Volu m e II - Purdue University Calumet

female sexuality because of its threat to the spirituality of men” (Plaskow 58). However, this notion of
dominance becomes ambiguous in homosexual couples because in a male-male relationship, both individuals
are considered dominant, and within a female-female relationship, both are considered subordinate. Due to
this rejection of traditional roles in intimate relationships, Judaism asserts that homosexuality is, in fact, a
sin. Furthermore, the absence of clear and identifiable traditional Jewish gender roles within homosexual
relationships leads to discussion regarding the duties of females in the household and male’s personal
responsibility to daily prayer, which have been set forth through halakhah. These traditional values and
duties would be lost, according to those who oppose homosexuality, in same-sex intimate relationships,
which in turn would undermine the foundations of Judaism.
Plaskow notes that sexuality is not the only aspect of an intimate relationship. Traditionally, the
Jewish community has only taken into consideration the texts that have addressed the intimate practices that
are deemed unfit and unethical. However, the Torah addresses other elements that are equally important in
terms of intimate relationships. Dynamics that have been reflected upon in the Torah that constitute a
healthy relationship include “forming ethical relationships, creating community, and ensuring social justice”
(Plaskow 196). By ignoring these texts and the elements they present, the Jewish community silences and
undermines appropriate and important traditional Jewish views regarding intimate relationships that serve
not only the individual, but also society as a whole. This approach “fails to view sexuality as just one
dimension of human relationship,” and instead treats sexual intimacy as the primary foundation and purpose
of a relationship (Plaskow 196). In addition, the focus on sexuality as troublesome creates the necessity for
strict regulation (Plaskow196). Instead of placing importance on the positive aspects of sexual intimacy,
Judaism concentrates on the negative. This not only marginalizes individuals who do not agree with
traditional Jewish beliefs, but it also fails to provide a model of a healthy and ethical relationship for
homosexual Jews. With this limited viewpoint, Plaskow observes that it will be difficult for the traditional
values of Judaism to be re-evaluated in order to form a more inclusive religion.
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