What do you think?
Rate this book
Was Yosef on the Spectrum?
Yosef's behaviors, interpersonal relationships, and personal development are often difficult to understand, and at times seem to defy explanation. This book offers a coherent and cohesive reading of the well-known Bible story, presenting a portrait of Yosef as an individual on the autism spectrum. Viewed through this lens, Yosef emerges as a more familiar and less enigmatic individual, exhibiting both strengths and weaknesses commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder.
141 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 7, 2022
Proving a Theory
Levine’s analysis of the Joseph story is detailed and well supported, but at times, I felt that he was stretching the text to prove his theory. The text of the Torah is famously succinct, and I wonder if he used his analysis and the commentators he cited to prove a theory that is, ultimately, thin.
Levine’s analysis of the Joseph story is detailed and well supported, but at times, I felt that he was stretching the text to prove his theory. The text of the Torah is famously succinct, and I wonder if he used his analysis and the commentators he cited to prove a theory that is, ultimately, thin.
Read
February 6, 2023I...am making a conscious choice not to rate this book because I cannot do so in a way that is fair to the author. Going too low undermines the really impressive close textual reading and often brilliant argument that he makes and going high ignores the upsetting depictions of autistic people and deficit (rather than strength) based approach that characterizes Levine's language.
The fundamental problem of this book is that it can't imagine an autistic person reading it. By which I mean descriptions of what Yosef did and the choices he made felt very true to an autistic neurotype, but the reasons for why Yosef did it and the ongoing descriptions of autistic people as self-absorbed and lacking empathy rather than acknowledging the ways in which the double empathy problem works (the brothers also consistently fail to understand Yosef, but it's framed as Yosef's problem) and the way that Yosef tries to communicate by autistic norms and is rebuffed. There is a version of this analysis that reads Yosef as autistic, meaning that he is principled even at high cost to himself, has a high level of altruism and so expects that in others, and also has sensory issues that would lead his father to give him a fine wool coat that won't upset him.
To put it another way, why is it that being דן לכף זכות (judging all favorably and assuming best intention) and righteous even in the face of temptation (he's called Yosef HaTzadik for a reason) is a problem when it's an autistic person? It's also extremely weird to me to talk about Yosef's unreasonable daydreams as a mark of his autism when he's right...
Credit where credit is due, the second half of the book gets much better and the way Levien talks about accommodations being necessary for success and also how the brothers themselves make the same social mistakes as Yosef when they are outside of their milieu and destabilized is just *chef's kiss*. But that analysis undermines a significant amount of his first part where he talks about "autistic people are like X" all the time. Are the brothers autistic also then? What's different that we account for trauma and situational stress in their case, but not Yosef's?
The other thing that feels lurking under the surface and like Levine can't bring himself to deal with (and here I am, imputing motives. No idea, maybe?) is what it says about Yaakov and the brothers and every single neurotypical person in this story if this analysis is right. Not, you know, that the brothers come out looking great no matter how you sell this 17 year old, but Levine is stuck in this position where he either tells the story that this autistic kid is so annoying that his brothers had to get rid of him or the brothers are so intolerant of difference that they had to sell the autistic kid rather than confront their own bias.
The perspective shift is dizzying because it makes everyone else in this book (except, interestingly, Pharaoh) way more terrible. Potiphar's wife's sexual assault of Yosef (and, it's true, autistic people do are sexually assaulted at a higher rate), the butler's choice to leave Yosef in jail because he's awkward in company, my previous comment about the brothers...
If you are neurotypical, you almost can't tell the story without saying that Yosef, as the inconvenient autist, brought it on himself through his behavior. Because it's such an indictment of those who build a world based on playing social games and then take pains to make others lose.
This, incidentally, is part of the argument for #ownvoices. It's not that Levine couldn't or ought not write this. It's that, like many people writing from a privileged position about a marginalized one, he makes assumptions and misses things that someone who has lived this would know. And it's also complicated because I *did* a version of this with Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus where I talked about how he read as autistic to me and that reading resonated with some and others totally bounced off it, which makes sense. You can't write for everyone. But it still feels like an autistic sensitivity reader would have made a world of difference.
Which brings me back to my original point of not knowing how to rate this book. The analysis is so good, the language is so alienating, and the creeping horror that this is what neurotypical people THINK, which goes unacknowledged by the text except in a few places, made it a very complicated read. I don't usually write that many notes in the margins to hold my attention. A little under 2/3 of those notes are available, should you wish to read them. Anyway, this book did what it set out to do and is going to shape the way I read the Yosef from now on. It's so good and I wish it had been so much better.
The fundamental problem of this book is that it can't imagine an autistic person reading it. By which I mean descriptions of what Yosef did and the choices he made felt very true to an autistic neurotype, but the reasons for why Yosef did it and the ongoing descriptions of autistic people as self-absorbed and lacking empathy rather than acknowledging the ways in which the double empathy problem works (the brothers also consistently fail to understand Yosef, but it's framed as Yosef's problem) and the way that Yosef tries to communicate by autistic norms and is rebuffed. There is a version of this analysis that reads Yosef as autistic, meaning that he is principled even at high cost to himself, has a high level of altruism and so expects that in others, and also has sensory issues that would lead his father to give him a fine wool coat that won't upset him.
To put it another way, why is it that being דן לכף זכות (judging all favorably and assuming best intention) and righteous even in the face of temptation (he's called Yosef HaTzadik for a reason) is a problem when it's an autistic person? It's also extremely weird to me to talk about Yosef's unreasonable daydreams as a mark of his autism when he's right...
Credit where credit is due, the second half of the book gets much better and the way Levien talks about accommodations being necessary for success and also how the brothers themselves make the same social mistakes as Yosef when they are outside of their milieu and destabilized is just *chef's kiss*. But that analysis undermines a significant amount of his first part where he talks about "autistic people are like X" all the time. Are the brothers autistic also then? What's different that we account for trauma and situational stress in their case, but not Yosef's?
The other thing that feels lurking under the surface and like Levine can't bring himself to deal with (and here I am, imputing motives. No idea, maybe?) is what it says about Yaakov and the brothers and every single neurotypical person in this story if this analysis is right. Not, you know, that the brothers come out looking great no matter how you sell this 17 year old, but Levine is stuck in this position where he either tells the story that this autistic kid is so annoying that his brothers had to get rid of him or the brothers are so intolerant of difference that they had to sell the autistic kid rather than confront their own bias.
The perspective shift is dizzying because it makes everyone else in this book (except, interestingly, Pharaoh) way more terrible. Potiphar's wife's sexual assault of Yosef (and, it's true, autistic people do are sexually assaulted at a higher rate), the butler's choice to leave Yosef in jail because he's awkward in company, my previous comment about the brothers...
If you are neurotypical, you almost can't tell the story without saying that Yosef, as the inconvenient autist, brought it on himself through his behavior. Because it's such an indictment of those who build a world based on playing social games and then take pains to make others lose.
This, incidentally, is part of the argument for #ownvoices. It's not that Levine couldn't or ought not write this. It's that, like many people writing from a privileged position about a marginalized one, he makes assumptions and misses things that someone who has lived this would know. And it's also complicated because I *did* a version of this with Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus where I talked about how he read as autistic to me and that reading resonated with some and others totally bounced off it, which makes sense. You can't write for everyone. But it still feels like an autistic sensitivity reader would have made a world of difference.
Which brings me back to my original point of not knowing how to rate this book. The analysis is so good, the language is so alienating, and the creeping horror that this is what neurotypical people THINK, which goes unacknowledged by the text except in a few places, made it a very complicated read. I don't usually write that many notes in the margins to hold my attention. A little under 2/3 of those notes are available, should you wish to read them. Anyway, this book did what it set out to do and is going to shape the way I read the Yosef from now on. It's so good and I wish it had been so much better.
March 25, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book for many reasons. Being a Christian (Eastern Orthodox), I was not familiar with the Jewish religious texts and found this book very interesting and educational. Being a psychiatrist who has worked a lot with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, I thought that Prof. Levine made a very precise description of people on the autism spectrum (high functioning). I do not want to give away many details about the book so that readers may discover for themselves, but Yosef is described as a contradictory person with great talents, such as reading dreams, and at the same time, socially awkward, with social-communication deficits, sometimes childlike, misunderstood, and mistreated by his peers (brothers) and other people. He was described as having an inability to read social cues, understand and anticipate the feelings and reactions of others, and navigate social settings; with an attachment to animals or to inanimate objects in place of interpersonal relationships; heightened intellectual capacity and creativity in narrow areas of interest; repetitive and inflexible behaviors; and an obsessive and compulsive focus on a private way of perceiving the world.
Therefore, I agree that it is very possible to explain the contradictory personality and challenging life path of Yosef by his having an autism spectrum disorder. As I indicated to Prof. Levine, ultimately, I could make a more certain diagnostic conclusion if I interviewed the person myself, which in this case is not possible.
I would like to note that in his interactions with his brothers, Yosef is quite direct, often oblivious to the possible negative consequences of his words and actions, something typical for people with autism spectrum disorder. It is also possible that Yosef is very optimistic and therefore his actions are not a lack of judgement but a reflection of his hope to foster positive relationships with his brothers. Another explanation is that he wants to defend himself, and this is the best way he knows how to. For example, when he tells his brothers of his dream that he will rule them and they become very upset, perhaps he wants to warn them to be kinder to him.
I think it is great that this book prompts readers to evaluate the characteristic behaviors of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and to be accepting and understanding.
I thought that the brothers of Yosef were very callous, hated him, and treated him very harshly, which prompted me to wonder if there was a genetic basis for their behaviors. They exhibit behaviors of people with borderline personality disorder, which may have common genetic traits with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The fact that Yosef had social-communication deficits at 17 years of age, core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, may also be attributed to his teenage years, when the personality is forming and not stable. However, since these deficits persisted into adulthood, he likely had autism spectrum disorder.
Overall, this book is very interesting, well-written, and thoroughly researched, and I would highly recommend it. Prof. Levine examines people’s relationships very well from various angles and what may prompt their behaviors. Ultimately, I think that people do not always act in a logical way that is amenable to an explanation.
Therefore, I agree that it is very possible to explain the contradictory personality and challenging life path of Yosef by his having an autism spectrum disorder. As I indicated to Prof. Levine, ultimately, I could make a more certain diagnostic conclusion if I interviewed the person myself, which in this case is not possible.
I would like to note that in his interactions with his brothers, Yosef is quite direct, often oblivious to the possible negative consequences of his words and actions, something typical for people with autism spectrum disorder. It is also possible that Yosef is very optimistic and therefore his actions are not a lack of judgement but a reflection of his hope to foster positive relationships with his brothers. Another explanation is that he wants to defend himself, and this is the best way he knows how to. For example, when he tells his brothers of his dream that he will rule them and they become very upset, perhaps he wants to warn them to be kinder to him.
I think it is great that this book prompts readers to evaluate the characteristic behaviors of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and to be accepting and understanding.
I thought that the brothers of Yosef were very callous, hated him, and treated him very harshly, which prompted me to wonder if there was a genetic basis for their behaviors. They exhibit behaviors of people with borderline personality disorder, which may have common genetic traits with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The fact that Yosef had social-communication deficits at 17 years of age, core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, may also be attributed to his teenage years, when the personality is forming and not stable. However, since these deficits persisted into adulthood, he likely had autism spectrum disorder.
Overall, this book is very interesting, well-written, and thoroughly researched, and I would highly recommend it. Prof. Levine examines people’s relationships very well from various angles and what may prompt their behaviors. Ultimately, I think that people do not always act in a logical way that is amenable to an explanation.
January 15, 2022
A biblical hero with unknown disabilities ? Possibly So!
I just finished reading my first 2022 book, “Was Yosef on the Spectrum?”, this book is such a novel topic, informative, and well worth the read. It may be the first of analyzing a biblical account through a disability lens.
The author is clearly knowledgeable of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), using various Jewish scholarly sources on the biblical story of Yosef ( Joseph) . The use of multiple and credible literature sources, and annotated references at the end of each chapter, all contributes to a strong and well- supported case of Yosef being on the spectrum.
As a Christian, I recognize my biases , and lean on the faith based interpretation, of Yosef’s life. Nonetheless , Mr. Levine has well argued a case to be considered, (a) Yosef’s behavioral tendencies, limitations, skills and abilities consistent with those of individuals with ASD; and, (b) the behaviors/ reactions others (without disabilities) may have to individuals on the spectrum.
Central to ASD, is the challenge individual’s have with appropriate pragmatics and effective communication. So, the author’s point is well noted on the importance of factoring in social cues, and considering the perspective of the listener, as we communicate.
The book notes the reversed behaviors of Yehudah and Yosef, and it’s a noteworthy point. Given the events that unfolded leading to Yosef revealing himself, Yehudah experienced similar behaviors as in Yosef earlier life (when he was described as “Na’ar”). Yet, at the end, Yosef was able to consider the perspectives of his brothers and spoke to them in a heartfelt way. This is quite amazing, if indeed, Yosef was on the spectrum.
Doesn’t it the raise the questions, are there others in the Bible with disabilities ? And, if so, would society view their lives and accomplishments the same?
I just finished reading my first 2022 book, “Was Yosef on the Spectrum?”, this book is such a novel topic, informative, and well worth the read. It may be the first of analyzing a biblical account through a disability lens.
The author is clearly knowledgeable of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), using various Jewish scholarly sources on the biblical story of Yosef ( Joseph) . The use of multiple and credible literature sources, and annotated references at the end of each chapter, all contributes to a strong and well- supported case of Yosef being on the spectrum.
As a Christian, I recognize my biases , and lean on the faith based interpretation, of Yosef’s life. Nonetheless , Mr. Levine has well argued a case to be considered, (a) Yosef’s behavioral tendencies, limitations, skills and abilities consistent with those of individuals with ASD; and, (b) the behaviors/ reactions others (without disabilities) may have to individuals on the spectrum.
Central to ASD, is the challenge individual’s have with appropriate pragmatics and effective communication. So, the author’s point is well noted on the importance of factoring in social cues, and considering the perspective of the listener, as we communicate.
The book notes the reversed behaviors of Yehudah and Yosef, and it’s a noteworthy point. Given the events that unfolded leading to Yosef revealing himself, Yehudah experienced similar behaviors as in Yosef earlier life (when he was described as “Na’ar”). Yet, at the end, Yosef was able to consider the perspectives of his brothers and spoke to them in a heartfelt way. This is quite amazing, if indeed, Yosef was on the spectrum.
Doesn’t it the raise the questions, are there others in the Bible with disabilities ? And, if so, would society view their lives and accomplishments the same?
February 23, 2023
Is it really possible to analyze a biblical character? The text itself offers limited information, which means that these analytical works often either focus on a specific aspect of the story or use additional, non-biblical material to supplement and expand what is offered. Two new books explore the text in different ways: Ilana Pardes examines differing views of Ruth – Jewish and non-Jewish – that have occurred over the centuries in “Ruth: A Migrant’s Tale” (Yale University Press), while Samuel J. Levine offers a close look at the biblical story of Joseph in “Was Yosef on the Spectrum? Understanding Joseph Through Torah, Midrash, and Classical Jewish Sources” (Urim Publications) with the help of traditional Jewish texts.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/past...
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/past...
January 7, 2022
Read this because I was struck by the autistic tendencies of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Wanted to see if anyone else had noticed and in that process found this book.
Essentially, musical Joseph appears to be on the spectrum because it is loyal to its source material and Torah Yoseph (or Biblical Joseph for those who prefer), also shows these traits.
Fascinating reading as a teacher of children with autism and a former religious studies student.
Had to grab a Hebrew dictionary a couple of times (my Hebrew knowledge is zero), but otherwise a very accessible read
Wanted to see if anyone else had noticed and in that process found this book.
Essentially, musical Joseph appears to be on the spectrum because it is loyal to its source material and Torah Yoseph (or Biblical Joseph for those who prefer), also shows these traits.
Fascinating reading as a teacher of children with autism and a former religious studies student.
Had to grab a Hebrew dictionary a couple of times (my Hebrew knowledge is zero), but otherwise a very accessible read
March 20, 2019
don't have the medical knowledge to evaluate discussions of autism, but I found this book to be extremely interesting, if not downright fun. As other reviews point out, Levine shows how Joseph's behavior illustrates the combination of keen intelligence and lack of social skills found in some persons with autism. (In the interest of full disclosure, I note that he is a faculty colleague of mine, so I am anything but an impartial judge!)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews