It beautifully illustrates the fact that freedom of thought and expression is a universal need, and #ActuallyAutistic people are no exception.
There isn't a single population on Earth which doesn't have some sort of independence myth, but Jewish people might be unique in going through the process of regaining their autonomy countless times throughout history.
We are now accepting submissions for an upcoming book of essays that explores the dynamic intersection between neurodiversity, Torah, and Judaism.
Our project aims to amplify the diverse voices within the Neurodistinct Jewish community, inviting contributors to share their personal narratives, insights, and reflections on how their unique ND perspectives shape their interactions with Torah and Jewish practices.
Neurodistinct can mean a number of things. While thought about primarily as autism and ADHD, it also includes Bipolar, Downs Syndrome, Tourettes, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and many more.
Submissions are encouraged from individuals who identify as ND and Jewish, offering a platform for authentic, diverse expressions that will be compiled into a thought-provoking book that explores the multifaceted connections between neurodivergence and Judaism. Jewish people from ALL denominations are encouraged to submit. NO ONE has a monopoly on Torah!
If you know anyone that may want to contribute or be interested in the project, please spread the word!
People often ask why we don’t see miracles anymore.
The Hasidic masters teach that the world is being recreated each and every moment of the day. And beyond that, all of it is very much a part of God. God isn’t only the only God, but there is nothing outside of God themself.
Every moment is a miracle and every moment is God.
Mindfulness is a pathway to connect and open the mind, body, and soul to these miracles and to God themself.
Mindfulness is also how we come to know ourselves as #ActuallyAutistic humans.
My teacher of blessed memory, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi taught, "every Shabbat is a bit of the future condensed and brought into the present. It is not for living in the past. It calls for seeing differently. One dreams of the future in terms of the trends of today, though some of these have not yet come to discernment. On Shabbat we envision as yet unrealized futures"
I wish all of my #ActuallyAutistic comrades a Shabbat and weekend of possibility, of growth, and a taste of a better future for us and for all of humanity.
I am a socialist. A Marxist. A long standing member of the PCF, DSA, and the UK Labour Party. I’m a trade unionist in the CGT.
I’m a fierce internationalist & anti-colonialist.
I’m also a Jew. Moreover, I am an Israeli.
In my religious community I’ve been questioned and doubted more times than I can count about my commitment to my faith due to my political beliefs. I’ve been called a self-hating Jew.
In my national community I’ve been called a traitor. A spy. An aide to those who would kill us.
Conversely, on the left I’ve been called a Zionist pig. A spy. Not a real leftist. A colonizer.
To many on the Jewish right I’m an antisemite and a race traitor.
To my comrades on the left I am an apologist for Israel.
Alienated everywhere.
The past 24 hours have been most disturbing. For those Palestinians facing yet another horrible day of occupation and death AND to Israelis facing a shocking of chaos and death.
I live abroad and don’t face any danger to my life. I am not a victim and this thread shouldn’t be seen as such. Simply sharing my feelings.
Many will reply here and call me a self-hating Jew and a traitor, again.
Others will call me an apologist for Israel.
Days like this show me why I’m so lonely. Not welcome in my religious community, my national one, or my political one.
The Eternal Jew.
People love to say autistic people don’t understand nuance. I’ve been accused of this my entire life.
But the reality is, I get nuance. I’ve fought for a better place my entire life. And still do.
But it’s most of you casual onlookers who don’t get nuance.
And to my fellow committed Jews on the Left, I see you so so so very much.
We are not alone. Our values as leftists and as Jews make us who we are. We fight for the change we want NEED in this world.
@theautisticcoach@mazeldon@communism@actuallyautistic "sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you". My mum would say "rise above it". I'd say focus on socialism and solutions and ally yourself with those who're doing the same. Divisionism will always exist.
@actuallyautistic@theautisticcoach@communism@mazeldon im always so happy to read about stories like yours - not because of the pain you experience (for which I am so sorry) but because you give hope to those of us who say: opposing fascism does not equate to anti-semitism and hating Jews does. Thank you for posting (from a lefty non-Jew).