The subject of homosexuality and Judaism dates back to the Torah. The book of Vayikra Leviticus is traditionally regarded as classifying sexual intercourse between males as a to'eivah something abhorred or detested that can be subject to capital punishment by the currently non-existent Sanhedrin under halakha Jewish law. The issue has been a subject of contention within modern Jewish denominations , and has led to debate and division. Traditionally, Judaism has understood homosexual male intercourse as contrary to Judaism, and this opinion is still maintained by Orthodox Judaism. On the other hand, Reconstructionist Judaism and Reform Judaism do not hold this view, and allow both homosexual intercourse and same-sex marriage. Conservative Judaism 's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards , which until December held the same position as Orthodoxy, has since issued multiple opinions under its philosophy of pluralism ; one opinion continues to follow the Orthodox position while another opinion substantially liberalizes the view of homosexual sex and relationships while continuing to regard certain sexual acts as prohibited. Allen Bennett became the first openly gay rabbi in the United States in

One of the four leading branches of Judaism, the Conservative Movement also known as Masorti Movement outside of the United States and Canada is intent on integrating contemporary societal values with religious and cultural traditions. The denomination constitutes approximately one-fifth of the Jewish population in the United States, and includes Conservative schools, camps, national and local organizations and, of course, synagogues. Others are not. As a denomination, however, Conservative Judaism has taken a firm and public stance for inclusion. In , the Rabbinical Assembly passed a historic resolution on affirming the rights of transgender and non-conforming people affirming "its commitment to the full welcome, acceptance, and inclusion of people of all gender identities in Jewish life and general society.

Of course, in our day, we could add an updated but equally bad rendering: How do you know Jacob was gay? At least, there is no evidence of this. Rabbi Yohanan and Reish Lakish, probably. David and Jonathan, maybe.