By: Stephanie Turaj
Posted In: News
Photo credit: nytimes.com
Lior Liebling pictured above.
On Feb. 3, 2009, Salve Regina’s Chapter of The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) presented the film, “Praying with Lior,” a documentary film about a young boy named Lior Liebling who has Down Syndrome and a strong faith.
“Praying with Lior” tells Lior’s story as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah, the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony. Although Lior has Down Syndrome, he has spent his entire life praying, a concept which the film explores. The film talks with Lior’s family and friends, posing questions about who really can have faith and raising awareness about disabilities. CEC advisor, Kathryn Rok, described “Praying with Lior” as “thought provoking in terms of faith and informative in terms of the Jewish tradition and family.” The film, directed by Ilana Trachtman, has won awards from the Jewish film festival and is Critic’s Pick of the New York Times, Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer and New York Magazine. CEC officer Jessica Watkins said in an e-mail, “We are showing the inspiring documentary “Praying with Lior” with the hopes of introducing many to inclusion in a faith based community.” CEC hopes people will become more familiar with the group. CEC is always open to new members. “As Salve’s Student Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children we hope to open the eyes of the community to those with exceptionalities and get involved,” said Watkins in an e-mail. To become a part of Salve’s CEC community, contact Jessica Watkins at jessica.watkins@salve.edu.
