Macks Jewish Connection Network’s
DeafBlind Shabbaton


June 21-23, 2024 | Pearlstone Retreat Center | Baltimore, MD

The Deafblind Shabbaton, hosted by the Macks Jewish Connection Network, is an extraordinary event bringing together Jewish individuals who are both Deaf and Blind, along with a group of dedicated volunteer Support Service Providers (SSPs), for a fully accessible and enriching Shabbat experience. This is more than an event—it’s a celebration of unity, resilience, and the beauty of Shabbat. The DeafBlind Shabbaton is a transformative weekend that helps connect participants, creating a Jewish DeafBlind Community.

What to Expect

  • The DeafBlind Shabbaton is a pioneering initiative that opens doors to meaningful connections and an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities that bring Jewish history, heritage, and culture to life.
  • This unique event unites Jews of diverse Jewish backgrounds from the United States, Canada, and Israel.
Man and woman smiling at event
  • Beyond the DeafBlind Shabbaton weekend, participants join a broader Jewish DeafBlind Community that maintains connections through email, WhatsApp, reunions, holiday packages and visits from local Chabad Shlichim to enrich their ties to Judaism and the local Jewish community.
  • With an accessible location and a ratio of approximately 3:1 volunteer Support Service Providers (SSPs) to participants, we ensure an inclusive environment that guarantees everyone’s full engagement.

Support our Shabbaton

Please help us continue to make the DeafBlind Shabbaton available to any DeafBlind Jew who wants to join. We are only able to subsidize 20% of the event cost and must rely heavily on contributions from organizations and community members to support the remainder of this extraordinary experience. Many people who are DeafBlind are unemployed or underemployed and cannot afford to travel and pay for the hotel and food. In addition, our SSPs completely volunteer their professional services for a long weekend without remuneration, and we offer them room and board.

Attendees conversing at event

We can only make this event a reality with your support. Your donation directly impacts the lives of people who are DeafBlind, allowing them to forge connections, deepen their Jewish identity, and experience the magic of Shabbat. Your support, no matter the size, will make a profound difference.

$50$72$100$150$200
Sponsor Welcome BagsSponsor a Support Service Provider for a DaySponsor Ingredients to Bake ChallahSponsor Braille materialsSponsor afternoon refreshments

All donations are greatly appreciated.

Checks can also be made out, payable to the Macks Jewish Connection Network and sent to 5708 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD, 21215. Please indicate in the memo that this is for the DeafBlind Shabbaton.


One Way NJCD Logo

The The Macks Jewish Connection Network’s DeafBlind Shabbaton wouldn’t be possible without our partner, Our Way NJCD.