Blind and Deaf in Judaism

Do the blind and deaf have any special status in halacha?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question!

The Talmud and codes are full of discussions and solutions for those with handicaps. While in most ancient societies the handicapped were at best ignored, in Judaism, efforts have always been made to treat them with dignity and to make them feel part of the community.

As a general rule, those with disabilities are included all ritual, personal, and communal obligations. As per your question specifically, I will share some examples that are relevant to those who are deaf, blind, or otherwise challenged in these areas.

One who is blind is required to light Shabbat candles each week. So too, a blind person should even recite Kiddush Levana. In both cases, it is explained that even the blind will have benefit if there is light in the home, so that others can be of assistance, and the blind also benefit from the renewal of the moon each month. Although a blind person is permitted to light Chanuka candles, it is preferable if he/she would fulfil the mitzva through the lighting of someone else. A guide dog may be taken into a synagogue.

Hearing aids may be worn on Shabbat as normal though one must be sure they are on and ready for use before Shabbat as it is forbidden to tamper with the battery operation on Shabbat. They may even be word in a place where there is no Eruv. On that note, microphones, however, may not be used on Shabbat, which is a topic in its own right. So too, even during the week, mitzvot should not be performed with the assistance of a microphone, as the sound one hears is not the speaker’s true voice, but rather, a very good mechanical reproduction of it.

There are many more issues that can be discussed, but I trust that it is clear that even those with handicaps are to be treated as full members of the community and solutions are found to help them participate.

See for example: OC 94:6; Rema, YD 195:16; Mishna Berura 420:1; Aruch Hashulchan , OC 675:5.