Julia Watts Belser

Join Rabbi Julia Watts Belser, a scholar at Georgetown University who intertwines disability studies with Jewish ethics, as she dives into the Jewish understanding of disability. She discusses how the Hebrew Bible, particularly Leviticus, shapes perceptions of physical imperfections. Belser emphasizes the value of disability wisdom in both ancient texts and modern contexts, advocating for inclusivity and deeper connections during the holidays. Her insights highlight the importance of personal identity and community care in spiritual practices.

Dr. Julia Watts-Belser, a Professor of Jewish Studies at Georgetown, delves into the lives of ancient women with disabilities. She discusses cultural norms around beauty in marriage, examining figures like the Etruscan Seianti Hanunia and the Egyptian Tapamet. Watts-Belser reveals the complex views on disability in rabbinic literature, touching on ancient marriage contracts and the rights they provided women. The conversation highlights the societal implications of disability, intimacy, and the evolution of women's rights in ancient Judaism.