Since male anal sex is called a toevah (abomination) in the Torah, doesn’t it mean that it is an ethical evil that goes against Jewish hashkafa (morality)?

  • “Toeva” is a commonly misunderstood word. In the Torah (bible) eating shellfish and wearing shatnez (cloth containing wool and linen) are also called a “toevah”. However, one would be hard-pressed to label wearing a combination of linen and wool, or eating shrimp, as unethical or immoral.  
  • It’s important to understand that while according to many interpretations, male homosexual behavior may be a biblical prohibition, there is no reason to think that it is immoral, dirty, or harmful.
  • We simply do not know why some things are prohibited in the Torah. It is this mystery that allows us to be humble and non-judgmental when it comes to biblical adherence and understanding.