Man with Down syndrome celebrates ‘50th mitzvah’

From the Bakersfield Californian, a feature about Richard Seiden (at left with his father, Hy Seiden). Seiden is celebrating his 50th birthday at Congregation B’nai Jacob in Bakersfield, California, where he has worshipped his whole life.

Richard Seiden is going strong at 50, disproving the gloomy health predictions his parents received when he was a child. He is described as being

full of drive and works full time, bowls, plays golf, practices dance moves ranging from swing to the fox trot to the cha-cha once a week with a group called the Debonaire Special Dancers, enjoys making Jewish-themed punch rugs following patterns others make for him, and is an Eagle Scout.

Shari Fortino, director of the Debonaire School of Ballroom Dancing, describes Richard Seiden as a caring person and a great dancer.

“I teach people without Down syndrome and most of them would be blown away if they saw how good he was.

“He has touched many lives and he’s been an example that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. And not just do it but do it with flair and perfection.”

At the service, Seiden will get up in front of the congregation and read a transliteration of a scriptural passage from the Torah in biblical Hebrew.

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 1st, 2008 at 8:06 am and is filed under Down syndrome, NOT2BEMISSED, employment, families, personal stories, quality of life, success stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post