Saris (Judaism)

In Jewish tradition, the term saris (Hebrew: סָרִיס, literally eunuch;) is a term used to refer to an individual assigned male at birth who has done one of the following:

• develop female characteristics;

• fail to reach sexual maturity by 20 years old;

• undergo castration.

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: סריס חמה ). Those affected by human intervention (whether accidental or intentional) are referred to as saris adam (Hebrew: סריס אדם). While it may have been a common practice in neighboring cultures, the Ancient Hebrews did not practice castration.