Jewish practice can feel harder when you’re neurodivergent – not because you lack commitment, but because so much of Jewish life assumes a neurotypical nervous system. If you’re ADHD, autistic, or otherwise neurodiverse, even simple mitzvot can take more effort than people realize.
This piece explores why difficulty isn’t failure, how Jewish law already accounts for different capacities, and what sustainable Jewish practice can look like when it’s built to work with the mind and body Hashem gave you.
Bayit Builders supports neurodivergent people building Jewish life with realistic rhythms and clear priorities. Doors open to new members January 11–15, 2026. Learn more or join the waitlist here.
Transcript below.
Transcript:
If Jewish practice feels harder because you are neurodivergent, this video is for you.
A lot of Jewish life assumes things like consistent focus, reliable executive functioning, predictable energy, and comfort with crowds, noise, and unwritten social expectations.
And for people who are ADHD or autistic or otherwise neurodiverse, this can make even simple mitzvot feel harder than they’re supposed to.
I didn’t know I was neurodivergent when I was converting to Judaism, and I didn’t understand why it was so much harder for me than other people described.
Something was obviously wrong with me.
But here’s something I want you to hear.
Having difficulty is not the same thing as a lack of commitment, especially when you’re new to Jewish practice or converting.
Jewish law already recognizes different capabilities.
That’s why we have exemptions, modifications, and priorities.
Jewish practice has always taken the human nervous system seriously.
For some people new to practice, consistency looks like fewer practices done more steadily to build a sustainable practice over time.
Shorter davening, clearer routines, written reminders, choosing what’s essential over what’s overwhelming.
And adjusting how you practice so that you can consistently show up- physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. That isn’t cutting corners.
It’s how you build a sustainable Jewish practice that can grow with time.
You’re not failing at Judaism if you can’t do everything you wish you could.
You are figuring out how to serve Hashem in the mind and body that Hashem gave you.
My membership Bayit Builders is built around that reality because that’s my lived reality as a neurodiverse person with a chronic illness.
We need practical support, clear priorities, and support for people building real Jewish lives.
Doors open to new members January 11th through 15th, 2026. You can learn more or join the wait list at Building a Jewish Life.com/membership.
