Today’s announcement seeking to define gender as strictly binary may feel, to many, like an erasure of their identity and lived experience. Not only does such edict contradict the diversity and complexity of the human existence but as is also recognized in our own Jewish values and tradition, it also distracts from the much greater work of healing and uniting our country.
The Talmud, teaches us that humanity is not confined to a binary understanding of gender. Our sages recognized categories beyond male and female, acknowledging the sacredness of those whose existence defies simple labels. Our sacred text outlines at least six gender categories:
1. Zachar (זכר) - Male.
2. Nekeivah (נקבה) - Female.
3. Androgynos (אנדרוגינוס) - A person with both male and female physical characteristics.
4. Tumtum (טומטום) - A person whose sexual characteristics are indeterminate or obscured.
5. Ay’lonit (איילונית) - A person identified as female at birth but who does not develop typical female characteristics and is often infertile.
6. Saris (סריס) - A person identified as male at birth but who does not develop typical male characteristics, either naturally or through intervention.
These categories demonstrate a nuanced understanding of gender and biology in our teachings. They affirm what many have always known: the image of G-d, b’tzelem Elohim is reflected in the fact that humanity is vast and beautiful in diversity.
To anyone who feels unseen, unvalued, or erased by this decision, know that you are not alone. You are created —in the divine image, whole and holy as you are. You are deserving of dignity, respect, and love, and no human decree can diminish that truth.
Let us recommit ourselves to the Jewish value of “Lo Ta'amod” standing up for the oppressed, creating spaces of safety and affirmation, and holding fast to the belief that all of us—every single one of us—reflect the infinite wisdom of our Creator.
#inaguration2025 #loveislove
The Talmud, teaches us that humanity is not confined to a binary understanding of gender. Our sages recognized categories beyond male and female, acknowledging the sacredness of those whose existence defies simple labels. Our sacred text outlines at least six gender categories:
1. Zachar (זכר) - Male.
2. Nekeivah (נקבה) - Female.
3. Androgynos (אנדרוגינוס) - A person with both male and female physical characteristics.
4. Tumtum (טומטום) - A person whose sexual characteristics are indeterminate or obscured.
5. Ay’lonit (איילונית) - A person identified as female at birth but who does not develop typical female characteristics and is often infertile.
6. Saris (סריס) - A person identified as male at birth but who does not develop typical male characteristics, either naturally or through intervention.
These categories demonstrate a nuanced understanding of gender and biology in our teachings. They affirm what many have always known: the image of G-d, b’tzelem Elohim is reflected in the fact that humanity is vast and beautiful in diversity.
To anyone who feels unseen, unvalued, or erased by this decision, know that you are not alone. You are created —in the divine image, whole and holy as you are. You are deserving of dignity, respect, and love, and no human decree can diminish that truth.
Let us recommit ourselves to the Jewish value of “Lo Ta'amod” standing up for the oppressed, creating spaces of safety and affirmation, and holding fast to the belief that all of us—every single one of us—reflect the infinite wisdom of our Creator.
#inaguration2025 #loveislove