Basically this is the reaction I just wrote to Praying with Lior for my Special Education class.
“I don’t have Down Syndrome; I have Up syndrome—they’re opposites. April Fools.”
I saw the 7:00 showing of Praying with Lior tonight and it was certainly one of the most moving films ever. First of all, it was sold out for the 5, 7, and 9pm showings which were the times when the creator was going to be there. Fortunately, I was still able to see it and I am extremely happy that I was. I walked out of the movie thinking that it is definitely something everyone should see because it gives you a glimpse into so many different aspects of life—from family to religion, faith to growing up, and of course what it’s like to have, or live/interact with someone who has, special needs.
The story is so incredible and Lior and his family are just inspirational. I don’t think it’s possible to leave the theater without having shed tears at some point—I felt like I just kept hearing sniffles throughout the audience. This film was certainly a huge motivation for me and undoubtedly reinforced my enthusiasm and interest in working with children who have special needs. I had an amazing experience two years ago working with a boy who has Down Syndrome and I felt like I was able to understand Lior a little better because of this.
I honestly have never seen any child or young person as faithful and connected to their religious beliefs as Lior. In fact, I probably haven’t seen more than a dozen adults (and that’s being generous) as deeply integrated into their religion as Lior Liebling is. Even Lior’s siblings and peers commented on how enthusiastic he is, how much he davens (prays) and how great he is at it, and that he is a “spiritual genius” and essentially a role model for adults at synagogue.
Also, the relationship Lior and his brother Yoni have is so touching. Yoni is so supportive of his brother, his best friend, and has basically taken on the responsibility of teaching him what is right and wrong, what is and is not socially acceptable, and just treats him normally and includes Lior in his life very extensively. The whole chemistry among the family members is a great example of how far people can go with a strong support system and people who truly believe in them and want them to succeed.
Lastly, so I don’t give away the entire movie, I just wanted to comment on Lior’s mindset about his life. As you can see by the quote I began this response with, Lior is a very positive person who has ambitions, and not unattainable, goals. It was commented on that Lior doesn’t really recognize his “disability” and the fact that it may hinder him from leading a fully “normal” life but he does plan to attend college and he is currently a sophomore in public high school—it’s a charter school in Pennsylvania that is part of the public school system.
Please, I urge everyone to go see this film if you have the chance…and if you don’t have free time, please try to make some. Everyone can gain something from viewing this story. And, being the nerd that I am, I took notes during the movie and wrote down some quotes and things that were said/done if anyone is interested. Oh, and I stayed for the Q & A with Ilana Trachtman, the filmmaker. That was a great supplement to the story—and Lior’s father and younger sister were there as well to speak. It was a great experience that I highly recommend to anyone regardless of whether you want to work with special needs children or not!
NOTE TO READERS: Praying with Lior is playing for this weekend only (as of now) at the Cinema Village movie theater on 12th Street between University Place and 5th Avenue at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9pm. After the 5, 7, and 9:00 showings the filmmaker will be present for a Q & A session (as she was this evening). The success of Praying with Lior this weekend will determine its future showings so please go see it if you can; it really is amazing. And, since I didn't really speak about what it's about in my reaction because my entire class already knows: there is a Jewish boy named Lior who has Down Syndrome but he is extremely spiritual and is determined to make his Bar Mitzvah. He works hard and impresses everyone--and brings them to tears at the ceremony. Watching his perseverance and commitment is incredible--I would love to meet this young man. There is also a back story about their family that makes this an even more touching story but I don't want to give it away because seeing it unfold during the movie is definitely way better!