I wish to comment on Faye LaFond’s letter that was published in your January 25, 2024 issue (“Questioning Gender Is Not a Torah Value”). It is hard for me to express my extreme disappointment in the sentiment of her letter. The author speaks of “confused individuals.” These individuals are our children and this is the way Hashem has created them.
There is a person in my life who is as dear to me as anyone in this world and their gender identity and sexuality might be thought of by some as non-normative. In addition, there are individuals in my shul who may also fall outside previously held mainstream categories regarding sexuality or gender identity.
These people, both children and adults, are our family. As Jews and as humans we must do everything we can to make them feel accepted and loved. I have read too many articles in the newspapers about children who are ostracized for their gender identity or sexuality, resulting in them being driven away from the Orthodox community, or even the Jewish community as a whole.
I praise Dr. Jacobowitz for her recognition and empathy for these children. I hope and pray that the Orthodox community will follow the path of thoughtfulness and kindness exemplified by Dr. Jacobowitz and reject the path of narrow-mindedness and meanness.
