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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
📚 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.
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
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.