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 Dobbs Ferry, NY - Praying with Lior, the profoundly moving and entertaining documentary about an extraordinary family, a “spiritual genius” (according to some), and a Bar Mitzvah will be showing on Thursday, May 29th, 7:30 p.m. at the Dobbs Ferry High School Auditorium, 505 Broadway in Dobbs Ferry.
The screening is co-sponsored by the Friendship Circle and the JCC on the Hudson. The screening is open to all; there will be a $5 admission fee at the door. Founded in 2006, the Friendship Circle is a project of Chabad of the Rivertowns, which endeavors to match special needs children with teenage mentors, and provide a range of recreational Jewish activities for the children and their families. The JCC on the Hudson has a full range of social and recreational activities for adults and children with special needs.
“Our hope is that this screening will bring awareness to the public and to extol the spiritual qualities of special needs children.” says Rabbi Benjy Silverman, director of the Friendship Circle.
Shot over three years and focusing on the months leading up to Lior's Bar Mitzvah in 2004, Praying with Lior draws a riveting portrait of a high-functioning, quick-witted, friendly and sincere boy, who, as he proudly approaches manhood, is simultaneously "retarded" and, according to his many admirers, a "spiritual genius." It also offers a wonderfully illuminating window into how disability can strengthen a family and a community. In extensive media coverage in Philadelphia where the film was shot, Praying with Lior has already been hailed for encouraging greater inclusion in faith communities for persons with disabilities.
Lior's siblings figure prominently in the film, making observations about life with their "special" brother; but it is Lior's parents who stand out by demonstrating extraordinary compassion and selflessness. Mordecai Liebling, a nationally known rabbi and former director of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, is unabashedly proud of his son's embrace of spirituality, interest in “davening” (praying) and whole-hearted, off-key singing. Lior's mother, Rabbi Devorah Bartnoff -- who died of breast cancer in 1997 -- together with Lior's stepmother, Lynne Iser, lavish generous servings of love and provide the film's feminist perspective.
The soul of the film is revealed by the history of the mother. Knowing the seriousness of her illness, Rabbi Bartnoff filmed home movies of herself and her very young son Lior so that he would have a clear memory of her love for him. What is also clear from those celluloid memories is her profound appreciation of Lior’s special qualities; she expresses an unrequited wish to survive to his Bar Mitvah – a wish that Lior becomes convinced is fulfilled, at least in spirit.
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