The Autistic Parashah | Beshalach
In this week's Torah portion, Beshalach, we find more than just a beloved and well-known narrative; we discover a powerful metaphor for personal growth and emancipation, particularly resonant with the autistic community. As the Israelites embark on their journey from Egypt, facing the wilderness's challenges, we see a reflection of the journey towards self-acceptance and liberation from societal constraints.
The teachings of Hasidism, as imparted by the Baal Shem Tov, offer a mystical lens to view this story. He proposed that the Divine isn't confined to celestial realms but is present in all aspects of our existence. Every moment, every challenge, and every joy carries a spark of the Divine. This perspective deeply resonates with autistic humans, as our unique ways of perceiving and interacting with the world often reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a great grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, redefines the Exodus as an ongoing, internal process. He famously stated, "The Exodus from Egypt occurs in every human being, in every era, in every year, and in every day." For autistic individuals, this interpretation symbolizes the journey towards self-acceptance, breaking free from societal expectations, misconceptions, and the 'psychic slavery' of fear, delusion, doubt, and shame - emotions often amplified by societal stigma.
This metaphor of Exodus is particularly poignant for the autistic community. The journey from a misunderstood existence, often marked by external judgment and internal conflict, to a place of self-acceptance and liberation, mirrors the Israelites' trek through the wilderness. It's a path not just of surviving but of thriving, finding strength in one's unique neurology, and embracing the joy and holiness in one's authentic self.
The wilderness experience of the Israelites symbolizes the challenges and uncertainties that often accompany the autistic experience. Just as the Israelites navigated an unknown land, autistic humans navigate a world not always accommodating or understanding of neurodiversity. This journey involves overcoming barriers, both internal and external, and finding one's own promised land - a place of acceptance, understanding, and fulfillment.
Our reflection on Beshalach invites us to view the autistic journey as a sacred path, filled with its own revelations and triumphs. In recognizing and supporting these unique journeys, we honor the divine spark within every individual and their experiences. Like the Israelites, every autistic human is on their own journey of liberation, discovering the sacred within themselves and the world around them, continuously moving towards a land of promise – a place of self-realization and communal acceptance.
