lalechet.com/website   __________________________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful    __________________________________________________   ► The Jewish Providence Rhode Island Recruitment Committee is offering new families a FREE $50K housing contribution and FREE first year PHDS (Providence Hebrew Day School) tuition for all kids (+subsidized following years) moving into the city. You can learn more about the campaign on their website at www.providencetorah.com and the in town Jewish School, Providence Hebrew Day School, on IG at https://www.instagram.com/phds_rhodeisland/    ____________________________________________________ ► Eretz Hakodesh - Vote to Keep Israel Holy!   Over the years, liberal movements have gained significant influence as the primary representatives of the Jewish Diaspora. From this position, they have pushed agendas that impact crucial issues related to religion and state in Israel.   Eretz HaKodesh seeks to balance this influence by accurately reflecting the power dynamics of Jewish communities in the Diaspora and amplifying the voices of Orthodox communities dedicated to preserving the timeless values of the Torah and authentic Jewish tradition. Click here to vote in the upcoming World Zionist Organization elections: https://bit.ly/41D1Ag0    __________________________________________________ ► Lema'an Achai - Donate to Families this Pesach! Financial hardship is like being stuck in quicksand. Freedom feels very far away when your fridge is empty, and every night is spent worrying about overdue bills. Lema'an Achai aren't just giving handouts to struggling families. They are lifting them up and accompanying them to freedom, through financial training. This Pesach set a family free. Make a donation today https://www.lemaanachai.org/en/project/Kimcha-DPischa-Pesach-Assistance-2025/?a=mm  ____________________________________________________ ► EDEN BET SHEMESH  A new community in Israel lead by Rabbi Beni and Chani Krohn   CONTACT US TODAY!  whatsapp - https://Wa.me/972526244600 Email - [email protected] Phone number - +972526244600   ____________________________________________________   ► KosherWine.com - #1 Spot for Pesach Wines   Make sure you're stocked for Sedarim! No schlepping. No last-minute runs. ✅ Nationwide shipping ✅ Expert picks ✅ One-click Pesach mixed cases Free shipping with 15 bottles + Make your Pesach smoother with https://www.kosherwine.com and order today! Use code MM15 for $15 off your order of $300+   ____________________________________________________ Order the brand new Meaningful People Game!  https://meaningfulminute.org/thegame    ____________________________________________________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2    https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO