The Jewish Perspective on Homosexuality

Almost 11 years ago, two women defied tradition and exchanged vows in their local synagogue.
Although not called a wedding, Neena Husid, 60, and Hillary Miller, 58, united in a commitment
ceremony titled a Brit Ahuvot, or Lovers Covenant. Keeping traditional Jewish wedding rituals,
the ceremony alienated members of the synagogue and challenged Conservative Judaism.
Today, the Jewish perspective on homosexuality continues to invite difference.

There are three major expressions of Judaism - Reform, Conservative and Orthodox. According
to Boston University professor Stephen Prothero and his book, God is Not One, Reform Jews
and the reform movement wanted to be modern without ceasing to be Jews. Orthodox Jews
define themselves as defenders of the Torah and tradition, while Conservative Jews mark the
middle path. They are open to modern thought while respecting worship and law. Husid and
Miller are members of the Conservative branch of Judaism.

Regarding homosexuality, Miller describes the Reform branch as always open to the idea,
Conservative having a dont ask, dont tell policy and Orthodox as not there yet.

Rabbi Neil Blumofe, the Senior Rabbi at the Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin and the
hazzan, or cantor, for Husid and Millers ceremony, says Judaism is expanding compassion.
Blumofe says Judaism should allow a spectrum of subjective opinions. His conservative views
welcome same-sex couples and is interested in exploring, integrating and normalizing the
modern thought. Blumofe says the idea of feeling safe and trusted is rooted into Jewish
principle and everyone should feel nurtured and be able to grow within the Jewish community.

People should back away from human and natural arrogance, Blumofe said. But who says I
am right? he adds.
Despite Blumofes positive and hopeful views regarding homosexuality, they fall within a minority
Jewish opinion. According to Pew Research Centers analysis on the United States Orthodox
Jews, approximately 13 percent of Jewish people say homosexuality should be discouraged. Of
that number, 58 percent are Orthodox, 14 percent are Conservative and four percent are
Reform. An Orthodox perspective regarding homosexuality refers to the Torah. Leviticus 18:22
is often referred to when discussing the concept of homosexuality. It states You shall not lie
with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. Despite the strict adherence to the law, a
recent Orthodox argument states that a Jew is judged based on his actions, not on his
orientation. Rabbi Aaron Feldman, a noted Rabbi from Baltimore, has fell under criticism for his
views on the subject. He said controlling homosexual behavior is what the Torah asks.
Therefore, Judaism does not negatively look at homosexual nature, but rather homosexual
activity.

At the time of Husid and Millers Brit Ahuvot, the Conservative branch was trying to be
acceptable, Miller said. There were obvious oppositions but there was fight to be made within
the community. After circling a petition to allow the commitment between the two women,
Ultimately, it was the national synagogue politics versus our synagogue politics, Husid said.
The couples Northwest Austin synagogue is egalitarian in thought, or liberal but not Reform
liberal, Husid said. At the time, a rabbi was not allowed to be present at a marriage service
between a Jew and a non-Jew. So for Husid and Miller, it all depended on what the rabbi of the
synagogue was willing to do.

The people that are most against something, Miller said, have the biggest secrets, Husid
finished.

Husid said she let Judaism stay in her life because she believed it was the most open-minded
and accepting faith. It was the most comfortable place to do it, Husid said about her sexuality.
Thank God were in Austin. Thank God we are in the Jewish community, Husid adds. For her,
it was all about open mindedness.

For Miller, her views on homosexuality in the Jewish community were solidified after her Brit
Ahuvot. It changed how I feel about our synagogue, and not in a positive way, Miller said
while Husid stood. People felt like they lost a battle, for our gain, she adds.

As for the future, the women continue to fight for same-sex couples and their rights. Miller, a
family practice doctor, started a petition to get health benefits for partners. She says a marriage
license is just a piece of paper and it should not enter into consideration when seeking health
benefits for same-sex partners.

Despite the recent United States Supreme Court decision to constitutionally allow same-sex
couples to marry, there has yet to be another Jewish same-sex wedding, or Brit Ahuvot, in
Neena and Hillarys local synagogue.

One can be critical and supportive of many different things, Blumofe said. It is all about the
depth of realizing the preciousness of life in every moment.