Karl Malchut- JDAIM Week Four

In recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), we are honored to hear the voices of individuals who have a disability or have a connection to this community.


A Note From Karl:

“Do not look at the vessel but what is in it”
Pirkei Avot 1:27

What does it mean to be a caregiver when it comes to disability awareness and inclusion? Well for me, it means leaning into Kavod (honor and respect) by showing each individual they are born with God-given dignity, no matter what they experience in the form of a disability. We share a common humanity, together witnessing the Oneness that we are all a part of. This is best done by practicing empathy. Even though I cannot live another person’s life, I can ponder what it would be like to experience memory or ambulatory loss. Even though I cannot be this person, I have a duty not only in my caregiver job but also as a Jew, to give the person the same honor I would apply to myself.

Karl Malchut has been a member of Beth Emet for over five years and has been a private caregiver for eight years working for both individuals and agencies. Besides just this being his job Karl grew up around his mother who was a nurse’s aide who worked both in assisted living facilities and private care herself. Caregiving has made up more than a substantial part of his life.


Beth Emet has so many amazing members, each offering unique talents to the greater community. Share your news with all of us so we can both celebrate and get to know one another a bit better…. Especially during these (mostly) virtual times. Send your news to Bekki Kaplan, and if possible, please include a photo!