Essay on Jewish Ethics
Contraception and Homosexuality
Within the contexts of Judaism sexual relations are not considered shameful, sinful or obsene, but rather it is seen as fulfillment of the commandment to “go forth and multiply” and a way to deepen the commitment between husband and wife. According to Jewish practice, marriage is the only framework for which sexual activity may take place because it provides the sense of commitment and social responsibility. The legally bounded torah is a direct expression of the sexual ethic behavior which holds the Jewish communities together. The torah provides substantiation for the orthodox view on homosexuality, contraception, adultery and pre-marital sex. However, the liberal view on sexual ethics is a reflection of Jewish history and oppression.
Holistically, the consideration of homosexuality is different among the variants of Judaism. The Jewish response to homosexuality is varied but is closely linked to the torah. Traditionally jews view homosexuality as a sinful act as stated in Leviticus, “ do not lie with a man as on lies with a women; that is detestable”. Leviticus describes homosexuality as an “abomination” and this establishes the stance of orthodox or Hasidic jews. Sexual relations to traditional jews is for procreation because as the book of genisi states “ have many children so that your descendants will live over all the earth”. Genesis also establishes that the suitable companion for man is women and this is so to fulfill the commandment of human “to go forth and multiply”. Clearly to fundamental and orthodox jews homosexuality is morally wrong as it contradicts the laws of the torah and the purpose and nature of creation. It is outlawed and according to the torah the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of their unnatural homosexual behavior.
However, liberal Jews belief that the image of god is reflected on every human being and thus everyone should be cherished and affirmed by their faith and community.
Within the contexts of Judaism sexual relations are not considered shameful, sinful or obsene, but rather it is seen as fulfillment of the commandment to “go forth and multiply” and a way to deepen the commitment between husband and wife. According to Jewish practice, marriage is the only framework for which sexual activity may take place because it provides the sense of commitment and social responsibility. The legally bounded torah is a direct expression of the sexual ethic behavior which holds the Jewish communities together. The torah provides substantiation for the orthodox view on homosexuality, contraception, adultery and pre-marital sex. However, the liberal view on sexual ethics is a reflection of Jewish history and oppression.
Holistically, the consideration of homosexuality is different among the variants of Judaism. The Jewish response to homosexuality is varied but is closely linked to the torah. Traditionally jews view homosexuality as a sinful act as stated in Leviticus, “ do not lie with a man as on lies with a women; that is detestable”. Leviticus describes homosexuality as an “abomination” and this establishes the stance of orthodox or Hasidic jews. Sexual relations to traditional jews is for procreation because as the book of genisi states “ have many children so that your descendants will live over all the earth”. Genesis also establishes that the suitable companion for man is women and this is so to fulfill the commandment of human “to go forth and multiply”. Clearly to fundamental and orthodox jews homosexuality is morally wrong as it contradicts the laws of the torah and the purpose and nature of creation. It is outlawed and according to the torah the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of their unnatural homosexual behavior.
However, liberal Jews belief that the image of god is reflected on every human being and thus everyone should be cherished and affirmed by their faith and community.