The Autistic Parashah | Pekudei
In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Pekudei, we witness the culmination of the divine project—the assembly of the Mishkan, the dwelling place for the Divine in our world during the Israelites’ journey to the Holy Land.
This endeavor, marked by collaboration and inclusivity, invites us into a profound reflection on the essence of community and the indispensable value of every individual's contribution. It is a reflection that challenges us to ask: How do we build our communities to reflect the Divine tapestry of humanity, including those often marginalized—autistic individuals, people with disabilities, the queer community, women, and all who have felt excluded?
The construction of the Mishkan was a collective act of faith and dedication, embracing the varied gifts and talents of the entire Israelite community. It was led by a neurdivergent person who didn’t come from the traditional pool of leaders. It was spearheaded by women, who were almost always left on the sidelines. It was a project from below, from the people, not from the top of Moses and Aaron.
In our contemporary journey toward inclusion, this narrative encourages us to see neurodivergence, queerness, disability, and being different in general as a divine gift. Autistic people and other neuro-distinct people bring invaluable perspectives that enrich our communal and spiritual fabric. By valuing these perspectives, we echo the Mishkan's construction project ethos of collective contribution, moving closer to a community where the divine spark within each neurodistinct individual is not only recognized and cherished, but centered.
Empowerment within our communities extends to ensuring that people with disabilities have both the agency and the environment to contribute their unique gifts. Reflecting on the Mishkan, we are reminded of the importance of dismantling barriers—whether they are physical, communicational, or based on preconceived notions—that hinder full participation. Our spiritual and communal spaces must be bastions of accessibility and affirmation, celebrating the strengths and capabilities of all members as manifestations of the Divine.
The inclusivity of the Mishkan project beckons us to affirm the queer presence within our sacred spaces. Just as the Mishkan was built through the diverse contributions of the community, so too must our communities be places where queer identities and relationships are integral and honored. Embracing queer individuals in their entirety allows us to reflect the boundless creativity of the Divine, fostering a communal environment that thrives on love, respect, and mutual enrichment. I have seen all too many times people speak of “loving the person, not the lifestyle” and that is unacceptable. I have also seen people being welcomed as long as they “act like everyone else and are respectful”. This too, is unacceptable. Our communities must be loving and embracing the entire human, not force them into complying with society’s contrived expectations. All autistic people, all queer people, all disabled people, all people who are different know what this is like.
The narrative of the Mishkan also prompts us to reflect on the role of women in the construction of sacred space. Our Torah portion underscores the significance of women’s contributions, leadership, and wisdom. A commitment to gender inclusivity and equity is not just a moral imperative but a spiritual one, aligning our communities closer to the ideals of justice, compassion, and divine harmony. By actively seeking and valuing the voices and leadership of women, we weave a richer, more vibrant tapestry of communal life.
As we delve into the messages of Pekudei, we find ourselves called to a sacred task: building communities that not only welcome but deeply value the diversity of the Divine’s creation. This Shabbat, let us envision and strive for sanctuaries of inclusion, where every individual’s unique divine spark is recognized, celebrated, and integrated into the heart of our communal life.
The journey toward inclusion is ongoing, requiring our constant dedication and reflection. It invites us to ask difficult questions, engage in meaningful conversations, and take actionable steps toward creating spaces where everyone, regardless of neurotype, ability, gender, or sexual orientation, feels not just included but essential. That this is made for us.
May this Shabbat inspire us to embrace the divine diversity within and among us, committing to the holy work of building inclusive communities that reflect the full spectrum of humanity's beauty and potential.
Shabbat Shalom.
