Accessibility | StudywithPenina

Blessing for Healing Ableism
By Rabbi Elliot Kukla, Inspired by the words of Patty Berne, Aurora Levins Morales, and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
SVARA Cripping the Torah Session 6 December 22, 2022

May the one who blessed our disabled ancestors – Harriet Tubman, Mel Baggs, Carrie Ann Lucas, Ing Wong-Ward, Ki’tay Davidson, Laura Hershey, Stacy Park Milbern, and so many more—heal this world that regards sick and disabled people as disposable.

Our ancestors in the Torah guide us, not despite their disabilities, but in part because of their differences. Moses had a speech disability and was appointed by God as the spokesperson for the enslaved people. His sister Miriam fell ill, and the whole camp of 600,000 people waited for her during her quarantine. King Saul suffered from deep despair and David would soothe his soul with sweet music.

Let us dream together of a time when all of our access needs are met with unconditional love. A future when each of our bodyminds will be celebrated and caring for each other will be sanctified. We will leave no one behind as we roll, limp, stim, sign and create the living future that we all deserve.

May it be so!

Celebrating Diversity – Refashioning our Synagogues and our Minds

A small synagogue that I once belonged to has a ramp, an accessible bathroom, a large print siddur, and a braille siddur especially prepared with the order of service they customarily follow on Friday nights. The ramp was constructed a few years ago with a huge amount of work and good will and fundraising among that community. The accessible bathroom was built as part of a major renovation to the sanctuary a year later. The braille siddur was prepared by a blind woman who visited for a couple of services and offered to make it. The membership committee prepared the large print siddur.

These are all excellent starting places for accommoda Continue reading →