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Homosexual Rabbis
Can Serve, Rabbi Says
SUSAN GRANT
Staff Writer
hould the Jewish
community accept
homosexual rabbis?
Rabbi Bruce Aft thinks so.
Speaking at a Nov. 15 lun-
ch and learn on homosexuals
in the rabbinate, Rabbi Aft
said, "If a rabbi is a compas-
sionate and good Jew, sexual
orientation should not
matter."
Although he is the director
of the Midrasha College of
Jewish Studies, Rabbi Aft
wants to make it clear his
statement on homosexuals
in the rabbinate is a per-
sonal decision and has
nothing to do with the
organization. He knows his
opinion is a controversial
one. The Orthodox and Con-
servative communities may
never agree with him. Even
among the Reform move-
ment, there are those who
would disagree despite the
Central Conference of
American Rabbis' declara-
tion last June which ac-
cepted homosexual rabbis.
If an Orthodox rabbi were
to discuss the possibility of
homosexuals in the rab-
binate, "it would be an easy
talk because he bases his life
on Jewish law," Rabbi Aft
said.
Since Biblical times,
homosexuality has been con-
sidered an abomination.
Punishable by death, it is
grouped with idolatry, cult
practices and magic.
"If we follow the Bible,
homosexual behavior is bad.
But I don't think we can stop
there," said Rabbi Aft, who
agreed to lead the discussion
on homosexual rabbis be-
cause he feels the Jewish
community must talk about
the issue.
While some Jews base
their decisions on Jewish
law, many do not, said Rabbi
Aft, a Reconstructionist who
believes Jewish tradition
has a voice, but isn't the only
thing to consider.
No one is sure why people
are homosexual or
heterosexual, he said. "Life
would be a lot easier if we
knew. But we don't know the
role the environment or
genetics plays."
"In light of the latest in-
formation, just because tra-
dition prohibited it, does not
mean that we should pro-
hibit it today," Rabbi Aft
asked.
Yet, while many people
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16
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1990
say they accept homosex-
uals, people on the street
still stereotype them out of
fear and lack of knowledge,
he said.
He was asked to officiate
at the funeral of a man who
died of Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome, Rabbi
Aft said. After meeting with
the dead man's partner, he
went home, took off his
clothes, put them in the
laundry and washed his
hands. Even though the
family was pleased with the
funeral service he gave,
Rabbi Aft said he is still
ashamed of his initial reac-
tion.
Recognizing stereotypes
still exist, he can't say if a
"If we follow the
Bible, homosexual
behavior is bad.
But I don't think
we can stop
there."
congregation would know-
ingly accept a homosexual
rabbi. After all, for many
Jews, the rabbi is supposed
to be a role model of
Judaism, which includes
upholding the traditional
family life.
"If the rabbi is supposed to
be the highest representa-
tion of Jewish life, then I am
a sham to be standing in
front of you," said Rabbi Aft,
explaining that while rabbis
try to be role models, they
don't always succeed. "One
of the highest duties of a
rabbi 'is to study. I don't
spend the time I should stu-
dying."
"But what really counts is
having a rabbi who is
dedicated and devoted," he
said.
Rabbi Paul Yedwab of
Temple Israel who attended
the discussion, added, as
long as the rabbi is doing his
job, "that is all we can ask of
anybody."
Na'amat Group
Hosts Shlicha
The Hanita — Israel
Chapter, Na'amat/USA will
hold a luncheon 12:30 p.m.
Nov. 27 in the Crown Pointe
Building. Sivan Maas, the
new Israeli shlicah, will
speak on "Israel Update."
There is a charge.
For information, call Bess
Berris, 355-3127; or Sylvia
Baum, 559-4748.