Responses to the "Homosexuality and Judaism" issue

Thank you to everyone who sent in comments regarding the Tammuz "Homosexuality and Judaism" issue. Here are just some of the responses we have received. Something to add? Feel free to keep sending in and sharing your views with us.

"I believe that there is a way to liberalize Conservative Judaism's view on homosexuality within the Halakhic system.  I have read persuasive responsa advocating greater rights for homosexuals within a Halakhic Conservative Movement.  I trust that the Committee on Law and Standards will make the proper decision once they stop postponing their consideration of the issue."

Jeff Schwartz
Congregation B’nai Tikvah
North Brunswick, NJ

"Homosexuality can never be accepted by Judaism. The Torah is very, very clear, and the whole tradition after the Torah clearly supports male and female relationships only. You can certainly argue about the interpretation of some other laws, but homosexuality seems beyond any serious debate. You can't interpret "abomination" in a positive way. Just because someone may be born with certain tendencies, doesn't mean they should act on them. People are born with violent or delusional tendencies as well. They are just stumbling blocks to overcome."

R.A.
Staten Island, NY

"I'd like to cite Reb Zusya (One of the great teachers in our history. He spoke of himself in the 3rd person. Basically, and I simplify, he did that because there is only one "I" and "I" is God.) When Zusya sees the heavenly Bet Din (tribunal) Zusya will not be asked why he was not Moshe. Instead he will be asked why he was not Zusya.

Should I live a lie because people are uncomfortable with the truth? (As it happens I am transsexual, i.e.; born with a female brain and a male body).

Why is this even an issue? Gossip and ridicule are the two worst sins that exist (short of actual murder or idol worship.) Dishonesty in business is right up near the top as well.

I could go on, but why do we as Jews give lip service to the sins above and then waste so much time on the sexuality of a minority of the Jewish people?

The Messiah will come when ALL Jews, regardless, accept each other. We should be spending our time on healing All of the children of Israel."

Danyel J.
Denver, CO
Danyel can be reached with constructive comments or thoughts of feelings at stephdjoffe@yahoo.com. Communication and education are the only way to bring help bring understanding and healing.  If I can help anybody or support anybody then it's my duty as a Jew and Human Being to do so. 

[Posted 7/24/06]