by Rabbi Dr. Ib Nathan Bamberger

Groundbreaking Book on People with Special Needs

Some time ago, I met a young man wearing a T-shirt with the following words: Accept – Understand – Love. I asked him when these three words meant. He told me that it was a signal from all the Special Children in the world.

These few words became clear to me when I read a wonderful and heart-warming book Dignified Differences: A Special Soul by Chana Scharfstein. The book is a collection of messages about her daughter, Zlatie Esther, of blessed memory, whose life is reviewed from birth until the end. The family accepted this special soul, and did all in their power to give her a meaningful existence.

The meetings with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, is indeed an eye opener. In the book ten individuals share their emotional stories and the Rebeb’s to them. It includes quotes, words of courage and inspiration from a man who has been called the most influential rabbi of the modern age.

Here you are a witness to the most soul searching encounter between a mother/daughter and a world personality, who is trying to understand, help and advice people in spiritual and special need. To be privileged to “sit in” at such a conference is a gift which must be treasured and never forgotten.

The short, but highly emotional charged chapters of A Family Reflects are a compendium and a display of the love and the attachment to this special child who gave more to her surroundings than she was able to receive. This special child had an everlasting effect upon her parents, family, friends, caretakers and professional staff who never got tired in assisting her in all predicament.

The booklet is beautifully and skillfully produced. It is well illustrated with numerous pictures and drawings. All the artistic works enhances the celebration of life and gives a true dimension of what can be accomplished where there is a will and an abiding faith in human life.

The book is not only a sacred family monument but a message to the wider world. It should be read by those professionals who are engaged in providing help to all of G-d’s children. And if you are not a professional…read it, it will lift your spirit and you will come to comprehend how to accept, understand and love all children in this world.

The book is available at HasidicArchives.com or Amazon.com. To make bulk orders, please contact HasidicArchives@Gmail.com.

A Holocaust historian, Mr. Bamberger is the author of The Viking Jews.

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6 Comments

  • Chani M.

    Thank you again Chana Sharfstein! Your writings always fill in a gap that needs to be attended to and is always done with such grace and dignity. Thanks for another literature gem.

  • Bernard

    It is such a wonderful book. I found it at Judaica World and could not stop reading it..

  • the design!

    what a great design… Zak you always do everything so classy..

  • shaina

    There are so many qUestions. The Rebbe provides answers in this wonderful book, but also do much compassion. A very wOrthwhile read

  • shaina

    there are so many questions. There are answers, but in this book there’s not only answers, there is so much courage and compassion. There’s so much to learn from the story of this brave woman.