Setting the Stage for Pluralistic Judaism
Setting the Stage for Pluralistic Judaism
Parashat Beha’alotecha (Numbers 8:1–12:16)
This chapter discusses a reading of Parashat Beha'alotecha of Numbers showing how Moses assigned some elders political duties. He gathered seventy elders to whom God had granted the spirit of prophecy, and commissioned them to speak for God. Moses' decision was a message of acceptance and inclusion. Moses reached out and included everyone, contrary to the normative voice of the tradition which extols and protects the power of the hierarchy. Considering this context, the parasha indicate that the LGBT people, as well as women have the rights of communal integration and leadership. Hence, one's homosexuality is not a reason to limit access to religious leadership or to sexual intimacy.
Keywords: Parashat Beha'alotecha, Numbers, Moses, communal integration, religious leadership, sexual intimacy
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