What is Disability Torah?

Disability Torah is a way of studying and exploring texts through the lens of disability and disabled experiences. It can be a process of looking at disability that explicitly exists in the text, using the text as a jumping off point to explore lived experiences outside the text, or taking contemporary ideas of disability and bringing them in conversation with the text (and much more beyond!). 

What do you mean by disability/disabled?

Disability can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. We try to hold a broad view of what disability means, and invite those engaging in our work to define it for themselves. We don’t look to formal diagnosis, classification, or determination as essential markers of disability. Self-identification is more than welcome. 

Where else can I find disability Torah?

While this project came out of a desire for more disability Torah, we have been so blessed from the disability Torah that already exists in the world. This resource, created and maintained by our Advisory Board member Angela VC, is in the process of organizing existing disability Torah, and other resources around disability, ableism, and inclusion in the Jewish community. There you can find articles, books, podcasts, and more!

How can I support your work?

We are always looking for writers and would love to hear from you if you’re interested in sharing your Torah. We want to experience your Torah! The writer interest form can be found here.

You can share our work and follow us on Instagram @disabilitytorah.

One-time and monthly donations can be made through our campaign page.

Tax-deductible donations can be made through Reconstructing Judaism, by designating your gift as “Other” and noting “Disability Torah Project” in the box provided.