preparing for their bar mitzvah , the iPad is programmed with the word / symbol combination needed for the student to share a simple message .
The girls ’ program has similar activities . In first grade , each girl receives a specialized siddur that she can use to daven at her level . As they grow older , and in the lead-up to their bas mitzvah party , the girls learn about the Imahos and the importance of being a Jewish woman . Volunteers help run a ‘ Batya ’ program so that Seeach
Sod ’ s high-school-aged students can also be part of the traditional Shabbos afternoon program .
In addition to working with the students , Seeach Sod ’ s team of social workers helps prepare parents and families for the celebrations , advising them what to expect from their child and how to tailor any external celebration to their needs . “ Even though their children are reaching the same milestones as their peers , it can be a bittersweet celebration for parents when they think of what might have been ,” Mrs . Kofman explains . “ We help
parents fully appreciate what a great accomplishment their child has made .”
Nachas When Least Expected
Sometimes nachas hits us when we least expect it . Mrs . Kofman shared the story of one father who , even after 13 years , found it difficult to accept that he had a disabled child . “ We tried to explain why it was important for us to have a bar mitzvah celebration in the class for his son , but until the last minute we didn ’ t know if the father would attend .”
The father did end up attending the party , and it was a game-changer for both of them . “ He was moved to see his son wearing a hat and jacket , interacting with friends and being part of a
community ,” says Mrs . Kofman . “ Seeing his son take part in regular Jewish life gave him a new appreciation for his son ; he then began taking his son to shul with him .”
It ’ s A Wedding !
“ We do all we can to support our students ’ wishes , and for some that means helping find them appropriate shidduchim ,” Mrs . Kofman says .
A special team at Seeach Sod works with members and their families to negotiate the delicate process of arranging the shidduch and seeing it through . After marriage , Seeach Sod continues to support the couple , continuing their ongoing mission to help their students live full Jewish lives .
Frequently , an actual marriage is beyond an individual ’ s skillset . “ One of our students wanted to get married so he could wear a shtreimel . He didn ’ t understand that there was much more involved , so we worked with the family to make him an elaborate party in a hall , with a shtreimel to wear . Today he proudly wears his shtreimel while living at home with his parents ,” Mrs Kofman recounts with a smile .
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