Parashat Bamidbar | Heading in the Wilderness of Negation
This week, we begin reading the Book of Numbers with Parashat Bamidbar. As we delve into this Torah portion, we encounter themes and narratives that have historically been used to justify the exclusion of disabled people and women from the full life of the community. Bamidbar, which means "in the wilderness," opens with a census of the Israelite men eligible for military service, excluding women and, by implication, those who are disabled or otherwise deemed unfit for battle. While the narrative leaves those of us on the margins in the wilderness, we today are striving to take ourselves to the Promised Land of inclusion and strength.
The census described in Bamidbar (Numbers 1:2-3) is focused solely on counting "all the men in Israel who are twenty years old or more and able to serve in the army." This focus on able-bodied men as the primary participants in the communal enterprise effectively marginalizes women and disabled individuals. The implicit message is clear: only those who can fight are valued and counted. This exclusionary principle is troubling and stands in stark contrast to the values of inclusivity and equal dignity that we strive to uphold today.
As contemporary Jews, our task is not only to reinterpret these texts but to actively challenge and evolve beyond the patriarchal and ableist structures they represent. We must reject the exclusionary narratives embedded in our tradition and work towards creating communities that value and include everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or gender. This evolution is a necessary correction to historical injustices that have marginalized significant portions of our population.
Moreover, scholars like Judith Plaskow have long argued for a re-reading of Torah that includes the voices and experiences of women. Dr. Plaskow emphasizes the need for a feminist reinterpretation of Jewish texts, one that recognizes and rectifies the historical silencing and marginalization of women. In my work as a rabbinical student and autistic advocate in the Jewish community, I strive to read the Torah with an autistic lens, much like Judith Plaskow does with a feminist lens. This approach allows us to uncover and challenge the ableism embedded in the text, advocating for interpretations that are inclusive and affirming for all individuals, regardless of their gender, sexuality, neurotype or disability.
From a spiritual perspective, the exclusion of any group from the life of the community is antithetical to the core values of Judaism. The Divine created each person with inherent worth and dignity, and our communities must reflect this fundamental truth.
As we read Parashat Bamidbar, let us commit to building communities that reject exclusion and embrace the full diversity of human experience. Let us ensure that our practices and interpretations of Torah honor the inherent worth of every individual, creating a vibrant and inclusive community where all are valued.
Shabbat Shalom.
