- Halacha
- General Questions
Question
Thank you for answering my question, Rabbi Ari. If I may ask, why is homosexuality forbidden in the Torah?
Answer
The 613 Torah mitzvot include both chukim (mitzvot which are seemingly difficult to understand) and mishpatim (mitzvot which we can readily understand). It's important to stress that the more one learns Torah and the benefits of the mitzvot, many chukim, for him, turn into mishpatim. There also may occasionally be the opposite, that a mitzva which was always seen as beneficial and logical (e.g. the prohibition on homosexuality), all of a sudden is seen in the western world as a "chok", which is still just as prohibited, but some may say they don't see why. Either way, our loving Father says that such mitzvot are beneficial for the individual and society, and must be obeyed, whether we understand or agree or not, for the ideals of the Torah are eternal.
As we explained, sexual attraction is a beautiful Godly drive, meant to be used positively to build a family, establish continuation of the generations and the world, and help provide meaningful companionship with the other gender, who’s difference is meant to complete and help us, providing and teaching us in that which we lack. This is a basic lesson in humility and tolerance. There is uniqueness and beauty in femininity, just as there is in masculinity, and synthesizing the two is the most basic understanding of how the world runs. Just as in philosophy, we start with a thesis, then learn the anti-thesis, and then rise to synthesis, which takes the best and positive from both. Just as if a person would have a sexual attraction to his sister or an animal, he is meant to overcome it and direct that drive or urge towards a positive, creative and constructive venue, to aid developing a lasting, meaningful and loving family life with mutual love, companionship and partnership, shared and expressed in the ultimate in love: the birth of common children born out of love and creating more and more love and giving. "Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother, and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. " (Breishit 2, 24).
But again, even if someone were to disagree or see things differently than God, we humbly bow and accept His eternal knowledge and mitzvot as seen in His Torah, the ultimate in truth and advice.