In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) in February, we will focus on the evolution of halakha (Jewish law) regarding disability through a source in the Talmud that addresses some laws concerning deaf individuals. By tracing the historic source of these halakhic rulings, we can uncover how Jewish communities have adapted their understanding of disability in response to changing societal values, technological advancements, and emerging perspectives on inclusion and equity. By learning from the past and understanding lived experiences of disability, we will find renewed inspiration and practical guidance on accessibility and acceptance in our own communities.

Tamar Davis, who was born with a disability and is a parent of a child with a disability, is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and education in the global Jewish community. As current CEO of Gateways: Access to Jewish Education since August 2020, Tamar previously held key positions at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston and Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America. An active volunteer, Tamar has contributed to numerous Jewish organizations in Greater Boston and beyond, including serving on the boards of Young Israel of Brookline and Gateways, and co-founding ViZion, a network for professionals in Jewish and Zionist non-profits. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Yeshiva University and lives in Brookline, MA, with her husband, Allan Galper, and is a proud stepmother and mother to five children