The Autistic Parashah | Terumah
In this week's Torah portion, Terumah, we explore the detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, a sanctuary that symbolizes the presence of the Divine among the Israelites. This narrative, rich in symbolism and divine directives, offers a unique lens through which we can examine themes of disability inclusivity, individual contributions, and the sacredness of diversity, particularly from the perspective of autistic people and the broader context of Hasidic thought.
The portion begins with a call to action: "Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). However, Zev Wolf of Zhitomer, in his classic early Hasidic work Or ha-Meir, offers a deeper interpretation of a similar verse, "Take an offering for Me..." (Exodus 25:2), suggesting that the Divine seeks to dwell not just among us but literally within us. This interpretation challenges us to consider our own readiness to become vessels for holiness. For autistic people, this raises poignant questions about perfection, individuality, and the divine spark within. Uncomfortable questions even. We think of ourselves as being created beTzelem Elokim, in the image of God. Therefore, autistic people, like all individuals, are inherently perfect reflections of Godliness, each with unique ways of experiencing and contributing to the world. How do are we meant to think about the need to make ourselves ready for divinity when we are already divine? How can we think that the way to do this looks the same in all people?
The instruction "we will do and we will obey," mentioned in last week's Torah portion, Mishpatim, highlights the Israelites' commitment to follow God's commands. Reflecting on this instruction from the perspective of autistic people, we recognize the complexity of engaging with communal norms and divine directives, especially when they may not align with one's innate way of processing and understanding the world. Yet, the essence of Terumah, with its emphasis on voluntary contributions "from every person who is inspired to give" (Exodus 25:2-3), affirms that holiness is built in diverse ways, accommodating the needs and gifts of each individual.
The Neurodiversity Paradigm, which acknowledges autistic people as an integral and natural part of the divine fabric of the world, challenges us to move beyond mere celebration of diversity towards a deeper recognition of the inherent value and completeness of every person. This perspective aligns with the teachings of Hasidism, which emphasizes the immanence of the Divine in all aspects of life and the potential for every action, no matter how small, to be infused with spiritual significance.
In the context of Terumah, the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle can symbolize the importance of structure and clarity, resonating with the experiences of autistic people who often find meaning and comfort in routine and precision. The communal endeavor to construct a sacred space becomes a metaphor for the collective journey towards understanding and embracing the unique contributions of each individual in building a holistic and inclusive community.
By reinterpreting the directives of Terumah through the lens of Hasidism and the Neurodiversity Paradigm, we are reminded that the journey to holiness is personal and varied. Autistic people, with their distinct perspectives and abilities, play a crucial role in this communal endeavor, highlighting that the Divine dwells within each of us, awaiting our unique contributions to reveal the multifaceted nature of Godliness in the world. This understanding encourages us to embrace our innate perfection and to find our own paths to spiritual fulfillment, affirming that every individual, in their diversity, is essential to the tapestry of the community and the manifestation of the Divine presence among us.
