Have You Been Led Astray?
Daily Study of the Noahide Code of Laws
By Sarah Bakker
The Divine Code for January 3, 2023
Today: Pages 395 - 396
Part 1 Lev. 18:22 - guard that image.
(1) Lev. 18:22 is an oft-quoted prohibition involving homosexuality: ''You [males] shall not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; it is a to'eviah (abomination).''
This verse unequivocally prohibits homosexual activities as an abomination to G-d.
However, as explained by the Talmud, the word to'eviah can also be viewed as an acronym for three other Hebrew words: ''to'eh, attah, bah,'' which means ''you have been led astray.'' Read that way, the term to'eivah transmits an urgent spiritual imperative while simultaneously providing instruction and support for the redemptive process of growth. After all, if someone is led astray, is making a mistake, or is even deliberately transgressing, the Torah teaches that G-d provides a process to transform oneself and the behavior that needs correction. It is called teshuvah (repentance).
What is teshuvah? It is an internal, transformational process in which behavior change becomes the desired outcome. It involves a rebirthing of the soul, a returning to the undefiled spiritual state in which the person was created, and a process by which a person undertakes a solemn commitment to live in accordance with G-d's will once it becomes known to him.
By Sarah Bakker
Reading schedule of the Divine Code
Yesterday's Study Topic: Part VI - sexual morality
Tomorrow's Study Topic: (4) in Lev.18:24 -and holiness.
Curious about the whole page? You can read it in The Divine Code.
Sources: The Divine Code (4th edition) by Rabbi Moshe Weiner
Sarah Bakker is a blog writer and illustrator for the Noahide Academy. After a difficult time, she found Judaism. She has been a Noahide for many years and uses her experiences and knowledge combined with her creative talents to help others.
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