Gender & Sexuality

Jewish views on hot topics.

Attitudes have shifted dramatically in recent decades, with sharp differences between the Orthodox and liberal movements.

Debates about the role of women in Jewish life.

Hair Coverings for Married Women

Why some Orthodox women cover their hair, whether with wigs, hats or scarves.

Judaism has an overwhelmingly positive attitude toward sex.

Ancient and modern readings of the Bible and Talmud suggest that several personalities may have defied gender and sexuality norms.

Judaism has recognized nonbinary persons for millennia.

Tweaking the traditional rituals and blessings for LGBT wedding ceremonies.

How much do you know about Jewish perspectives on sex?

Jewish tradition embraces love and sex as part of the human drive for holiness.

What the Bible, Talmud and other classic texts say about women and their roles.

Jewish feminist thought seeks to create theological narratives that merge Judaism with feminist values.

The Torah doesn't explicitly outlaw sex before marriage, but it doesn't approve of it either.

How much do you know about LGBTQ Jewish history?

Efforts to make the community more compassionate have stopped short of sanctioning gay relationships.