Deuteronomy 22:5 - Gender boundaries divinely ordained.

Deuteronomy 22:5 - דברים 22:5

Hebrew Text

לֹא־יִהְיֶה כְלִי־גֶבֶר עַל־אִשָּׁה וְלֹא־יִלְבַּשׁ גֶּבֶר שִׂמְלַת אִשָּׁה כִּי תוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ כָּל־עֹשֵׂה אֵלֶּה׃

English Translation

A woman shall not wear that which pertains to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination to the Lord thy God.

Transliteration

Lo-yihye kli-gever al-ishah ve-lo-yilbash gever simlat ishah ki toavat Adonai Eloheicha kol-oseh eleh.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־יִהְיֶ֤ה כְלִי־גֶ֙בֶר֙ עַל־אִשָּׁ֔ה וְלֹא־יִלְבַּ֥שׁ גֶּ֖בֶר שִׂמְלַ֣ת אִשָּׁ֑ה כִּ֧י תוֹעֲבַ֛ת יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ כׇּל־עֹ֥שֵׂה אֵֽלֶּה׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Cross-Dressing

The verse (Devarim 22:5) prohibits men from wearing women's clothing and women from wearing men's clothing, declaring such acts an "abomination to Hashem." This mitzvah is rooted in maintaining clear distinctions between genders, which is a fundamental principle in Jewish law (Halacha).

Explanation from Rashi

Rashi explains that this prohibition is not merely about clothing but extends to actions and appearances that blur gender distinctions. He cites the example of a woman wearing armor or carrying weapons (traditionally male roles) or a man adorning himself with women's jewelry. The concern is that such behavior could lead to immorality (Rashi on Devarim 22:5).

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:10), Rambam categorizes this prohibition under the laws against idolatrous practices. He suggests that cross-dressing was associated with ancient pagan rituals, and the Torah forbids it to distance the Jewish people from such customs.

Halachic Applications

  • Clothing: The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 182) rules that men and women must wear gender-appropriate clothing, avoiding styles that are distinctly associated with the opposite gender.
  • Behavior: The prohibition also includes imitating the mannerisms or activities traditionally associated with the opposite gender (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 542).
  • Exceptions: In cases of medical necessity or other pressing needs (e.g., disguise for safety), some poskim permit temporary cross-dressing (Teshuvot Chatam Sofer, Yoreh De'ah 182).

Underlying Principles

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 226) connects this mitzvah to the idea of tzeniut (modesty) and maintaining the sanctity of gender roles as designed by Hashem. The prohibition reinforces the Torah's emphasis on order and boundaries in creation, ensuring that men and women fulfill their unique spiritual missions without confusion.

Modern Halachic Considerations

Contemporary poskim, such as Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe, Even HaEzer 4:104), address scenarios like unisex clothing, ruling that garments commonly worn by both genders (e.g., certain types of pants or shirts) may be permissible if they are not exclusively associated with one gender in society.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nazir 59a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against cross-dressing and its implications for the laws of naziriteship.
📖 Sotah 44a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the boundaries of gender-specific clothing and the broader implications for Jewish law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 22:5 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 22:5 prohibits men and women from wearing clothing traditionally associated with the opposite gender. According to Rashi and Rambam, this verse teaches that we must maintain distinctions between genders in dress to uphold modesty and avoid blurring divinely ordained roles.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 22:5 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes boundaries for tzniut (modesty) and gender roles in Jewish law. The Talmud (Nazir 59a) and Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:10) explain that cross-dressing can lead to immoral behavior and violates the Torah's guidelines for maintaining holiness in daily life.
Q: How do Orthodox Jews apply Deuteronomy 22:5 today?
A: Orthodox Jews apply this verse by maintaining clear distinctions in men's and women's clothing styles. For example, men traditionally wear pants and women wear skirts or dresses. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 182) codifies these standards, and contemporary poskim (halachic decisors) provide guidance on modern applications while preserving Torah values.
Q: What's considered 'men's clothing' or 'women's clothing' according to this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish sources (like the Mishnah in Niddah 2:1 and Rambam's commentary) define gender-specific clothing based on the customary dress of Jewish communities. What's considered masculine or feminine can vary somewhat by culture and era, but the principle remains to follow the norms of one's community to fulfill this mitzvah properly.
Q: Does Deuteronomy 22:5 apply to costumes or theatrical performances?
A: The Mishnah Berurah (a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch) discusses that while there may be leniencies for Purim costumes under certain conditions, the general prohibition remains. Many contemporary rabbis advise maintaining gender-appropriate dress even during performances, unless there's a compelling mitzvah purpose (like a wedding celebration) and proper modesty is maintained.

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