By Rivky Belinow, Shlucha in S. Denis, France
It all started in 2008 when Yosef (Shakim) put on Tzitzit for the first time. Yosef is autistic, but that didn’t stop him from learning at our school in S. Denis, France.
At first he refused, but with determination and patience, he started putting on the Tzitzis and saying the Bracha. Then he started giving Tzedaka every day. Soon, he began to recite the Shema Yisrael prayer after me. Then we gave him a “Siddur” with music and this got him even more interested in praying and learning.
At first, getting Yosef to wear a Kippah was impossible, as he would kick me and scream every time we tried, but slowly, he began to get used to it, and we did not give up, until he happily began wearing it. Finally, in the last year and half we started putting play “Tefilin” on Yosef 3 times a week, and he practiced saying the Bracha. What a difference we saw in him!
With enthusiasm he continued learning the “Alef Bais”; and even began learning how to read and write, saying “kametz Alef” and reciting brachos and davening.
Soon we began learning the Parsha of his Bar Mitzvah, Beha’aloscha. With Divine Providence, in the first posuk of the Parsha, the Rebbe says that Beha’aloscha teaches us that everyone, no matter what level, even an autistic individual, can be a light unto the world.
To prepare for the Bar Mitzvah, Yosef watched videos of other Bar Mitzvahs for children with special needs, and with anticipation mounting we waited for his special day.
Finally, the day was here, and with great emotion we arrived at the beautifully decorated hall, surrounded by family and friends. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony was performed by Shliach Rabbi Israel Belinow. The school’s director, Steaphane Benoumu spoke as well.
The excitement in the room was palpable, as Yosef put on Tefillin with Rabbi Belinow, and read the first passage of the Parsha. The joy and emotion of all in attendance was boundless, as many wiped tears from their eyes.
As the Rebbe taught us, Yosef may be autistic, but he is close to G-d. Thank you Rebbe for showing me that with hard work and determination everything is possible, Yagati u’Matzasi Taamin.
WOW! what an amazing inspiring story!
his name is Stephan not stephane, in Hebrew Yosef hakohen. And great job Rivky
Agree with #12 and am so impressed how you helped Yosef break out of his sensory and whatnot meitzarim. Who’s to say that we are the “normal” ones.
So proud! Rivky you’re amazing! Wow! Kol hakavod!
The appropriate way to refer to this child is Yosef is a boy with autism. We all have many traits and no person should be referred to with just one. Would you ever say Chaim is cancer or Chaim has cancer or Chaim is a boy with cancer. Same for autism and down syndrom. A person is not the diagnosis but has a diagnosis.
Just a beautiful story—an inspiration for all of us!
To think this boy could achieve so much—imagine what we could all do with more effort!!
Rivky! Hashem should repay you with kol tuv for all the great work you do. You’re giving the Rebbe much nachas!
Go stephane benhamou for running the school!! Stephane gives his entire life over, night and day, for the autistic people in school!!
STEM CELL TREATMENTS,GO LOOK INTO IT,HONG KONG ARE HAVING SUCCESS
Go Benhamou go !
She is not their mother. She’s their aunt.
Well done Rivky! You have a special way with children ! Remembering our days in day camp inPetersburg
Shternie
Very moving article. I’m very impressed with the shlucha Rivky Belinow who does such great work in teaching these special children.
i guess being awesome runs in the family!
Go Belinows 🙂
That is truly amazing,what a strong lesson for everyone to take out of this,that if you put your mind to it you can accomplish almost anything,keep doing what you’re doing,you’re a inspiration