Nov. 5, 2023

An Act of Unity at the Amud: Embracing Inclusivity and Kindness in Jewish Prayer

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Season 5

Witnessing an act of unity can leave an indelible mark - it can revive faith in humanity and provide a fresh perspective on the power of kindness. That happened at the Sazns-Klauzenberg Shul, a holy Jewish maqam. A man with Yartza and a sweet, innocent man with Down syndrome found themselves in a standoff, each desiring the honor of leading the Tefilos. In a heartfelt turn of events, the man with Yahrtzeit chose to invite the Down syndrome man to lead the prayers with him, creating a decisive moment that left everyone inspired. 

This episode is a beautiful testament to the emblematic resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of understanding and inclusivity. The genuine delight of the Down syndrome man and the tranquility that enveloped the congregation is a poignant reminder of our potential to foster unity in the most unexpected ways. Join us on this heartfelt journey as we recount this touching story, and be prepared to be moved and uplifted, leaving you hopeful and inspired. This tale of unity, love, and kindness will resonate with every listener.

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Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com



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A story like this could make you laugh and cry all at the same time so impactful.

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And while it never happens to me I never get to witness things like this I saw it with my own two eyes on Thursday evening.

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Yeah, I was going to David Mencher.

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I walked into the Sands, klosenberg, stiebel, a holy maqam, torah and Tefila, probably about 40 gentlemen waiting to pray, and there was a duel, a standoff between two individuals who wanted the Umud.

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They wanted to be the Chazan lead, the Tefilos, and came clear to everyone's attention that one of them, his reason, was he had your sight, while the other one, it was apparent, while he was innocent and sweet, he was mentally delayed.

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He was a cute, innocent Down syndrome fellow, the dressed beautifully in his Hasidic garb and he really was stubborn and he wanted to dive in from the helmet.

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Nobody wanted to make him feel bad or make the person who had your sight, the chi of step beside either.

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So everyone's kind of waiting, not sure what's going to happen.

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And then I saw it.

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It made me kind of restore my belief in humanity, and definitely at least the Jewish people.

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This fellow had Yartza.

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Hold this Down syndrome fellow, you know what Fine you dive in.

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Of course you have to dive in.

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He walked to the back of Shul.

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He grabbed a stender and he carried it up to the front and put it next to the Chazan's Umud and said let's dive in together.

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I kid you not, I'm watching this.

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And they both dived in word by word.

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Everyone dived in Shmora Estre, inspired and felt strong.

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And then, during Chazara Sashats, the repetition, they said it simultaneously, word by word together.

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It's probably one of the only Chazara Sashats is that I was privy to all the brachos and everyone was just captivated and wanted to say amen to these brachos.

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It was such shalom, such achtos, and afterwards everyone said a great big shkoyach, shkoyach to the Tvila, both of them.

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The Down syndrome fellow was so excited about his diving, he turned around and gave a clap.

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He said everyone who has COVID should have a full Shalema and there should be peace in Israel and everyone should make sure to give my ceremony, give a beautiful drasha.

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But I left inspired and left feeling that, as Bne Avram, we really are following in this path and we know what it means to be a Baal Chesed and we see the wisdom that people need and have and how to do proper kindness, just like their great grandfather Avram Avina.