Nota Shlomo was but five years old and my rabbi was coming for a visit. Rabbi Moshe Shapiro, shlita, had arrived from Jerusalem the day before and insisted on coming to our home. Yes, he wanted to visit with us, but primarily he wanted to see Shlomo, our son who has Down syndrome.
Shlomo was the first one to the door. When my rabbi entered, Shlomo grabbed him around his knees and hugged him for a short while. Rav Moshe commented with a smile, "He knows who loves him."
During our ensuing conversation, my wife and I asked for an elaboration on that comment. And Rabbi Shapiro explained. The soul of a child with physical and cognitive limitations is certainly loftier and more complete than our own souls. Most souls are sent to this world to primarily fulfill their unique divine purpose. A soul placed in a body which has limited functionality in this world, is sent with the primary purpose of improving those around him. Its purpose is served by being there for family and friends to work on themselves. Such a soul has special sensors to be able to feel and perceive the moods and emotions of others, even if overtly that ability is not apparent. There is an intuitive sense which pervades many a child with special needs, enabling him to correctly determine who really cares, who really loves, and who is merely pretending. And so, my rabbi instructed, it is crucial to be sure that any therapist we engage should truly love Shlomo, because that will elicit active participation and maximum results, thereby assisting him in fulfilling his primary purpose. He will feel... he will know.
A few weeks later, a new physical therapist paid her first visit to our home. She walked in, climbed the stairs ahead of Shlomo, and prior to the session she put on a pair of surgical gloves. Real love! Within 15 minutes, Shlomo was bouncing down the steps with the therapist's pocketbook in hand. He placed it by the front door and emphatically waved goodbye! He knows who loves him.
We all respond more energetically and with greater desire, drive and determination when we are encouraged by love.
The ramifications of this revelation go far beyond therapeutic situations and, indeed, far beyond children with special needs. Don't we all respond more energetically and with greater desire, drive and determination when we are encouraged by love? Don't we all find ourselves working harder to please the one who encourages us with acceptance, optimism, confidence and pride?
Professionals have often said that children brought up in a home which has a supportive environment and which is replete with positive reinforcement will develop a greater degree of self confidence and self-esteem than those brought up in a punitive system. How much more so for the child who is blessed with a soul that has heightened awareness and sensitivity! The child with special needs responds to each interpersonal relationship and therapeutic challenge far better when it is accompanied by supportive positive encouragement and genuine love.
I have met parents who have told me that they find it hard to love a child who is physically deformed or developmentally disabled. Is it because the society around us places so much emphasis on external appearances that one who doesn't fit the image elicits uncomfortable emotions? Is it because of the extra amount of time and effort necessary to help such a child succeed and develop? Is it because we somehow feel (baselessly) that it's "our fault" that our child has issues, and we have difficulty facing our own faults? Is it because we experience so much pain that we cannot face reality? Is it because we so mightily feel the pain and frustration of the child that we avoid contact? Is it because we are ashamed of this child with special needs?
Causes may be theorized, but practically the response is not at all appropriate. It certainly does nothing to help us move forward in a constructive way.
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
A number of years ago, a middle-aged couple approached me with an unresolved issue. Their ninth child was born with both developmental and physical abnormalities. Mrs. Schwartz accepted Simcha with love and dealt with him with the same devotion and love she did the first eight. Maybe even with more. Mr. Schwartz, on the other hand, had difficulty playing with Simcha, kissing him, or even holding him comfortably. The resultant problem was predictable. Simcha never wants to be held by the father, is always cranky around him, and consequently gives him no nachas.
I stated the obvious conclusion. The child was merely responding in kind. He demurred and reiterated that he found it too embarrassing to be with the child, and so I related to him the following story:
We must learn to look at every person not just as a physical representation, but as the bearer of a holy soul.
One Friday, when I was a yeshiva student, I went to a mikva in Boro Park. Exiting the showers, I came upon an elderly Jew who was severely deformed. He was a hunchback who was bent over to the point of needing to tilt his head upwards just to be able to see forward. He looked at me and held out a bar of soap. "Please, wash my back," he requested. It was obvious that he was unable to do so himself. I had difficulty enough looking at him, much less actually washing him. I just couldn't! As I tried to run past him I quickly mumbled some excuse about being in a big rush. He grabbed my wrist with an iron-like grip. We looked at each other for a moment and he stabbed me with his words of rebuke. "You have no ahavas Yisrael -- no love for your fellow Jew."
We must learn to look at every person not just as a physical representation, but as the bearer of a holy soul. The Torah obligation of "Love your neighbor as yourself" is because, as the sentence concludes, "I am God" (Leviticus, 19:18). We are called upon to love every Jew in part because we all share the same source of soul. In the language of the Maharal, the 15th century philosopher, each soul is called a Chelek Eloka Mimaal -- a "piece of God" so to speak. God blew of Himself into each person -- V'Yipach Be'Apov Nishmas Chaim. The soul which exists in each person emanates from God Himself. Just as it is incumbent upon us to love the Almighty, we are equally obligated to love every Jew.
The Sages say "Jews, Torah and God are one." The Alter from Kelm explains, "Loving every Jew is an expression of our love for God." They are intertwined and are part of the same continuum. We need to look more than skin deep... we need to see each person as a child of God, as a holy soul, as a "piece of God." Just as we are not perfect, we should love others even if we perceive imperfections.
If I love because of beauty, talent and potential as defined by the norms of society, then I love selfishly. If I love just because -- I love selflessly.
Each and every one of our children is a gift from the Almighty. Our children deserve our love. If I love because of beauty, talent and potential as defined by the norms of society, then I love selfishly. If I love just because -- I love selflessly.
My suggestion to Mr. Schwartz was that he view his child in a different light. Try to look beyond the perception to see into the reality. Try to show love to your special child, to this unique soul. Try to love because of that which we share in common, instead of focusing on the differences. Rabbi Pam, zt"l once said, "The gap between our developmentally delayed children and ourselves is far less than the gap between us and God." I implored the father to try to spend more time with his son, to develop and express love, to demonstrate affection -- and hopefully Simcha will respond in kind.
Several days after our conversation, I received a call from Mr. Schwartz. Simcha got sick the day after we had spoken, and his wife was unable to take him to the doctor. And so this father had to do it for the first time -– to carry his child to the doctor! He was introduced to the facts of a pediatrician's waiting room. For an hour and a half he sat waiting. For an hour and a half he had the opportunity to try a new approach. He had difficulty getting started, until suddenly another parent looked at Simcha. "Your son is so sweet... he's adorable... such beautiful eyes." Mr. Schwartz looked into Simcha's eyes and he found himself looking through his eyes into the depth of the soul. He suddenly found himself filling with emotion... a feeling which was familiar because he had experienced it with his other children. He hugged his son harder and harder. He whispered, "I love you," into his ear. For the next hour this father played with his son. Played and hugged. After an hour, his child fell asleep on his shoulder... for the first time.
Within a few weeks, all barriers were broken. Simcha smiled when his father looked at him and obviously enjoyed the time spent together. As a side benefit, the other children in the family became more involved and expressive and Simcha's development increased dramatically. He knows who loves him. All children respond positively to love. Yet, the child with developmental disabilities often reacts more dramatically. He is more intuitively connected.
When we work on ourselves to relate to our special child out of true love, we are sending an important message to the child. Even if he is not endowed with the capacity to comprehend the written or spoken word, even if he is incapable of understanding language in the way most people do, he is blessed with the natural innate ability to know that which is expressed in other ways. He knows what we are feeling. It makes an impression. He feels what we are feeling. It makes a difference.
It's a message of love just because. It‘s a message of relationship with no strings attached. It is loving the child the way God loves us. It's a message which inspires maximum self-esteem and self worth, and fulfillment of purpose.
For many of us love comes naturally. Others among us may need to work on it and develop it or dig deep and reveal it. And we should -- because it is healthier, more pleasant and much more enjoyable for all involved. We must develop ourselves to the point where our true love overflows and our true appreciation of our child's very existence is a tangible reality. It will make a difference to our child, to God and to ourselves.
This article originally appeared in Spirit Magazine.
(18) Barb, December 4, 2006 5:06 AM
I received the article regarding children and individuals who have special needs. I am a mother to a wonderful son who has Fragile X Syndrome. I want to thank you for sending out this article. Hopefully, more people will become more understanding!
(17) Rivka, November 30, 2006 8:44 PM
What a beautiful article and important for all parents and parents to be to read.
(16) Anonymous, November 30, 2006 12:19 PM
heart touching
thank you to Rabbi Rabinowitz for this article...an apt reminder of God's unconditional love for each of us...
(15) Anonymous, November 28, 2006 8:04 PM
Wow - this article encapsulates so much of how I feel about my son. Yes he has one of those disabilities where the doctors say that the children will be vegetables, have no quality of life. But they do - there is a special love that they have and share with anyone who will allow themselves to love them. Their lives may be different to yours and mine, but they teach, boy do they teach. And their lessons are far more powerful than those the rest of us, with no such issues, those who have a supposed quality of life, can ever possibly think of sharing in our lifetime. Some of our children may only live a few hours or days but the lessons and love that they leave behind are more powerful than the rest of us can possibly imagine.
(14) Anonymous, November 28, 2006 11:59 AM
Another reason why
Even if we unconditionally love our special children, the immense emotional energy required to raise such a child can, and unfortunately does, affect one's ability to be perfectly patient and loving at all times.
(13) MaryPonder, November 28, 2006 12:42 AM
A Soul Know Love
This is so true! My two children aren't handicapped; however, I find even with personality conflicts between parent to child. The soul knows love. My son would always say sooo sweetly "That's okay, Mommy" whenever I would make an error. Children are the best examples of how to love unconditionally; until society teaches them different. Excellent article.
(12) Anonymous, November 27, 2006 7:41 PM
a professional's opinion
I have seen the truth in Rabbi Rabinowitz's article first hand as a physical therapist. The children who have caring, loving families and support staff often develop physically and emotionally better than their counterparts who are not so fortunate. Anyone who has the priviledge of interacting and helping 'differently abled' children, adults and especially their families will find that their lives have changed and become more meaningful. It is important to rid our minds of the word "disabled" and really look to see how each child is special and abled. Often they are better able to see the sincerity and the emes of out world. Thank you for such a meaningful article.
(11) Anonymous, November 26, 2006 11:27 PM
encouraging...but not enough
My thanks to Rabbi Rabinowitz for writing of his own struggles and acceptance of his adorable child. However, I feel it is wrong to shame people who cannot feel the same way. What if the child cannot respond in any understandable way as some children with disabilities cannot? It is beyond hard to care and care for a child who does not seem able to care for you or anyone else. What about what a friend of mine once was told by a doctor "you may love your child but society won't. Society is the one who will care for your child when you are gone". What about the parent who looks ahead and sees years and years and years of taking care of this child as it only grows bigger, when other people have what would normally be retirement and years to enjoy some of the fruits of their labor? While I stand in awe of the authors ability to overcome such fears and such feelings I think that his criticism of parents who do feel these things, yes, who may even feel ashamed is not helpful and does not offer any real encouragement. I realize that this is perhaps a controversial opinion. I must state it nonetheless.
(10) Anonymous, November 26, 2006 6:07 PM
What a wonderful and compassionate article!
I have two "special" children who are loving human beings and also feel the love of others. We live in a vibrant Frum community but when it comes to inclusion, they are often the "forgotten" and ignored people in our society. Although my son is past Bar Mitzvah age, he dislikes going to shul because of the snickers and "dirty looks" of his peers. This is in a shul with over 700 family members and over 1000 kids on any given Shabbes!! How we wish there would be one loving mentor to take my son under his wing! How will our "ostracized children" feel comfortable observing Shabbes when our very own ignore them?!
Thanks again for a wonderful article that is truly heart-felt.
(9) JanieAnnunziata, November 26, 2006 5:09 PM
A beautiful story
I'm not of the Jewish faith but I'm enjoying learning and reading about it.
Thanks for sharing. That story is one that should apply to everyone.
(8) anonymous, November 26, 2006 4:53 PM
thank you
This was so so beautiful--for anyone with a child, not even handicapped. And for every teacher too.
(7) Anonymous, November 26, 2006 3:40 PM
Down Syndrome as a Gift from HaShem
I lived with a Gentile man who had Down Syndrome for over 7 years until he died suddenly of sleep apnea on January 1st of this year. Those years were truly blessed. I learned a lot from him; he had much intuition about people and situations. He liked going to Chabad with me and davening there. He was a real character, too. I miss him every day and know that he is now in Gan Eden.
Sunday, 11/26/06
(6) joshgberg, November 26, 2006 3:38 PM
more than an article...
Thanks so much for publishing this article. I found it inspiring and informative, and, as a lucky student of the author, enjoyed reading it so very much.
(5) Miriam, November 26, 2006 3:37 PM
Very inspiring
Not everyone is comfortable around people that are different, whether mentally or physically. This was a wonderful article to read, educating and inspiring.
(4) Harriet, November 26, 2006 11:14 AM
Thank You!
Your story brought back memories of the love and care my parents gave to my brother born with Down Syndrome fifty six years ago. Special needs children weren't as openly accepted in the 1950's and despite family and friends advising them to put him in an institution, my parents refused, telling these "advisors" that he was an important part of our family (4 children). I am who I am because of him. Hashem made Benjy a part of our family to give us humility and understanding for everybody we meet. He has taught us to look beyond what is on the outside and seek the beauty Hashem has put within each of us. Because we've given him unconditional love, he's become the best he could be-he works harder at chores because he sees how proud we are of him when he suceeds and even when he doesn't, he knows we still love him. Not only has your advise to this man to love and interact with his special needs child made his life better, but has improved the lives of his son as well as his siblings. Y'sher Koach!
(3) Faigie, November 26, 2006 11:06 AM
unconditional love
How wonderful to read this article on my daughter Daniella's birthday!!! Daniella was born 6 years ago, on Nov. 26th and is a beautiful little girl confined to the hardships of quadraplegic cerebral palsy. Perhaps other people wonder how we can love a physically and mentally disabled child... but i am convinced that other parents of "special" children can understand oour love for the special gift G-d has given us. Rabbi Rabinowitz mentions "loftier soul" as a describtion... this is so true, as the Rabbi of our shul had said at Daniella's kiddush hodaya, why do we assume that we are the "perfect" ones, while they are less so? THEY are the perfect ones...we are full of impurities and sin, and a special child is the purest form of humanity...a loftier soul with no sin. No doubt there are hardships to deal with, as i know first hand, But we are not to chose the gift G-d gives us, and must accept the so called good with the so called bad. eventually we realise how much good these precious children bring to our lives. how much tremendous Chessed is brought to this world due to their being here with us.
Thank you for your beautiful article... we are truely blessed.
(2) ZisselKeller, November 26, 2006 9:49 AM
Just what I expected!
Having known Boruch and Miryam for over 20 years, I am witness to the fact that everything he writes here comes straight from his heart!
I gave birth 3 times after Shlomo was born and I always knew that, if G-d chose to send me a "Shlomo', I would have the best support system to fall back on, Boruch and Miriam!
My family considers ourselves fortunate to be counted among their friends!
(1) Julia, November 26, 2006 7:36 AM
YES!
Not only did I love this article, I want to share it with everyone whom I know..... Thank you,Rabbi.