The Autistic Parashah | Bechukotai
This week's Torah portion, Parashat Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34), concludes the Book of Leviticus. Throughout Leviticus, we encounter a plethora of legalistic texts, most of which clash with contemporary values and are laced with ableism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia. For autistic and disabled humans, this book can be particularly challenging as it forces us to confront these difficult texts and not simply accept them with a smile.
At the heart of Parashat Bechukotai is the concept of tochaha, often translated as "rebuke." The rabbis interpret this rebuke as loving and corrective, even though this is not immediately evident from the text itself. Tochaha is a critical theme for many of us, especially in our roles as advocates for better treatment and inclusion of autistic and disabled humans. However, unlike the Divine who delivers these rebukes from a position of power, our efforts are often grassroots and require us to challenge those in power.
Our Torah portion begins with a series of blessings that will come to those who follow the Divine’s commandments, including prosperity, peace, and security. Conversely, it details severe punishments for those who do not adhere to these laws. This dichotomy can be troubling, especially when considering its implications through an ableist lens and for those of us who have been subjected to Behavioral Analysis. However, it also presents an opportunity to reflect on the broader themes of responsibility, community, and the impact of our actions.
One of my favorite Hasidic Masters, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk, offers an insight into the nature of tochaha, suggesting that true rebuke must come from not only from a place of love but also offer a desire to improve the other's wellbeing, not our own. For autistic and disabled humans, this means advocating for systemic changes that promote inclusion, respect, and understanding for all, not just ourselves. It is about challenging ableist practices not out of only our anger, but out of a commitment to justice and equity for ourselves and all oppressed and abused peoples. All of our struggles are connected.
Moreover, Parashat Bechukotai ends on a note of hope with the promise of repentance and return. This theme of teshuva, or return (though often translated as repentance - a term I don’t love), is central to Jewish Thought and offers a powerful message of hope and transformation. It suggests that no matter how far one strays, there is always a path back to righteousness, fairness, justice, and inclusion. For our communities, this means that there is always hope for society to become more affirming and inclusive of autistic and disabled humans.
My teacher, Rabbi Dr. Arthur Green, a prominent figure in the Neo-Hasidic movement, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and the spiritual significance of Biodiversity. He teaches that the processes of the world, from evolution to the interactions among all living creatures, are integral to our survival and spiritual understanding. This holistic view aligns with the concept of Neurodiversity, which values the diverse ways in which human brains exist and thrive.
For autistic humans, this perspective can be particularly resonant. Autistic humans experience the world in unique ways, sensing connections and patterns that others overlook. We are often the “canaries in the mine” and it’s us who speak up most often when things aren’t the way they should be and we don’t meet the basics of justice and fairness. Rabbi Green's view encourages us to see the Divine in the natural processes that sustain life. He suggests that every interaction, from the simplest amoeba to the most complex human systems, reflects a divine plan. This understanding can inspire us to appreciate Neurodiversity as part of this divine tapestry, where every living being, regardless of neurological makeup, has a unique and valuable role.
This Neo-Hasidic perspective encourages finding personal meaning in the text and seeking a direct and personal relationship with the Divine/Nature/whatever you want to call it, beyond the rigid structures of traditional observance. For many autistic humans, this direct connection to the Divine can be a source of deep spiritual insight and personal growth.
As we read Parashat B'chukotai, we are confronted with a system of behavioral modification: follow the rules and be rewarded, break them and suffer. For autistic, otherwise neurodivergent, disabled, and queer humans, this echoes the threats and coercion we've faced in trying to navigate an ableist, homophobic, transphobic, and bigoted world. It brings to mind the struggle of trying to fit into societal norms that do not accommodate our needs or recognize our value as we are.
The idea of obedience to rules, as outlined in Parashat Bechukotai, can be particularly distressing. Autistic humans often experience demand avoidance, a phenomenon where the pressure to comply with demands due to our need for autonomy leads to anxiety and refusal. The dichotomy of blessings for obedience and severe punishments for disobedience in this parasha can be especially stressful. It underscores the importance of creating supportive environments where individuals feel safe and empowered to follow guidelines without undue pressure. Recognizing and respecting the diverse ways in which people respond to rules can help foster a more inclusive and compassionate community.
In a contemporary context, Parashat Bechukotai challenges us to reflect on our communal obligations and how we can build a just and inclusive society. The blessings associated with following God's commandments can be seen as a metaphor for the positive outcomes of embracing diversity and ensuring equity for all community members. Conversely, the curses highlight the societal breakdown that occurs when we fail to uphold these values. By integrating the lessons of Bechukotai with the goals of Neurodiversity and radical disability justice, we can work towards a world where every individual is valued, supported, and able to thrive.
While Parashat Bechukotai may seem harsh and unyielding, it also offers a deeper understanding of the need for community and mutual respect. By critically engaging with the text and reinterpreting its lessons through a lens of compassion and inclusivity, we can transform its challenging messages into a call for justice and equity. This approach allows us to honor our struggles and advocate for a future where our identities are celebrated, and our communities are inclusive and just.
Shabbat Shalom.
