By Eva Bogomolny
As an Early and Middle Childhood studies major at the Ohio State University I could not hold back my excitement when I heard Nachshon would be taking a trip to Shalva Children’s Center.
I entered college with no declared major, however I knew that I wanted to work with children in some capacity. As the time approached to declare an official major, I walked with my roommate debating between the field of special education or early childhood education. As I shared my thoughts, a Monarch butterfly flew right through our path. Not only was it atypical to see a butterfly in the brisk month of November in Columbus, but it was much more. Prior to this conversation, the experience which guided my interest in working with children with special needs, stemmed from my time spent at The ~Monarch~ Center for Autism. I felt that my question was being answered. If that wasn’t a sign, what else could it be?
However, things don’t always go as planned. Through an emotional whirlwind of advising appointments, I ended up declaring the major to which I am today. While I was upset that I would not be able to directly focus my studies on special education, I looked forward to beginning my experiences in a classroom. Additionally, due to the more free-flowing style of my major, I learned that I would have the ability to go abroad, which otherwise I would have lacked. Funny enough, studying abroad brought me to Shalva.
Walking up to Shalva, one is first greeted by a statue of the American Sign Language sign for “I love you.” As we approached the building, we were able to see the children through the large open windows children smiling and emanating pure happiness. Through an incredibly tear-jerking informational video, I was awestruck by everything Shalva had to offer. But get this. The video which played had BUTTERFLIES as a motif throughout, which carried through in the artwork throughout the building. Thus I entered the tour thinking there was no chance this wasn’t a sign.
As we walked through the halls which were filled with colorful artwork and rooms which had wide open windows showing a gorgeous view of Jerusalem, we learned about the programs and resources which Shalva offers. Catering to the needs of around 1,000 individuals each day, Shalva works with people ranging from infant through 21 years old, yet it does not end here. Not only does Shalva focus on those who have special needs, but also works as a resource for their parents and siblings, who are often times overlooked in the field of special education. From the programming itself to the hand-painted windows on the walls next to each bed, each and every aspect within Shalva is created and implemented with incredible intentionality. And if you thought it couldn’t get better, it is free of all cost.
While I could speak for hours about all of the services which Shalva provides, I want to share one specific portion of our visit. We were invited into the music facilities in which The Shalva Band uses as their practice space. These musicians travel the world performing, using music as a means of connection. We were briefly introduced to the members of the band, explaining the diversity amongst them and informing us that the lead singer was blind. For their performance, the lights were turned off and a voice soared through the air singing the lyrics of “The Sound of Silence.” As we sat in the dark, the music surrounded us, giving us no option but to truly listen. As the listeners eyesight was too non-existent, we were able to connect through solely the music.
As anyone who enters Shalva will see, there is an incredible world operating within the facilities. As I continue my journey in Jerusalem I hope that my time at Shalva has just begun and I hope to become a part of what exists through the windows. The beauty in a butterfly is not held within the final product, but rather the transformation it must go through in order to achieve said beauty. Entering Nachshon I was unsure what to expect, but the people and experiences I have already had and will continue to have will help to transform me, similarly to that of a butterfly.
