Thank you to Dr Jacobowitz for her touching article “Gender Identity and the Reshaping of Genesis Pedagogy”(January 18, 2024). Despite what some people think, it is an “absolute truth” that transgender and non-binary Orthodox Jews exist and are valid. As an Orthodox trans woman myself, I am acutely aware of the challenges of trying to fit into an Orthodox world and framework that is not always receptive to my identity. I’m very grateful to read that Max had a safe space to learn and grow in Torah in your class and that you were willing to adapt to their specific needs and were cognizant of their struggles. I hope that this serves as a model for teachers, rabbis and even the average person on how to positively include people with diverse gender identities into daily Jewish life.
