The Autistic Parashah | Tetzaveh

In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Tetzaveh, we delve into the intricacies of the priestly garments and the meticulous rituals that define the sacred service in the Tabernacle and the Temple. For me as an autistic human, this parashah serves as metaphor for the autistic experience, particularly highlighting the importance of structure, routine, and detailed focus in creating a sense of connection and understanding.

For many autistic humans, the world becomes more navigable and comprehensible through the establishment of routines. Because we experience the world more intensely, having routines and a monotropic grasp on the world helps us regulate and ultimately, connect to the world. When we are well regulated we can connect to ourselves, to others, and to the Divine.

This mirrors the detailed instructions given for the creation of priestly garments, where every thread and color serves a purpose, every ritual act is imbued with intention. These garments are not merely clothing but symbols of a deeper readiness to engage with the Divine, to step into a role that bridges the earthly and the holy.

In a similar vein, the routines and specific interests that autistic humans often develop can be seen as their unique 'garments'—tools and symbols that prepare us and enable us to engage more fully with the world around us. These personal rituals and focuses, much like the priestly vestments, confer a sense of dignity, identity, and purpose, highlighting the unique contributions that we autistic humans bring to the communal, physical, and spiritual tables.

Furthermore, the necessity of these priestly garments for approaching the Divine parallels how autistic people often rely on our routines and interests to interact with a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and chaotic to us. Just as the priests could not serve without their specific attire, autistic humans may find it challenging to relate and connect without the comfort and structure provided by their routines.

In exploring Parashat Tetzaveh, we are reminded of the beauty and value found in diversity, in the myriad ways individuals prepare themselves to face the divine and the everyday. It teaches us to honor and embrace the unique 'garments' each person wears, recognizing that within these individualized approaches lies the strength and fabric of our collective human experience​​.