Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 18:22 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:22 prohibits a specific type of intimate relationship between men, described as 'lying with a man as with a woman.' According to traditional Jewish interpretation (Rashi, Rambam), this refers to male homosexual relations, which the Torah classifies as a 'to’evah' (abomination). This is part of the Torah's moral and ethical laws given at Mount Sinai.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it is one of the 613 commandments (mitzvot) in the Torah. Orthodox Judaism views it as a divine prohibition that upholds the Torah’s framework for family and moral conduct. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) discusses its severity, and Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi’ah) includes it in the laws of forbidden relationships.
Q: How does Orthodox Judaism interpret 'to’evah' (abomination) in this verse?
A: The term 'to’evah' in this context refers to something that is morally and spiritually repugnant according to Torah law. Rashi explains that this act violates the natural order established by Hashem. However, Judaism also teaches that repentance (teshuvah) is always possible for any transgression, and every person has the capacity to grow spiritually.
Q: Does this verse apply to women as well?
A: The verse explicitly addresses male relations, but the Talmud (Yevamot 76a) and later halachic authorities (Rambam, Shulchan Aruch) also prohibit female homosexual relations based on broader Torah principles of moral conduct (darchei Emori) and the prohibition of imitating non-Jewish practices.
Q: How should Orthodox Jews relate to this verse today?
A: Orthodox Jews uphold this commandment as part of Torah law, believing it reflects Hashem’s will. At the same time, Judaism emphasizes compassion and respect for all people. The focus is on personal observance and spiritual growth while maintaining kindness and dignity in interpersonal relationships, as taught in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers).
Prohibition of Homosexual Relations
The verse "וְאֶת־זָכָר לֹא תִשְׁכַּב מִשְׁכְּבֵי אִשָּׁה תּוֹעֵבָה הִוא" (Vayikra 18:22) explicitly forbids male homosexual relations, classifying them as an תּוֹעֵבָה (abomination). This prohibition is one of the 365 negative commandments in the Torah.
Explanation from Rashi
Rashi explains that the phrase "מִשְׁכְּבֵי אִשָּׁה" refers to sexual relations that are characteristic of heterosexual intimacy. Thus, the verse prohibits a man from engaging in such relations with another man, as it is contrary to the natural order established by Hashem.
Rambam's Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:14), Rambam categorizes this prohibition as one of the איסורי עריות (forbidden sexual relationships). He emphasizes that this act is a severe transgression, punishable by כרת (spiritual excision) if done intentionally and with witnesses and warning.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Philosophical and Ethical Dimensions
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (commentary on Vayikra 18:22) explains that the Torah's prohibition is rooted in the sanctity of marriage and family structure. Homosexual relations undermine the divine blueprint for procreation and the complementary roles of man and woman as partners in building a holy household.
Halachic Implications
This prohibition is codified in Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 24), which states that such relations are forbidden under all circumstances, even if no physical act occurs. The severity is underscored by the fact that it is one of the few sins for which one must give up their life rather than transgress (yehareg v'al ya'avor in certain interpretations).