As director of the Child Development Center at the Coney Island Hospital, Dr. Robert Wilkes had an extended correspondence with the Rebbe on the topic of children with special needs. In a letter, the Rebbe explained to him the impact of mitzvos for these special children.

Dr. Robert Wilkes, at the time director of the Child Development Center at the Coney Island Hospital, had an extended correspondence with the Rebbe on the topic of children with special needs.

In one letter, dated 9 Kislev 5741 (1980), the Rebbe explained how performing mitzvos can help them. “Even if mentally, they may not fully grasp the meaning of these rituals, subconsciously they are bound to feel at home in such an environment, and in many cases could participate in such activities also on the conscious level.

“To cite one striking example,” the Rebbe continued, “from actual experience during the Festival of Succos this year. As is well known, Lubavitch activists on this occasion reach out to many Jews with Lulav and Esrog, bringing to them the spirit of the Season of Our Rejoicing… I was asked, what should be the attitude and approach to persons who are senile or confused, etc. I replied—all the more reason to reach out to them in this tangible way.

“Well, the reports were profoundly gratifying. Doctors and nurses were astonished to see such a transformation: Persons who had spent countless days in silent immobility, deeply depressed and oblivious to everything around them, the moment they saw a young man walk in with a Lulav and Esrog in his hand suddenly displayed a lively interest, eagerly, grasped the proffered Mitzvah-objects, some of them reciting the blessings from memory, without prompting. The joy in their hearts shone through their faces, which had not known a smile all too long.

“One need not look for a mystical explanation of this reaction,” the Rebbe concludes. “Understandably, the sight of something so tangible and clearly associated with the joy of Succos evidently touched and unlocked vivid recollections of experiences that had permeated them in earlier years.”

From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash