In Jewish tradition, the term saris (Hebrew: áøèôÃÂá, literally eunuch) is a term used to refer to an individual assigned male at birth who has done one of the following:
In traditional Judaism, gender plays a central role in legal obligations, such as mitzvah. Thus, the gender identities of the Talmud (including androgynos, tumtum, and ay'lonit) were created to fit into their legal system.
A saris who, naturally, did not undergo typical male puberty is referred to as saris hamah (Hebrew: áèÃÂá ÃÂÃÂà). Those affected by human intervention (whether accidental or intentional) are referred to as saris adam (Hebrew: áèÃÂá ÃÂÃÂÃÂ). While it may have been a common practice in neighboring cultures, the Ancient Hebrews did not practice castration.
And let not the saris say: âÂÂI am a withered treeâ For thus says God: As for the sarises who keep My sabbaths, [...] I will give them an everlasting name that shall not perish. â Isaiah 56:3-5
While an ay'lonit can be married, the views on saris are more complicated. If they are born a saris hamah, they may marry without restrictions. However, if they are a saris adam, they cannot marry a Jewish woman, as there is a belief their wives may commit adultery as a consequence of the saris adam<nowiki/>'s infertility. In addition, if a saris adam was married prior to castration, they are required to divorce their wife.