"Recently, a policy was enacted at the federal level  Executive Order 14166, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. " that limits the recognition of gender to a strict binary: male and female, defined solely by biological sex assigned at birth. This policy has significant implications for members of our congregation whose gender identities do not fit neatly into such categories. It denies their lived experiences, diminishes their dignity, and undermines their sacred worth.

Under this policy, transgender and nonbinary individuals may face increased barriers to accessing healthcare, legal documentation that reflects their identities, and protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and education. It sends a message that their identities are invalid, relegating them to the margins of society. For our community members affected by this policy, this is not merely a legal or political issue—it is deeply personal, touching on their ability to live authentically and with dignity.

Jewish tradition has long recognized that humanity is complex and diverse. The Mishnah  (Bikkurim 4:1-5)  and Talmud ( Yevamot 83b, Shabbat 134b, Eruvin 18a)  discuss categories beyond the binary male and female, such as androgynous (a person with both male and female characteristics) and tumtum (a person whose sexual characteristics are indeterminate or obscured). Eruvin 18a, recounts that Adam HaRishon, the first human, was created as an androgynous being, citing Genesis 1:27: “Male and female He created them.” This suggests that humanity’s original state encompassed a spectrum of genders, a theological basis for embracing diversity.

These texts affirm that our ancestors acknowledged the diversity of human embodiment and sought to create space for those who did not fit traditional categories. This position continues to be held by the Reform Movement as articulated in the  Central Conference of American Rabbis Resolution on advocation for transgender people .  

This policy decision of the current federal government is more than a legal definition; it is a denial of the sacred worth of people we love and hold dear in our community. As Jews, we know all too well the pain of exclusion and the dangers of policies that erase the identity of a people.

In 2023, in my Rosh Hashanah Sermon I spoke about Abraham’s hand, lifted in the story of the Akedah, the binding of Isaac. That hand, poised between obedience and transformation, symbolized a choice—a choice to affirm life, to pursue progress, and to lift future generations into a world of possibility. I said then:

“Here is my oath to you: Congregation Shalom will always balance our rich heritage while adapting to meet the needs of our children. And we will proudly be inclusive of all the Isaacs of the past and the future. We need a Judaism that is willing to be a light unto the nations amidst a world that is too easily backsliding into intolerance, bigotry, and pettiness. A world where too many are cut down for their beliefs, their loves, or their identities.”

In the history of our congregation, we have consistently advocated for our values. From hiring Wisconsin’s first female rabbi and its first female cantor to affirming marriage equality and signing on to lawsuits supporting same-sex marriage, these actions were grounded in the profound belief that our Judaism must evolve to meet the needs of the present while honoring the wisdom of the past.

It was not an easy decision to comment on this policy, especially given the fraught and divisive nature of political discourse today. As a congregation, we strive to focus on our shared values and the sacred work of building an inclusive and compassionate community, rather than commenting on every political decision. While I believe it is important to approach any new administration with understanding and a willingness to engage constructively, this policy directly affects the well-being and dignity of members of our congregation and the broader community. Judaism teaches us to protect the vulnerable and affirm the sacred worth of every individual, created b’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God. When policies threaten these core principles, we have a moral obligation to speak out.

This is a complex issue, and we recognize that it may be challenging for members of our congregation. We also acknowledge that discussions surrounding gender can intersect with other important societal concerns, such as the progress made in advancing women’s rights, which can add layers of nuance to this conversation. Our shared commitment to Jewish values—inclusivity, compassion, and justice—can guide us as we navigate this moment together.

If you have questions, wish to share your thoughts, or want to participate in learning opportunities that will deepen our collective understanding, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Let us move forward together, united by our sacred responsibility to affirm the dignity and worth of all people."

But unfortunately not all Americans are wise as this Rabbi.  Some who consider Trump a kind of demigod are easily swayed by his subtle direction to act as if commanded, such as what occurred on January 6th 2021.  So IMO Trump has not only torn away rights that some Americans have, but he has also exposed them to personal danger.