 |
| Ben Shapiro (NPR) |
At age 38, he has already accomplished a great deal. He has published several books, founded a conservative newspaper, and is currently a widely listened to nationally syndicated talk show host. He is also a Kipa wearing Orthodox Jew who is quite knowledgeable about Judaism. He identifies as Modern Orthodox. In short he is a beloved figure among the vast majority of politically conservative Americans (except by those on the extremist fringe that are antisemites. Obvioulsy.)
Which brings me to his recent, somewhat lengthy article in the Jewish Press where he describes what he believes is Modern Orthodoxy’s moral failure. Specifically as it pertains to LGBTQ+ issues.
He begins with a lengthy explanation about what Judaism is all about as well as a description of how some of the philosophical forbears of Modern Orthodoxy looked at the the interface between Judaism and the modern world. Thereby demonstrating how each of them had come down very forcefully about which of those two primary elements is the dominant one and to be adhered to when in conflict.
On this score, I am in full agreement with him. The Torah always wins. That should be obvious to anyone with the slightest understanding about it means to follow the word of God regardless of the fleeting ‘ethical and moral’ spirit if the times. I have said many of the same things Shapiro has. In fact I could have written that portion of his essay. (Although not as erudite as he did - or with his well researched pertinent excerpts.)
The second half of his essay is merciless in its description of how various segments of Modern Orthodoxy has responded to that ‘spirit’. I agree with him in some cases, but not in all. He begins by defining categories of Modern Orthodoxy based on how they react to the issues of our day. Specifically with respect to LGBTQ+ issues. I prefer my own definitions and would apply those reactions accordingly.
What Shapiro calls Secular Orthodoxy, I call the extreme left wing of Modern Orthodoxy (formerly known as Open Orthodoxy). Other than the label I agree with what he said about them. In describing an organization called Eshel, he says the following:
The organization Eshel, for example, bills itself as Orthodox, but states that its mission is to “create a future for Orthodox lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, and their families…Eshel envisions a world where Orthodox LGBTQ individuals can live out their lives in the Orthodox communities of their choice.”
The very language of Eshel’s declaration is a complete renunciation of Orthodoxy. Judaism admits of no such concept as an “Orthodox LGBTQ individual” any more than it admits of an “Orthodox Sabbath breaker” or an “Orthodox pork eater.” Orthodoxy acknowledges that some struggle with sin, and treats those people with compassion. But it certainly does not admit that sin can be placed at the center of identity alongside Jewishness, or that, G-d forbid, sin ought to be not only tolerated but celebrated...
Couldn’t have said better myself. Recall also that YCT Talmud Chair, R’ Y’soscher Katz actually believes there ought to be a religious themed ‘marriage ceremony’ for gay couples. He argues that the prohibition in the Torah about gay sex does not apply to gay men since they are ‘forced’ by nature to be gay and therefore can only satisfy their sex drives that way. He concludes that the Torah’s prohibition only applies to heterosexual men.
Both Shapiro and I reject such nonsense. Compassion for those who are drawn to a forbidden lifestyle is one thing. ‘Kashering’ it with an exotic interpretation of a Torah prohibition is another.
I do, however, disagree with his critique of the Centrist response to this issue. That said, I hear his criticism of the OU’s statement of approval of the ‘Respect for Marriage Act’ (RFMA) since it has built–in protection for religious rights. Their statement does seem to send the wrong message though, approving a lifestyle that almost certainly includes sinful sexual activity if read without their explanation. Which makes it clear that they don’t.
Like Shapiro, I prefer the Agudah’s response which clearly rejects RFMA - an act designed to normalize that lifestyle. However, in the OU’s defense - they have recognized Poskim - rabbinic authorities that must have approved their statement.
I do not, however, agree with Shapiro’s criticism of YU (Yeshiva University). They have proposed creating a Halachic version of an LGBTQ+ club on their campus.
True, YU did this in part in order to satisfy their non sectarian requirement to not discriminate against LGBTQ+ people. But in doing so they are actually providing a valuable service to them. The mission of that club is to show compassion and tolerance to YU’s LGBTQ+ students while at the same time trying to teach them how to Halachicly deal with their issues.
YU also explicitly stated that they consulted with their Poskim (who are widely recognized) and received their approval of a club that had that as its mission. So I don’t see this as any kind of ‘Kashering’ a gay lifestyle as Shapiro suggests. I see it is a kosher way dealing with a legal problem while being sensitive and compassionate. And trying to educate their LGBTQ+ students Halachicly.
My hope is that Shapiro rethinks his criticism of YU and realizes the very significant difference between what he accuses YU of and what YU is actually doing.