Return to Cross-Dressing and DragThis verse is actually about prohibiting idolatry.Rambam, Sefer HaMitzvot, Lo Ta'aseh 39 (12th C CE) This commandment also forbids us to follow the customs of the heretics, in regard to women wearing the clothing of men, or their adornments. As [God] said [in the Torah]: "A woman should not put on the apparel of a man." Any woman, who adorns herself in a way that is publicly known to be men's accessories in the city where she lives, becomes liable to whipping.Rambam, Sefer HaMitzvot, Lo Ta'aseh 40 (12th C CE) This commandment also forbids men to adorn themselves with women's accessories. As God said [in the Torah]: "Nor should a man wear the clothing of a woman. . ." Any man, who adorns himself in a way that is publicly known to be women's accessories in the place where he lives, becomes liable to whipping.You must know that this act—women adorning themselves with men's accessories and men adorning themselves with women's accessories—is sometimes done for the sake of arousing desire. This is common amongst alien nations and is sometimes for the purpose of idol worship, as is described in books devoted to this topic. It is also common to stipulate, in the making of certain talismans, that if the maker is a man he should wear woman's apparel and adorn himself with gold, pearls and things like that. If the maker is a woman she should wear armor and weapons. This is well known to people who are experts on this topic. Further explanation on Rambam's comments. |