An International Conversation

As part of Touro University’s ongoing efforts to promote autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion, Touro Talks and the Jewish Law Institute are pleased to present an international conversation exploring religious perspectives on autism.

Professor of Law and Director, Jewish Law Institute, Touro Law Center, prolific writer, author of Was Yosef on the Spectrum? Understanding Joseph Through Torah, Midrash and Classical Jewish Sources

Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer is an experienced Jewish educator and author. She is a proud 2022 Covenant Award recipient. She serves as Chief Program Officer at Jewish Learning Venture, where she directs the Whole Community Inclusion initiative. Her most recent book, The Little Gate-Crasher, is a memoir of her Great-Uncle, who overcame society’s prejudices about dwarfism to lead a remarkable life. She has also published a journal for fellow parents raising children with disabilities.

John Elder Robison is an autistic adult who grew up undiagnosed. By age 20, he worked for Pink Floyd’s sound company, and KISS, for whom he designed fire breathing special effects guitars. John went on to design power systems for our country’s last underground nuclear tests, which led him to establish a business restoring classic motorcars as he developed a second career in performance photography. He serves as Neurodiversity Scholar at The College of William & Mary and advisor to the Neurodiversity Institute at Landmark College.

Rabbi Dr. Rafi Feuerstein is the President of the Feuerstein Institute, located in Jerusalem, Israel. Founded by his father, Professor Reuven Feuerstein, the Feuerstein Institute engages in the research, development and dissemination of the Feuerstein Method, a world-renowned educational technique with the proven ability to systematically improve an individual’s learning and critical thinking skills.  As president, Rabbi Dr. Feuerstein directs the mission and focus of the Feuerstein Institute’s work. His passion lies in spearheading new initiatives to improve the quality of education available to children, adolescents, teens, and young adults worldwide.