Menachem Weiss, a “special” teen with CP, reports every week to Merkaz Ha’inyanim on an angle of life that he alone can talk about
Shalom dear readers!
Let me tell you about a very special Shabbat with the Ezer Mizion’s Matan Club.
Navah Giloh, the director of Ezer Mizion’s Matan Club in Petach Tikvah, called to say that they are planning a stay up in the Golan Heights. She wanted to know if I was coming.
Yes. No. Yes. No. it’s always a hard decision for me. I love these get-togethers but I am always nervous about going away from home. Will the setup be such that I can manage? There are so many little things I need just to do the simplest things like use the bathroom, get into bed or maneuver my wheelchair.
Everyone worked hard to persuade me and my attendant said that he was willing to come along with me, so I agreed. I was still nervous as usual but the events are so enjoyable that I took a chance. Boy, was I glad I did…
We met on Friday morning in Petach Tikvah. Instead of boarding buses, this time there were 26 jeeps waiting there for us. The jeep took us through the Ben Shemen forest, between the trees. The ride was bumpy, going up and down the inclines, and it was really a fantastic experience! Afterwards, we got off the jeeps in the middle of the forest for a picnic lunch, then on to the Golan Heights.
When we got to Chisipin, it was already time to get ready for Shabbat. I am happy to say that the room I received was just perfect for my needs
Before Shabbat, we gathered outside. The kumsitz singer, Pinny Einhorn, and his Chassidic choir came to liven things up. They played guitar and sang slow Shabbat songs with the setting sun as a backdrop.
We sang Kabbalat Shabbat, the whole crowd together. At the end of “Lechah Dodi,” everyone got up to dance, and Chaim, my counselor took me to dance, too.
For Birkat Kohanim at Shacharit and Mussaf, Chaim brought me up to duchan. It felt wonderful to be considered a regular Yid. All the Shabbat meals were full of song and divrei Torah.
By Mincha, I was called up to the Torah. Me! I actually got an Aliyah.
Then there were stories and games ending with Havdolah outside under the stars with music and dancing. Yes, you guessed it. I danced again. Wheelchair and all. I’m so happy I agreed to go.
Until next time,
Menachem Weiss
