Rabbi Andrew Jacobs

This week, I wrestle with one of the most troubling and offensive verses in the Torah: “Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman. It is an abhorrence.” (Leviticus 18:22) He explains that, like the ancient rabbis, we must appreciate that “the Torah is not in heaven.” It belongs to us. We must look at this verse through the lenses of compassion, justice, and inclusivity. In doing so, we chose love over exclusion and build welcoming, affirming communities like RSBI.