Parshat Terumah: Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month

This week, we begin a five-week cycle of parashot that are devoted in a pronounced degree to the design and construction of the Mishkan / Tabernacle and its Kelim / vessels and implements. Ramban (1194- 1270) does not want us to be sidetracked by the many different beautiful materials and their glory, and reminds us the purpose of this structure when he teaches that it is only now that the B’nai Yisrael had committed themselves to be all that they can and should be were they ready to build the Mishkan, and understand the lessons to be hopefully learned of the inclusion of so many different elements, architectural details and how all contributed to the tapestry of the finished product. Similarly, during February which is designated as Jewish Disabiity Awareness and Inclusion Month, we have the opportunity to think and consider how the texture of our community is enriched by the many different perspectives of its members, the insights of those who are differently abled (NOT disabled), the spectrum of identities that we all bring to the table in terms of ethnicity, race, nationality, gender and sexuality diversity and of course neuro-diversity as well.

We are taught that ALL were included in this enterprise. It is only after Hashem had conveyed mitzvot at Har Sinai, and after the Jewish People agreed to do whatever Moshe would teach them in the future, they became Hashem’s nation. Hashem told them to be Kedoshim, and they had agreed to do so; and now it was time for G-d to have a presence among them. This space had to be worthy of G-d, worthy of the B’nai Yisrael and worthy of the bringing a people and their Creator together. It was to be beautiful, include many different materials, textures and colors. I would like us to consider that the beautiful effect of this physical space with its diversity is an important lesson about community and our diversity, as well as our obligation to embrace and support that diversity.

It is precisely and only at this point that the B’nai Yisrael are commanded to build a Mishkan. It is only at this juncture, they have shown themselves to be potentially worthy to do so. Further, the place that is constructed must be worthy of how they will all act and present themselves as community and before G-d.

As we begin our Parsha, we note that NO ONE is excluded from this initiative. The only criteria indicated is כָּל־אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִדְּבֶ֣נּוּ לִבּ֔וֹ תִּקְח֖וּ אֶת־תְּרֽוּמָתִֽי — every man, woman and child is to bring what their heart moves them to contribute. This is all about inclusion. ALL are invited or commanded (as you prefer) to take part in this enterprise, as later in Parshat Ki Tisa as well as in our Maftir this week for Shabbat Shekalim, with the Machatzit Shekel a donation ALL are to give, rich or poor, no more no less. This is scripted so that EVERY INDIVIDUAL can participate and be part of the collective in an equitable and equal manner to the degree they are able.

Unfortunately in our world today, we are bombarded by messages of exclusion, but here in our Parsha and in our fundamental values and ethics that inform not just WHAT we observe but HOW we do so, we DO NOT exclude, rather, we accommodate. For example, in Masechet Hagiga, during various discussions about women participating in the offering scripted for the communal gatherings, it is indicated that women may certainly participate and offer their own offerings, though it may not be obligatory, per se. In other words, נחת רוח – a desire to participate such as that indicated here is enough reason to include people even if they do not have a mandated חיוב   If G-d understands this and accommodates such inclusion, why don’t we?

In my work with Eshel and Orthodox LGBTQ+ Jews, I am constantly getting called about being accepted in observant communities and when not being included, the feelings of isolation and depression take over. As I develop relationships of trust with these people, I will also be asked questions regarding various aspects  of Halacha. For example, one person wanted to know what to do regarding the giving of  Ma’aser. How much should one be giving from their salary if one is barely getting by generally and does not make much money? Another question was posed by a neuro-diverse individual about the degree of Kashrut one must observe in their Haredi community so that they could invite others to come for a Shabbat meal. Do you get this – people are asking questions regarding what they can give from their heart? They want to participate fully from their gracious hearts in the most meaningful way possible in belonging to the the very community that one fears does not accept them! What do we do with this!

Racial exclusion, and challenges met by people of color; those who are differently abled; LGBTQ+ folks; women…  these are all groups that are not always included and yet Rashi reminds us that כל איש means every man woman and child of every station in life. In פרשת נצבים we know this includes all those of different socio-economic status as well, including the wood cutters and the water carriers. Our texts constantly remind us that if we want all to be included in supporting the community – be it the Mishkan, the Temple, our shul, our Jewish communities or the world – then we are OBLIGATED – that is have a collective חיוב to support all who support that collective. This is a thought we can carry with us during the coming weeks and our Parshiot about the beautiful Mishkan to be constructed and all it represents about the goal of such collective initiatives as well as going through the heightened awareness of the contributions that ALL bring to us in enriching our collective during Jewish Disability and Inclusion Month. Not only that, pay attention carefully, because there are very important lessons to be learned from those who may see the world a bit differently. I know that my life has been enormously enriched by so many who are differently abled.