ABSTRACT
For people who identify and live as Orthodox Jews, the formal framework of Jewish ritual law (halakha) provides unique benefits, as well as unique challenges, with regard to sexuality and physical disability. This chapter has two primary aims: 1) to provide basic knowledge and insight regarding the theoretical and philosophical approaches to several relevant domains that emerge from traditional Jewish texts; and 2) to evaluate the current progress and challenges in Orthodox Jewish communities in addressing the needs related to sexuality of people with physical disabilities (PPD). This chapter describes how the overarching principle to value each human life in Orthodox Judaism necessitates participation in intimacy and sexuality—within the framework of halakha—including those with physical disabilities. The relatively strict sexual ethics found in halakha, as well as the ritual laws of “family purity,” may present difficult obstacles to achieving that goal of participation. Issues of environmental accessibility are explored, particularly to ritual baths that are used to uphold the laws of “family purity.” The need for communities to continue to increase their efforts for inclusivity, as well as the need for Rabbinic leaders to commit more focus and scholarship in handling questions related to sexuality and disability, are discussed.
(disability, sexuality, Jewish law, halakha)
