Disabled TDSB students celebrate Chanukah

Pictured, back from left, are Matt Kahane, Lenna Zosky Shiller, Zachary Levy, Norman Rogul, Ezra Tennen, Seth Zosky Shiller, and Stacy Zosky; and front, from left, Jennifer Zosky, Jacob Schwartz, Ellen Schwartz and Ben Schwartz. SUSAN MINUK PHOTO

TORONTO — The spirit of giving was in full swing at Toronto’s Park Lane School on Dec. 17, when 67 students with a range of developmental disabilities took part in the school’s third annual Chanukah holiday concert.

Armed with a huge heart, at 96 years of age, retired Toronto furrier Norman Rogul is fulfilling a need to honour his great-great-nephew, 17-year old Jacob “Jake” Schwartz, who was born with a neurodegenerative disorder known as Canavan disease.

“Uncle Norman wanted to do something really nice for Jake,” said Jake’s mother, Ellen Schwartz. “Six years ago, Uncle Norman visited Jake’s school, the Beverley School, a school for special needs students. Norman saw Jake in his setting, met the children and fell in love with them.”

Every year since, Rogul would count the days until he could round up toys donated by Ganz Toys, then pick up two birthday cakes, to be enjoyed by both students and teachers.

“A chocolate cake and a vanilla one, because not everyone likes one flavour,” he explained.

Three years ago, Jake graduated to Park Lane. However, “The whole of Beverley School knows of, and looks forward to, Uncle Norman’s annual visit, even without Jacob there,” Ellen said.

In past years, Rogul has given each student a stuffed animal or toy. This year, he decided to give the Park Lane students winter toques in a rainbow of colours, donated by Naomi and Devorah Shapiro of Rock ‘N Karma designs.

Rogul’s daughter, Denise Rogul Newman, said, “Although the situation is heartbreaking, it is also heartwarming.” 

Why does Rogul do this? 

“Because of who he is. My parents instilled tzedakah in us from an early age: we must give back, and help others. Dad does just that,” his daughter said.

The Park Lane students were entertained by talented twin sisters Jennifer and Stacy Zosky. Stacy plays guitar and they both sing. Jennifer is Jake’s aunt and Stacy is a longtime friend of Ellen’s. Their group, called Second Nature, was accompanied by two of their kids, Zachary and Seth, who brought with them several of their enthusiastic and talented friends to sing along, too.

The duo have been singing to Jake since he was a little boy, and they continue the tradition every Sunday at the Schwartz home.

“Jake hears the music and he just comes alive. You can see it in his eyes. You can see it in his body. He feels it. He hears their voice and he lights up,” Ellen said.

“The kids respond to our music. It’s a really beautiful thing to watch,” said Stacy Zosky, who is director of associate programs at Goodmans LLP.

“We are here to give something of ourselves, but we get so much back,” added her sister, who works as a social worker.

Music teacher Gloria Gordon holds a school-wide Chanukah assembly each year, as well as celebrating all the cultural holidays through art, music, and dance. 

“We do everything around music, because it’s one of the best mediums to work with kids who are not verbal,” she said.

During the concert, students and teachers displayed beaming smiles as they expressed their delight by clapping, singing, swaying, tapping, shaking bells and tambourines, and even dancing for some. Rogul also showed off his dance moves by dancing alongside his nephew Jake in his wheelchair. 

Park Lane is one of the Toronto District School Board’s special education facilities. It boasts a high staff-to-student ratio, with students ranging in age from four to 21 and teachers from a range of different backgrounds. 

Rogul said he’s very proud of Jake.

“Jake and I have a great rapport. I still remember his bar mitzvah. He was carried up to the bimah, and both the cantor and the rabbi sang to my Jacob. You have never seen such depth of emotion,” he said. 

“Jake was supposed to live two to three years and now Jake is approaching his 18th Birthday! It’s a miracle and I thank God,” he added, with eyes welling up.