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