I would be lying if I said that the two verses about homosexuality in Leviticus didn't upset me. I struggle to reconcile them with my life everyday. However, this past week's Torah portion, Breishis, has a verse that speaks more directly to Judaism's view of life, love, and relationships than do the verses in Leviticus. After creating Adam, G-d says, "It is not good for man to be alone." G-d then proceeds to present Adam with all the animals of the world, but Adam "did not find a helper corresponding to him (עזר כנגדו)." Consequently, G-d creates woman and Adam is satisfied.
Yes, Leviticus prohibits one specific sexual act between two men, but Genesis establishing a much broader and more fundamental principle of Judaism: It is not good for man to be alone. For gay men who have absolutely no attraction to women, our options are either to spend our lives alone or to find another man, an עזר כנגדו, with whom we can establish a loving Jewish home and help each other grow in the sevice of G-d.
Reconciling Genesis and Leviticus is not so simple, but internalizing the lessons of Genesis is the first step in this process.
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2 comments:
When evaluating the psukim you cross-reference, you must consider the language used in each one. The primary (though not the only) flaw in your logic is that you have somehow reasoned that "it is not good" is somehow an illustration of a more basic and fundamental principle than "abomination." Clearly, the Torah chooses to place an emphasis on the severity of the latter. If the former is so broad and fundamental, as you say, why would the same care not be given to its language?
Even if the Torah IS referring to gay couples having sex--and I don't believe that for a second--there is no question it's not as big of a deal as me posting this message during shabbos.
FGJ, I think your ideas are totally valid, and I take them even further.
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