Does Judaism really recognize multiple genders? What scholars say about gender in scripture

In the wake of LGBTQ+ legislation and the rise of gender issues in modern conversation, many Oklahomans have turned to scripture for guidance.

In a recent letter to the editor, a retired reverend in Yukon noted that the Jewish faith recognizes at least six genders without prejudice. And because Jesus was Jewish, those teachings may come into play for Christians considering how to think about gender issues today, the reverend writes.

So what do scholars say about genders and Judaism?

Sacred Jewish texts reflect multiple genders

In a New York Times column, Rabbi Elliot Kukla, who is transgender nonbinary, writes that Judaism's most sacred tests reflect a multiplicity of gender. These designations are considered during discussions of marriage, inheritance, holidays, ritual leadership and more.

"When a child was born in the ancient Jewish world it could be designated as a boy, a girl, a 'tumtum' (who is neither clearly male nor female), or an 'androgynos' (who has both male and female characteristics) based on physical features," Kukla writes.

Two other gender designations could be formed later in life, Kukla said. The “aylonit” is considered female at birth, but develops in an atypical direction. The “saris” is designated male at birth, but later becomes a eunuch.

"There is not an exact equivalence between these ancient categories and modern gender identities. Some of these designations are based on biology, some on a person’s role in society," Kukla writes.

Kukla also notes that in the Mishna, the oldest and most authoritative source of Jewish legal theory, anyone who kills or harms an androgynos — either accidentally or on purpose — is subject to the same ramifications as someone who hurts a man or woman.

What genders does Judaism recognize?

Scholars recognize at least six genders in sacred texts, though some scholars count natural development and development through human intervention in the Ay'lonit and Saris categories as separate genders, bringing the total to eight, writes Rachel Scheinerman in an article in the nonprofit Jewish lifestyle website My Jewish Learning.

1. Zachar (זָכָר): This term is related from the word for memory, and it is usually translated as "male" in English.

2. Nekevah (נקבה): This term is derived from the word for a crevice. It is usually translated as "female" in English.

3. Androgynos (אנדרוגינוס): A person who has both "male" and "female" physical sexual characteristics. There are 149 references in Mishnah and Talmud (1st–8th centuries); 350 in classical midrash and Jewish law codes (2nd–16th centuries).

4. Tumtum (טומטום): A person whose sexual characteristics are indeterminate or obscured. There are 181 references in the Mishnah and Talmud; 335 in classical midrash and Jewish law codes. Rabbi Meir says this term differs from "Androgynos" in that the term refers to "sometimes a man and sometimes a woman". Unlike the Androgynos, the Tumtum's gender can be revealed to be either male or female and as such has different roles under Jewish Law. Some Rabbis believe Abraham and Sarah were described to be Tumtum, unable to conceive before God intervened.

5. Ay'lonit (איילונית): A female who does not develop secondary sex characteristics at puberty and is assumed infertile. Some scholars count natural development (Aylonit hamah) and development through human intervention (Aylonit hamah) as separate genders.

6. Saris (סריס): A male who does not develop secondary sex characteristics at puberty or has their sex characteristics removed, either naturally or through human intervention. Some scholars count natural development (Saris hamah) and development through human intervention (Saris hamah) as separate genders.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Does Judaism really recognize 6 genders? What experts say