This week, my wife Dori wrote a beautiful and passionate op-ed about the importance of Jewish special needs education. I asked her permission to share her article with you. I am never more proud than when I am called Dori's husband!
I am also incredibly proud that Temple Emanu-El is a MATAN congregation. For more information about our partnership with MATAN, please contact our Director of Education, Jennifer Levine levine@templeemanu-el.com
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I saw "The King's Speech" last week. It changed me. The Red Carpet has shown us that it is an award-worthy movie. However, I wasn't changed because of the stellar acting but because of its timeless lesson.
For those who have yet to see the film, the movie tells the real-life story of King George VI, who struggles with a significant speech impediment.
Before seeing the movie, I was not aware that any of Britain's Royalty had struggled with more than infidelity. It makes perfect sense that at least some percentage of the dynasty faced certain challenges. The Learning Disabilities Association of America reports that 15% of the population has some form of a learning disability. The CDC's research denotes 1 in 110 individuals - and 1 in 70 boys - is diagnosed with Autism. Why should
royalty be immune?
ADHD, Dyslexia, Asperger's, Ritalin, IEP's are all part of our 2011 lexicon. What this movie demonstrates, is that long before we had diagnoses, there were people who struggled with challenges and learned differently. These
types of issues have been part of the human story since the time of the Bible.
When we are first introduced to Moses, we quickly learn of his speech challenge. We also learn of the systems Moses employs to work through his challenge. He demands the release of the Israelite slaves, delegates
authority and creates a governance system and leads thousands out of bondage on a journey to the Promised Land. That is a resume most CEOs would be envious of and the fact that he achieved all of this with an oral challenge makes his accomplishments and leadership even more noteworthy. Moses and King George VI demonstrate that learning differences and physical challenges should not be obstacles to success.
In "The King's Speech," I was struck by core elements that led to George's success; the unconditional support of his family, an adept speech counselor and George's willingness to accept his imperfections without compromising on his determination. These are the main principles of Matan - an organization whose purpose is to ensure that every Jewish student who wants to learn has access to the Jewish education s/he deserves.
In the world of special education, the keys to success are built on creating an environment where parents, teachers, counselors and clergy embrace all learners with support and encouragement. Qualified and compassionate educators who are sensitized to different learning styles will create unique curricula and develop unbreakable bonds with children while meeting
individual needs. And, lastly, teaching and modeling to each child to focus on their abilities rather than be inhibited by their disabilities will provide them with the confidence and tools to help them meet goals and
achieve.
A child's Jewish education does not need to be compromised because of a learning difference. What would our history be if Moses had been denied his role or King George had not reigned because of an impediment?
What kind of community are we if children who learn differently are met with rejection or indifference? If at least 15% of people struggle with some sort of learning issue, can the Jewish community afford the price of apathy?
Whether the story is told by Solomon or Spielberg, on the pulpit or the Big Screen, about leaders of religions or nations, Jewish or gentile, every person has the right to learn. Our job is to ensure that even those who
learn differently can do just that. If it necessitates removing obstacles or building bridges, changing curricula or sensitizing teachers, our past
teaches - frankly it demands -that we provide opportunities to learn - math and holidays, Hebrew and English, piano and Bar Mitzvah - for ALL people.
With the proper support, determination and belief, individuals with special needs will surpass your expectations. The real question is, can we surpass
theirs?
February is the month where Oscar nominations are announced and Jewish disabilities awareness is addressed. While I am not a movie critic, "The
Kings Speech" gets two thumbs up and is worthy of an Oscar nod. One for being a great movie, the second for reminding us that education is not for the "typical" and elite - but for anyone who wants it.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner
Dori Frumin Kirshner is the Executive Director of Matan a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ensure that every Jewish student who wants to learn has access to the Jewish education s/he deserves. She holds an MA in Education - from JTS.
