Jewish Perspectives on Theology and the Human Experience of Disability - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 078903445X ISBN 13: 9780789034458

Publisher: Routledge, 2007

Synopsis

A re-examination of Jewish scripture and teachings about disabilities

Few people are untouched by the issue of disability, whether personally or through a friend or relative. Jewish Perspectives on Theology and the Human Experience of Disability shares moving insights from around the world and across the broad spectrum of Judaism on how and why the Jewish community is incomplete without the presence and participation of the disabled. Authors representing each of the three main movements of Judaism—Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform—examine theology, scripture, ethics, practical theology, religious education, and personal experience to understand and apply the lessons and wisdom of the past to issues of the present.

Authors from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia reflect on their theological understandings of specific disabilities and on disability as a whole. Jewish Perspectives on Theology and the Human Experience of Disability re-examines tradition, teachings, and beliefs to shatter stereotypes of Judaism and common interpretations of scripture. This unique book addresses several disabilities (blindness, deafness, intellectual disabilities, autism, learning disabilities), and a wide range of topics, including human rights and disabilities, Jewish laws concerning niddah, misconceptions about disabilities in the Hebrew Bible, Jewish community programs to include people with disabilities, and the need to educate American Jews about Jewish genetic diseases.

Jewish Perspectives on Theology and the Human Experience of Disability examines:

• three methods that allow Jews who are blind to participate in the Torah service
  
• the spiritual needs of people with learning disabilities
  
• the attitude of Jewish Law toward marriage and parenthood on people with intellectual disabilities
  
• how the rabbis of the Mishnah incorporated Greco-Roman beliefs about the connections between hearing, speech, and intelligence into Jewish law
  
• a sampling of opinions issued on matters concerning disabilities by the Responsa Committee of the Central Conference of American Rabbis
  
• how the Jewish sages have made participation by people with disabilities possible
  
• and much more

Jewish Perspectives on Theology and the Human Experience of Disability also includes reviews of Judaism and Disability: Portrayals in Ancient Texts from the Tanach through the Bavil and Disability in Jewish Law, as well as comprehensive resource collections. This book is an essential read for clergy and lay leaders involved in the support of people with disabilities, for the families of people with disabilities, and for anyone working with the disabled.

About this title

Review

A BOOK OF TENDER SCHOLARSHIP advocating Shleimut, a whole community response to the learning challenged. . . . Multi denominational perspectives offer a wide range of advocacy. . . . Articles ranging from hard science to passionate homiletics articulately advocate for a segment of our population with heretofore unheard voices. -- Rabbi Nathan Goldberg, Director of Pastoral Care and Education, Beth Israel Medical Center

DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB of representing the relationship between disability and Judaism from a myriad of perspectives: historical, theoretical, scholarly, and pragmatic. What I found particularly impressive was the way in which the book's content mirrored its spirit of inclusiveness. -- Fred P. Orelove, PhD, Executive Director, Partnership for People with Disabilities, Virginia Commonwealth University

Offers an inclusive kaleidoscopic view of Judaism and how Judaism approaches disability. Each sensitive contribution adds depth and perspective to the moral imperatives confronting Jewish law, individuals, families, communities and humanity. -- Rabbi Micah Hyman, MA, Chaplain, UCLA Medical Center

WELL WRITTEN AND INFORMATIVE . . . provides additional insight as to the importance of religion, spirituality, and inclusion in the lives of Jewish individuals with intellectual and physical challenges. Theological precepts confirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people and challenges us to provide meaningful opportunities for inclusion and participation to facilitate fulfillment. -- Sheldon R. Gelman, PhD, FAAMR, Schachne Dean, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 078903445X
• ISBN 13: 9780789034458
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280
• Editor: Gaventa William C.