Like Bread on the Seder Plate: Jewish Lesbians and the Transformation of Tradition

by Rebecca T. Alpert

This text explores what it is like to be part of both the lesbian and Jewish communities, suggesting ways in which lesbians can reconcile these seemingly discordant elements of their identity. It advocates the acceptance of lesbians into the Jewish tradition by offering new interpretations of the Torah traditionally regarded as prohibitive of homosexuality. The book counters the millenia of Midrashim (scholarly comment on the Torah) condemning gays and lesbians, by examining the culture of biblical lawgivers and the culture of the commentators themselves.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Queer, LGBT, Religion, Nonfiction, Lesbian

224 pages, Hardcover

First published December 15, 1997

Reviews

[Kaiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely dated and some of the dated parts were a bit jarring ("transgendered" instead of "transgender", the stark line she draws between bi women and lesbian's experiences, the fact that being denied marriage is such a huge issue which we no longer deal with here), but I really enjoyed it and the arguments she made were thoughtful and compelling, I think.

[Abi (The Knights Who Say Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. This book goes beyond examining Jewish religious texts on lesbianism to suggest new interpretations, ways of living Jewishly, and adding to tradition.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though written (apparently) for a somewhat limited audience, Rabbi Alpert's ideas are of benefit to all. She says "to find what is written between the lines has been the essence of Midrashic interpretations throughout the ages". As she calls for more modern commentaries on various texts with interpretations more in tune with modern times she is essentially asking people to be understanding of others. After presenting the problem and pointing out troubling texts Rabbi Alpert provides a "Jewish Lesbian Interpretation of Torah" and continues with a chapter on each of the 'principles' found in Micah 6:8 - do justice, love well, and walk modestly with God - in reverse order explaining how each relates to the other. Just before her conclusion Rabbi Alpert has chapters which contain glimpses of various women as well as the treatment of lesbianism in various literary works of the 20th century.