DETROIT GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES! DESIGNER EYEWEAR SALE! 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 S 30% OFF OUR ENTIRE STOCK! k RRE MAMA POLICE i GUCCI NEOSTYLE® T A X 1 GIORGIO ARMANI Beau monde WE GUARANTEE THE LOWEST PRICES ON EYEWEAR! SOUTHFIELD 647-9790 WEST BLOOMFIELD 626-9590 6667 Orchard Lake Road 30800 Southfield Road Bring in Your Prescription & Save! Bring in Your Prescription & Save! Above prices and discount offers good of West Bloomfield and Southfield mores only. Limited time offer. EXAMINATIONS AVAILABLE! WALK-INS WELCOME! ALL LEATHER STORES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL! BUY FROM THE "MAVENS" - \\ PPP, SPECIAL E ORDERS F012._, 1 HARD-TO-FIT 4 SIZES .1/4 I LEATHERS EVERYTHING AT LEAST c:=-- 20% OFF -7, EVERY DAY Downtown Birmingham FASHIONS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 150 W. Maple — 1/2 block West of Woodward — 644-4415 HOLIDAY HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 10-9, Sat. 10-6, Sunday 12-5 BRING IN THIS AD FOR AN EXTRA 10% OFF coupon expires 12 - 24 - 90 final sale items excluded Owned ,and Operated b Leslie (Laszlo) and Avra Weiss 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.