As Doniel*’s mentally disturbed father lashed out violently yet once again, it became clear that Doniel had to leave his home for his own protection Although Doniel was from a prominent observant Jewish family, there were no relatives willing to risk taking Doniel into their homes for fear of retribution by Doniel’s father. The only alternative was to have Israeli child protective services place Doniel in a facility that catered to his physical needs but hardly addressed his spiritual and emotional needs.
Fortunately, a, warm and nurturing observant foster family was found for Doniel. This family recognized that Doniel had educational and emotional needs that could only be serviced in a school dedicated to these tasks. The family chose to enroll him in Talmud Torah Magen Avraham- Limudei Hashem located in Jerusalem. This is a school of 125 boys ranging in age from six to fourteen that accommodates children with various learning disabilities such as ADD, ADHD , dyslexia, mild physical problems, dyspraxia, as well as communication disorders. Some students have secondary issues including emotional and behavioral difficulties. Although most students come from more functional homes, for Doniel, this cheder was a good fit.
In spite of all their efforts, the rabbeim felt that Doniel’s progress was still stymied. At great expense and to further accommodate his needs, the cheder hired a private rebbi for him. Slowly, Doniel’s outlook became more positive; he progressed in his studies and became more accepted by his peers. His achievements can be attributed, in large measure, to the care and concern of the staff and rabbeim of Limudei Hashem .
Limudei Hashem is a success story. The school, which provides a full academic curriculum as well as on site therapies, was founded in 1979 by the world renowned psychologist, Rabbi Dr. Aaron Hershel Fried. Its mission is to help children compensate for their disabilities, to help them reach their potential, and to mainstream them into regular programs. Each year 20% of the children are mainstreamed into “regular” educational settings and the school’s administration continues to monitor their progress. Some of the graduates combine study and work, each according to his talents and abilities. All of the students have advanced and gained self-confidence. They have learned to trust and to be independent as they become productive members of klal yisrael .
While government agencies cover over fifty percent of the school budget, tuition covers just another seven percent leaving a large shortfall.
Inspired by this cause, and spurred on by the efforts of Mrs. Ziesel (Mandelcorn) Blumenfeld, who was a founder of Ptach in Baltimore, and is currently an administrator at the school, an impressive group of international and local Jewish artists have banded together in support of Limudei Hashem.
A Pre Chanukah Art Show and Sale is scheduled in Baltimore on December 19 from 8:00 to 10:00p.m. at the home of Dr. Shmuel and Malki Wealcatch, 3411 Bancroft Rd. . Rabbi Yechiel Spero, an acclaimed educator and author will offer divrei bracha The works of art being offered are perfect for home, office, or as gifts. The pieces range from original oil paintings, lithographs and watercolors to more affordable reproductions starting at $15 and up.
These works of art and the stories of the artists behind them are inspiring as well. Israeli artist Nahum lived as a secular Jew until the Yom Kippur War, where, as a soldier he was injured but miraculously survived. This experience transformed his understanding of the meaning of life. He knew that he had to embark on a mission of search and discovery and has been doing so ever since.
Nahum's paintings reflect the stages of this search. His subtle use of light and dark strongly hints at the intermingling of the good and bad forces within man. His specialty is the depiction of familiar physical images to convey deeper spiritual concepts.
Silvia Bar-Am, an award winning artist, born in Argentina is a masterful landscape, still life and portrait artist who has trained in Italy and whose work has been exhibited internationally in the U.S, Germany England, Greece and Cyprus. Her work is showcased extensively in Israel and has been purchased by the Foreign Ministry, and the Israeli Embassy in Paris.
Yet another artist, David B. Wolk draws inspiration from the words of holy texts. His work, praised by Roberta Carasso, Ph.D.,Elected Member of the International Art Critics Association,“contains the iconography of timeless words of ancient texts, whose origins come from G-d Himself.”
Inspirational, as well, is the story of Shoshana Weinberg, an active and prolific ninety year old artist who made Aliyah with her husband in 1969, after which she trained under Nahada Gafni and Chana Shvili. She works with a variety of media from pencil to watercolors to acrylics to oil. Her work has been exhibited in Jerusalem and Tzefas.
Chayala Kipper, from Baltimore, studied at the Academy of Art University and is currently working as a portrait artist, exhibitor and art teacher. Yaeli Vogel, who also has family in Baltimore, infuses her passion about Judaism and life itself into each of her paintings. Her main area of focus is applying a contemporary Impressionistic touch to Judaic art.
The collaborative efforts of these artists and others to benefit the students of Limudei Hashem and provide beautiful and meaningful artwork to our community will hopefully serve as an inspiration for many to attend this event.
