Policies and teachings of Jewish groups about homosexuality

Overview

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Jewish groups and homosexuality:

All religions and various secular belief systems view human sexuality as a potential source of sin. Non consensual sex, unsafe sex, manipulative sex are almost universally regarded as sinful. Many regard recreational sex as immoral, and teach that sexual behavior must be restricted to loving, monogamous committed couples. Some insist that sexual activity is only moral within a marriage.

But faith groups differ in their beliefs about homosexuality:

It has become obvious that the current moral conflict in North America over same-sex unions and homosexual behavior is not a battle between heterosexuals and homosexuals. It is not between Christians and homosexuals or Jews and homosexuals. It is most often between:

The attitude of Jewish groups on homosexuality tend to mirror those of Christian denominations. What matters is not primarily the religion itself, but where the group lies on a continuum from the most conservative to the most liberal:

From the most liberal to the most conservative, American Judaism is divided among:

According to one survey, there are about 6 million Jews in the U.S. of whom only about a third are affiliated with a congregation. Of those who attend synagogue:

There are other similarities between Jewish and Christian groups. For example, many conservative Christian denominations and Jewish traditions do not recognize liberal faith groups as being part of their religion. For example, in 1997-MAR, the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada (Agudath Harabonim) formally declared:

"Reform and Conservative are not Judaism at all. Their adherents are Jews, according to the Jewish Law, but their religion is not Judaism. ..."

1. "The Agudath Harabonim has always been on guard against any attempt to alter, misrepresent or distort the Halacha (Jewish Law) as transmitted in the written an oral law, given by G-d through Moses on Sinai. It has therefore, rejected recognition of Reform and Conservative movements as Judaism, or their clergy as Rabbis. It has publicly rebuffed the claim of 'three wings of Judaism.' There is only one Judaism: Torah Judaism. The Reform and Conservative are not Judaism at all, but another religion."
2. "The present declaration is not based upon a new decision in Jewish Law. It is as old as Sinai. It is only giving new emphasis and vehemence, sounding an alarm and warning signal, because of the new dangers wrought by the conservative and reform movements. Their condoning of interfaith marriages, null and void conversions and homosexuality are repugnant not only to Torah Judaism, but also to common morality. Yet, they do this in the name of “Judaism.”
   This declaration is thus a clarion call to all, that despite their brazen usurpation of the titles 'Judaism,' 'Jewish Heritage,' 'Jewish Tradition,' 'Jewish Continuity,' Reform and Conservative are not Judaism at all. They are outside of Torah and Outside of Judaism. ..."

Reference used:

1. "On Reform & Conservative Judaism," TrueJews.org, at: http://truejews.org/Igud_Historic_Declaration.htm

Copyright © 2000 to 2007 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 2000-OCT-25
Latest update: 2007-NOV-19
Author: B.A. Robinson