Angelika Dallas to host North Texas debut of Praying with Lior

... Lior Liebling, "the little rebbe,” (is) a young boy with Down Syndrome who has spent his entire life praying with utter abandon. Film director Ilana Trachtman will give a firsthand account of how she first prayed with Lior and discovered his story. Through his journey, the audience learns about Lior’s close relationship with God and how he is viewed by the various members of his family: as a burden, a best friend, an inspiration, and an embarrassment. As Lior approaches his Bar Mitzvah, the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony, different characters provide a window into life spent "praying with Lior.”

Lior's story presents an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate the contribution that every individual can make, no matter how “special.” While society may view inclusion as the right or nice thing to do, Lior’s example shows that his presence actually enhances everyone else’s religious experience. Lior’s Bar Mitzvah is wonderful for him, but really, as one synagogue member says, “it’s for us.” Each person, and each community, deserves the opportunity to spiritually connect, grow and shine to their greatest potential. This is most possible when communities are truly whole, that is to say, open to everyone.

The Special Needs Initiative of the Jewish federation of Greater Dallas is a consortium of several Jewish organizations working to assist children with special needs. This initiative is building on a small foundation of services already in existence for this population. A steering committee has been created to explore these services, as well as develop and implement a strategic plan that will reach out to the broadest definition of the special needs community.