Judaism and Homosexuality
LGBTQ Controversy and Advocacy within the Jewish Community
Unfortunately, it is a fact: people have hated the Jews for the 23 centuries of their existence. Antisemitism has undergone 400 years of slavery in Egypt, persevered through numerous massacres, and endured a genocide of 6,000,000 of its people. Yet, through all of its trials and tribulations, it is just as tenacious, and people still hate the Jews (1). Despite the persistent aversion Jews face, we are kicking harder than ever. The Jewish community is built upon such fierce strength and powerful faith that nobody can tear us down. Because of our troubled past, we have a heightened awareness and compassion for others whom suffer from oppression. In fact, Jewish people are acclaimed for publicly supporting a variety of minorities throughout history. Take the Civil Rights Movement, for example. Many Jews actively fought for Black citizens and worked with them to achieve equality. The LGBTQ community is another group that Jewish people have repeatedly advocated for; however, the holy scriptures of Judaism actually discourage homosexuality. As one can imagine, this contradiction calls upon a severe internal struggle (2). How can someone fight for a cause that his or her religion strictly prohibits? On the other hand, how can we shun a group of people in the same way we have been agonized? Many liberal minded Jews have struggled with the traditional Jewish position on homosexuality; therefore, the liberal denominations have debated numerous reasons for gays and lesbians to be integrated into the Jewish community. Empathy is a mighty force, and if taken to heart, can shed light on perspectives hidden to others.
Homosexual undertones have reoccurred on multiple occasions throughout Jewish history; however, Hebrew had no specific term for a “homosexual” but rather words to describe homosexual acts. Traditionally, Jewish texts clearly condemn gay intercourse (3). Consequently, some Jews believe that being gay is inherently wrong. On the other hand, many argue that as a social construct crafted after the torah was written, homosexuality is perfectly acceptable, and have not found justifiable reasoning to support the root of its prohibition. In general, the more liberal branches of Judaism including Reform and Conservative in comparison to Orthodox are more accepting of its LGBTQ followers (4). Of course, each Jew has their own beliefs, but in general, the liberal denominations are more lenient when it comes to the interpretation of the Jewish scriptures whereas Orthodox Jews tend to interpret it literally (5).
The basis of the condemnation of homosexual acts derives from two biblical verses in Leviticus (6):
“Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is an abhorrence” (Leviticus 18:22).
“If a man lies with a male as one lies with a woman, the two of them have done an abhorrent thing; they shall be put to death — their bloodguilt is upon them” (Leviticus 20:13).
Although it is pretty clear cut, the Torah gives no basis for this commandment. Naturally, to support their cherished book, Jews have searched for the rationality behind the prohibition of mishkav zakhar (homosexuality acts). Some refer to the story of Sodom when men in the town try to rape the male visitors at Lot’s house. Even so, it is an illegitimate reason for God to ban consensual gay sex based on rape. Other Jews look to the Deuteronomy verse, “No Israelite woman shall be a cult prostitute, nor shall any Israelite man be a cult prostitute” (Deuteronomy 23:18). At the time, hetero and homosexual cultic prostitution was a normal aspect of society. I don’t know about you, but cultic prostitution is not really a part of my schedule anymore. I would hope it is no longer an appropriate exemplar for modern homosexuality for anyone (3).
Even though numerous scholars have not found strong justifications behind the prohibition of homosexuality after thorough research, discussions, and unraveling of holy scriptures, many Jews remain unwaveringly loyal to the word of their holy God. They assert that homosexuality is banned because procreation is impossible (6). Additionally, others have defined homosexual acts as unnatural: such behavior threatens the Jewish family ideal of marriage and children as described in the Torah (3).
Aside from looking to the specific text in the Torah for justifications of why homosexuality is wrong, Jews have regarded other sources as well. Still, they have not found acceptable reasoning. As stated above, many employ that homosexuality is not banned, but rather, homosexual acts. Technically, if one does not engage in his or her gay desires, he or she is not technically breaking Halakhah (Jewish law) (3). Additionally, various Jews argue that Judaism grants sexuality a purpose above and beyond procreation and acknowledges its pleasurable aspect. Heck, being fruitful and multiplying is all well and good, but even the Talmud (a central text of Judaism consisting of commentary of Jewish history and law) explains in great detail how husbands should pleasure their wives (7). Another reason Jewish authorities have come up with to rationalize homosexuality is that people do not have any control over whom they are attracted to. A halakhic term “ahnoos” refers to someone who has no physical control to respond to a command. In Judaism, individuals only have to follow religious obligations if he or she has the freedom to choose. Therefore, since homosexuality is not a matter of choice, its expression cannot break a law (6).
Of course, rabbis have also interpreted sources in ways that support the anti-gay perspective. For starters, rabbinic literature automatically assumes that Jews are heterosexual. The Talmud very plainly states “Israel is not suspected of homosexuality.” If the Talmud does not even consider the possibility of Jews being gay, it must be out of the question. Additionally, the Shulhan Arukh (a foundational work of Jewish law from the 16th century) advises that a male should not be alone with another male because of erotism “in our times” (3).
The dispute of whether or not homosexuality is accepted in Judaism continues to be a controversial issue among as well as within the denominations of Judaism. Based on the different reasonings Jews have come up with, each branch’s views are more or less as follows: Reform Jews are full fledge yay gay and most rabbis marry same sex couples (4). Conservative Jews are on the bandwagon to getting there but still slightly hesitant- some rabbis will officiate homosexual weddings whereas other will not (8). Lastly, Orthodox are the least likely to recognize, let alone affirm, same sex relationships (9). With that being said, free will is a thing so every congregation can decide whether or not to embrace sexuality despite the majority opinion.
In response to their acceptance of homosexuality, in the 1970s as the gay rights movement was taking its course, Conservative and Reform movements joined the fight for civil equality. The CCAR, the Reform movement’s rabbinical council, pioneered the battle for gay rights and integration within the Jewish community. In 1977, it created a document to sanction homosexual sex and to terminate discrimination based on orientation (5). At the same time, Reform rabbinical schools started permitting openly gay people to enroll while rabbis were marrying same sex couples left and right. According to Daniel Siegel, the Rabbinic Director of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, “holiness should not be limited only to certain people and certain relationships” (6). Also in 1975, the first association for the promotion of gay rights was established in Israel, and in 1979, gay rights activists held their first demonstration in Tel Aviv. Eventually, in 1988, Israel abolished its sodomy laws (9). Since then, LGBTQ acceptance and rights within Judaism have escalated faster than escalators themselves. According to Rabbi Debra Kolodny,
“Twenty-five years ago fewer than a dozen Jewish clergy publicly identified as LGBTQ. Today 200 rabbis, cantors, rabbinic pastors and clergy students in every denomination lead congregations, teach at universities, lead and teach at seminaries, run Jewish organizations, manage chaplaincy departments at hospitals and more” (4).
Everything in life is grey. Nothing is absolute. If you tried hard enough, there is always a counter argument to be found; however, why not lean towards a side that encourages acceptance and love? Do not get me wrong- I am not condemning nor invalidating anyone’s opinions, yet simply stating my own. I believe change comes from courage and empathy. Even though it technically goes against Jewish law, countless Jews have dug deep to find loopholes permitting homosexuality as a result of an internal struggle. After all, Judaism was found upon the belief to treat others the way you want to be treated. Because of those brave souls who joined the cause to overcome oppression and achieve equality, millions of people can safely be themselves and love freely.
References:
(1) Brown, Michael L. “Why Have Jewish People Been So Hated?” Voice of Revolution. April 20,2017. http://www.voiceofrevolution.com/2009/02/11/why-have-jewish-people-been-so-hated-and-persecuted-through-the-centuries/)
(2) Zelizer, Gerald L. “Conservative rabbis, their movement, and American Judaism.” Judaism: A Quarterly Journal of Jewish Life and Thought 44, no. 3 (1995): 292+. Academic OneFile. April 16, 2017. http://dbsearch.fredonia.edu:2048/loginurl=http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.dop=AONE&sw=w&u=sunyfredonia&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA17422966&asid=66dfeae2c9bd1921403bdc06187ca68c.
(3) Gold, Rabbi Michael. “Homosexuality and Halakhah.” My Jewish Learning. April 16, 2017. http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/homosexuality-and-halakhah/
(4) St. John, Stevie. “What Does Judaism Say About LGBT People?” Advocate. April 16, 2017. http://www.advocate.com/politics/religion/2014/12/03/what-does-judaism-say-about-lgbt-people
(5) Richman, Elizabeth. “Ordaining Gays and Lesbians: Denominational Approaches.” My Jewish Learning. April 20, 2017. http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/ordaining-gays-and-lesbians-denominational-approaches/
(6) My Jewish Learning Staff. “Jewish Views on Homosexuality.” My Jewish Learning. April 16, 2017. http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/homosexuality-in-jewish-thought/
(7) Yedwab, Paul. “Traditional Sources on Sexual Pleasure.” My Jewish Learning. April 24, 2017. http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/traditional-sources-on-sexual-pleasure/
(8) Shapiro, Edward S. “The crisis of conservative Judaism: conservative Jews face decline and division.” First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, no. 233 (2013): 27+. Academic OneFile. April 16, 2017. http://dbsearch.fredonia.edu:2048/loginurl=http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.dop=AONE&sw=w&u=sunyfredonia&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA328162476&asid=a8a41a63f86aef87207dd93be9c7d4d7.
(9). Gilan, Elod. “Judaism and Homosexuality: A Brief History.” Haaretz. April 24, 2017. http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/features/.premium-1.722822
