Like many Reconstructionists, Wendy Elliott-Vandivier, an artist and disability activist, has long imagined what a more inclusive Jewish world could be — and has worked to bring it about, particularly in her own community, Or Hadash in Pennsylvania.
Elliott-Vandivier has rendered her inclusive vision — and the Reconstructionist values it embodies — in clear and stunning fashion with “B’tselem Elohim,” which means in God’s image. The pen, ink and colored-pencil illustration highlights people with and without disabilities, as well as those of different genders and races dancing together on Simkhat Torah.
That artwork is on display on the walls of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, a powerful reminder of the kinds of diverse, embracing communities Reconstructionists strive to cultivate. It was commissioned by Reconstructing Judaism’s Thriving Communities department to highlight the organization’s work to empower those who have historically been marginalized in Jewish life.
Reconstructing Judaism’s most recent strategic plan calls for the organization to work with affiliated communities, rabbis and partner organization towards the full inclusion of people with disabilities. Last year, as part of that effort, the organization hired Rabbi Asher Sofman as the inaugural Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) program coordinator.
According to a 2022 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 70 million adults in America live with a disability. This covers an enormous spectrum of people: those with visual and hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities, sensory-issue learning differences, physical handicaps and autism.
“This art commission is intended to support our culture-change work of strengthening Reconstructionist communities’ efforts to both embrace and empower those who have been historically excluded and marginalized from Jewish community,” wrote Rabbi Micah Weiss, Reconstructing Judaism’s associate director for Thriving Communities and JEDI. “We are committed to co-creating a Jewish future where our communities are open and engaged in this ongoing process of transformation, and we believe art is an essential part of this transformation.”
“B’tselem Elohim” came about because Elliott-Vandivier was asked to create artwork responding to Reconstructing Judaism’s 2024 social-media campaign for Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month, which falls in February. That campaign — overseen by Sofman — highlighted stories of steps Reconstructionist communities have taken to make Jewish experiences more accessible to those living with a disability.
To spread the message throughout the movement, Reconstructing Judaism has made the B’tselem Elohim print available for $36. According to Sofman, the hope is that congregations will prominently display the illustration.
Elliott-Vandivier, spoke about her artwork and activism at a Sept. 18 lunchtime program attended by students, staff and faculty at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.
We are committed to co-creating a Jewish future where our communities are open and engaged in this ongoing process of transformation, and we believe art is an essential part of this transformation.
“I did not want to draw pictures of ramps, Braille prayerbooks and fidget toys,” she said. “I wanted to show the diversity of the disability community and depict people with disabilities in meaningful relationships with the Jewish community.”
The artist, who uses a wheelchair, spoke of her successful effort to make the bimah accessible at Or Hadash and the joy of being up there for the first time in three decades. She also led participants in creative brainstorming and discussing ways that Jewish communities can be more inclusive and embracing.
“My Jewishness is rooted in this noting of valuing the humanity of each person, and Jewish values teach me that no one person is superior to the other,” she said. “Too often, people with disabilities have been devalued, underrepresented and excluded in our society.”
Additional Resources
Learn about Rabbi Asher Sofman’s work.
Check out our disability inclusion resources.
Read about how Reconstructionist communities across North America have prioritized disability inclusion.
