CCS program celebrates 10 years with screening of documentary

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By John Cahill
Correspondent

The School of Education’s Career and Community Studies (CCS) program, in conjunction with TCNJ’s Best Buddies, presented the documentary "Praying with Lior" on Wednesday, Oct. 26, in the Library Auditorium. The documentary follows Lior Liebling, a boy with Down syndrome, as he prepares for his bar mitzvah.

Jeffrey Passe, dean of the School of the Education, was there to help open the festivities.

Lior Liebling (center) visits the College during the screening of a documentary about his life. His father (right) and Dean Passe (left) attended the event, as well. (Photo courtesy of Jonathan Chalmers)

The film documents Liebling’s earlier years, his education, how he dealt with his mother’s death and how he prepares for the bar mitzvah. Viewers get a feel for how devout Lior is to his religion, as he is seen praying often throughout the documentary. After his bar mitzvah, the filmmakers ask Liebling what he plans to do when he grows up. He replies that he wants to become a filmmaker and live with his family.

The CCS program presented the film as part of the 10^th anniversary commemoration of the program’s founding. After the film ended, Liebling, along with his father, Rabbi Leibling, and stepmother, took questions from members of the audience.

Liebling attended Temple University for a two-year program that is similar to the CCS program at the College. He eventually went to Syracuse University to study filmmaking and now works full-time. Liebling currently lives independently with roommates.