Background

The Disability Torah Project was created by Mat Wilson (they/them), a disabled rabbinical student and educator, in late 2024 as a space to uplift the wisdom of disabled people through the study of Torah. Rooted in deep reverence for those who have already been creating and sharing disability Torah, and in a longing for more, this project seeks to build the library of disability Torah, as a resource for all. 

Each week, we publish a new piece of Torah commentary by a disabled writer, exploring the weekly parasha through the lens of disability. Some writers delve into the text directly, others reflect on lived experience, and some engage disability as a broader interpretive framework. There is no single way to write disability Torah, and we celebrate the diversity of voices, approaches, and styles our contributors bring.

While this has primarily been a writing-based project focused on the Parashat HaShavua (weekly Torah portion), we are in the process of expanding. New offerings will include writings about holidays, short-form video content for Rosh Chodesh, and the launch of classes and workshops beginning in late 2025.

This project is for anyone who wants to engage Torah through a disability lens. Whether you are disabled or not, new to Torah study, or a longtime learner. Our hope is to expand the conversation, shift assumptions, and dream toward liberated, disabled Jewish futures.

Because the project is currently centered around written submissions, we recognize that not all disabled people will be able to or interested in contributing in that format. We are actively exploring ways to make the project more accessible and multifaceted. If you have ideas for collaboration or engagement, we’d love to hear from you.

The Disability Torah Project is deeply grateful to all of our donors for their generous support. We especially thank Reconstructing Judaism and the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Advisory Fund I/Schiro (SFS), a donor-advised fund at the Jewish Community Fund of Greater Hartford, for their partnership. The Auerbach Ignition Grant helped launch this project, and the Auerbach Launch Grant is now enabling us to dream big and expand our work.

To support the future of the Disability Torah Project, you can learn more here or reach out to us at disabilitytorah@gmail.com