Biblical Connections Between Illicit Relations & Illicit Protests - Acharai Mot

In this episode of Truths Jewish Wisdom host Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman delves into an often-cited yet deeply contested portion of the Torah: Leviticus chapter 18, the chapter that lays down the foundations of forbidden marriages, famously known for its controversial stance on incestuous relationships and homosexuality.

This particular chapter has profoundly influenced Western society, serving as the bedrock of Judeo-Christian values. However, its principles have been heavily debated, especially in recent decades, raising important questions about sexual morality and cultural norms. Despite the contention, it's critical to understand the context in which these laws were introduced to the Israelites and how they have been challenged over time.

Leviticus chapter 18 begins with a clear directive from God to Moses, emphasizing His authority with the repeated phrase, "I am the Lord your God." The preamble sets the stage for the detailed prohibitions to follow, instructing the Israelites to refrain from adopting the customs of the Egyptians and Canaanites, cultures known for their permissive attitudes toward incest and other sexual behaviors.

Levi argues that in a time where incestuous relationships and homosexual behavior were common, the Israelites found it challenging to abandon their practices and adhere to these new moral laws. God's authority was necessary to persuade them, emphasizing that these rules were not arbitrary but divinely ordained for their well-being. Levi suggests that the guiding principle, "v'chai b'hem" (and you should live by them), implies that adhering to these statutes would lead to a sustainable, healthy society, which stands in contrast to the destructive behaviors of the surrounding cultures.

The episode argues that the Torah emphasizes the importance of boundaries, distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate relationships., a clarity is crucial for fostering a sustainable society, where strong family structures and defined property rights underpin prosperity and order. The postmodern world often blurs these boundaries, leading to confusion around sexual identities and property rights. Recent protests on university campuses, where private property has been disregarded, reflect this erosion of boundaries and highlight the contemporary relevance of these ancient teachings.

The narrative of Leviticus chapter 18 offers a moral framework for understanding the importance of maintaining clear distinctions in society. While these laws initially relied on divine authority, we now have centuries of lived experience showing that Marxism and Communism fails while democracy and capitalism sustains, and that reinforces this wisdom. Our historical perspective shows that respecting these boundaries fosters sustainable communities, and disregarding them leads to social disarray.

In this episode, we examine how this ancient text still holds contemporary relevance, urging us to challenge the postmodern ideologies that blur these vital boundaries. 

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.