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February 11, 2016

Around the Shabbat Table: Week 2

Written By: Camp Judaea

Around the Shabbat Table: Week 2

“Every member of the people of Israel is obligated to study Torah –
whether one is rich or poor, physically able or with physical disability.”
(Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, chapter 10)

At CJ, no two people are the same — some differences are just more noticeable. What is the difference between fair and equal? These are challenging concepts for children (and let’s face it, many adults) to fully wrap their brains around. Even when we understand the difference between these concepts, many of us find ourselves reverting back to the age-old whine, “It’s not fair.”

Fairness means that each person gets what he or she needs to be successful.

Equality is giving each person the exact same thing.

Children with disabilities can do many of the things other children do, but it might take them longer, need assistance, or adaptive equipment to help them.

A Family Activity:

• Place two high preferred items up on a shelf, so high that only the tallest participant can reach them (even if it takes some stretching or a little jumping).

• Say, “Anyone who can reach one can have it, no strings attached.” Choose the tallest person first.

• Ask for another person. Ignore the hands and select the shortest person. After a few unsuccessful attempts, they will often go for a chair or table. Say, “You may not use a chair; that would be unfair. So and so did it under her own steam. You must do the same.” Your family will likely complain: “That’s not fair! He can’t help that he’s small.”

• Ponder their argument and say, “Okay, give me your best reasons for allowing him to use a chair or any other kind of assistance in reaching the reward when so and so had no help. How can that be fair?!?”

• Discuss the issues and then let the shortest person use the chair. Discuss further how kids with disabilities don’t always do things the way you do things but it’s not because it is not fair,
but because it is equal. They will get it. Fair isn’t always equal.

Around the Shabbat Table

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