Judaism’s View on Sexuality

Jessica Zalkin
KOACH Intern
Binghamton University

Welcome to North America in the 21^st century. Our daily lives as college students, or just citizens, revolve around sex. Sex is spoken about so freely now that there is some confusion about where Judaism stands on some points. Sexual activity isn’t forbidden, it’s actually encouraged. Homosexuality isn’t outlawed either, it’s the physical act that is frowned upon.

As we all know, man was made in the image of God, "And God saw all that He made, and found it very good" (Gen. 1:30). Sexual activity is included in this goodness. God goes on to tell Adam and Eve to procreate and populate the earth, "Be fertile and increase, fill the earth and master it" (Gen. 1:28). Since sexual activity is part of God’s creation, it must be good. While Christianity teaches that sex is forbidden, or sinful, Judaism always taught that sexual activity is a wonderful part of God’s creation.

There are two general categories into which Judaism divides sexuality: procreation and marriage. Of course, sexual activity might take place outside of marriage, but scholarly texts don’t approve of this. Marriage is the only acceptable environment in which to engage in sexual activity. It is seen as special, set apart from procreation, because of the sacred responsibilities a husband and wife only have with each other. They care for each other and their offspring and they are obligated to teach their children Jewish laws and tradition.

Another reason marriage is important in Judaism is because it gives a strong central structure for continuing our traditions, teaching morals and values. Judaism doesn’t limit sexual intercourse to married people to be old-fashioned. The world is changing so rapidly that Judaism is simply trying to keep up with the times without completely forgetting the past and the laws that have been passed down to us. 

Sexual activity outside of marriage raises a few questions due to our modern, scientific life. Those who conceive out of wedlock have to face the question of whether to abort the baby, to carry it and give birth only to give it up for adoption, or to raise it by one or both of the unmarried parents.  

Homosexuality is also a topic of current conversation. It’s important to establish the point that Jewish law does not teach that it is forbidden to be a homosexual. Judaism does not aim to change one’s feelings or thoughts; it is the physical act itself that is prohibited. The Torah forbids the homosexual act, but has nothing to say about homosexuality as a state of being or about an individual’s personal feelings.  

The general misconception about homosexual acts comes from two verses in Leviticus. "Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is an abhorrence" (Lev. 18:22) and "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" (Lev. 20:13). There is no reason given in the Torah for this commandment. Some rabbis believe that homosexuality is prohibited because it is impossible to conceive.

Judaism’s views on sexuality may seem old-fashioned, but that’s where Judaism meets modern society. What we must learn from these sources about Judaism’s view on sexuality is that sex is meant to be enjoyable. It is also an experience that is sacred and should be respected.

[Posted 12/3/04]