Everyone is included A couple brought their child, who is
developmentally disabled, to synagogue. As the Ark opened, the
little boy blurted out, “Torah.” His parents were exhilarated:
this little boy, struggling to express himself, used appropriate
words in the appropriate context. It was a moment of triumph.
But their exhilaration was short-lived as they were told to take
the boy out. Afterward, this couple was told that his outburst
disrupted the service and they should not bring him anymore.
Angrily, they stormed out of the building and refused to come
back. How could they stay in a congregation that treated people
with disabilities in such a manner? Our Torah teaches in
Leviticus: “Do not set a stumbling block before the blind.” This
asks us to help smooth the way for those with disabilities to
live as normal a life as possible by removing obstacles from
their path. It asks us to show a little sensitivity,
understanding and caring; to help our fellow human beings; to
live by the dicta “Love your neighbour