Movie Response Praying With Lior
Movie Response Praying with Lior Erin Hennessey redacted Used with permission
Bethel University College of Adult and Professional Studies HUSE300 Family
Perspectives Ryan Gunderson March 4, 2015 Movie Response Praying with Lior
Introduction A rite of passage commemorating the transition from a boy into a man is
more than just the fulfillment of a dream; it is the definition of identity for a family.
Praying with Lior, chronicles a deep connection of a young man with prayer and the
Jewish culture through the eyes of Lior, siblings, parents, synagogue members, and
classmates. Yet, this film is more than just a journey for a young man with Down
Syndrome to achieve a significant milestone, it is the emotional, physical, spiritual,...
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Lior has a unique relationship with each member of the family, arguably creating a
harmonious balance among tradition, culture, community, and nurture. The relational
aspects connecting Lior with the Jewish tradition include intimate bonds with the late
Rabbi Devora Bartnoff, Rabbi Mordecai Liebling, members of the synagogue, and
siblings. There is an abundant sense of passion, tolerance, empowerment, and
benediction filling the spirits of those in Lior s presence during prayer. Lior sings out
with courage, confidence, conviction, and sheer joy radiates from him. It is like the
world around ceases existence and this moment of prayer Lior shares only with God.
Lior is noticeably anxious about tone, volume, cadence, and rhythm which for me
contribute to the authenticity of his prayer. It is apparent from the very onset of the
film; Lior is the recipient of incredible love and affection from within the family
system as well as the synagogue and school community. Although, it is unclear if
these sentiments truly reflect an acceptance for Lior s self image beyond the fabric of
culture binding a family and community together. We are left wondering whether this
strong orientation toward the family s ethnic culture and religion is a symptom of a
multigenerational transmission process. Furthermore, we must contemplate if the
presence of fusion among the parent subsystem, Lior, and faith a manifestation of
failure to resolve