The Justice

Homosexuality has long been a taboo topic ignored, denied and pathologized in the Jewish Orthodox community. It has only recently begun to be recognized and addressed, and there is still a long way to go. But the first step in creating a safe space for gays in the Orthodox community is simply conversing about the possibility of sensitive, inclusive communities in which traditional Jewish gays can feel comfortable. Without this essential conversation, the community risks ostracizing homosexuals.

Last weekend, the Brandeis Jewish community took this vital step. Rabbi Steven Greenberg, the first person with Orthodox rabbinic ordination to announce his homosexuality, was a scholar-in-residence here at Brandeis last weekend. His visit was planned jointly by two unlikely allies, Hillel and Triskelion. Rabbi Greenberg's visit brought to light this long ignored truth: There are gay Orthodox Jews who want to be gay and Orthodox; they will not disappear and they cannot be ignored.

Rabbi Greenberg first spoke Friday night after Hillel dinner, addressing over 150 students and sharing his story of how he came to have this seemingly incongruous identity: the gay Orthodox rabbi. Rabbi Greenberg spoke to a full audience in Hassenfeld Conference Center the night of Friday March 13. Standing at a podium marked with the Brandeis motto, "Truth even unto its innermost parts," Rabbi Greenberg created a strikingly appropriate image: Here was a room of students beginning a conversation about a truth that had long been denied.

After 30 minutes of speaking, Rabbi Greenberg opened up the floor for what was scheduled to be 30 minutes of Q&A, and students could not get enough. They sat, they listened, they struggled, they applauded, and they challenged. The event ended close to midnight, although the conversation was far from over.

The following Saturday afternoon, Rabbi Greenberg appeared on a panel with Father Walter Cuenin and Professor James Mandrell (ROMS). Students who attended were able to see the similarities and differences in the way that different faith communities deal with these challenges. Saturday night, Rabbi Greenberg further engaged with students by facilitating a discussion of the film Trembling Before God, a documentary about gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews.

Rabbi Greenberg shared his unique perspective on difficult questions: What is the Jewish take on homosexuality in light of our modern sensibilities and our understanding that sexual orientation is not a choice? Should a gay person be a rabbi, considering the fact that the Bible appears to condemn anal sex and declare it an abomination? Is there a place for homosexuals in the Jewish community? Why would a gay person even want to be Orthodox?

Many of the Orthodox students had never before been confronted with these types of issues. Katie Schlussel '10, former president of the Brandeis Orthodox Organization, said, "The fact that it was even a conversation ... is huge. The fact that people were talking about it and it wasn't taboo ... was a big step for our community."

Aviva Zadoff '10 agreed, saying, "It was good to have the topic brought to our faces-it's very hard to think that Judaism would deny a person the ability to be happy … especially if you know people who are gay and Jewish. To have someone come talk about it and try to bridge those gaps in a direct and honest way was helpful."

Benny Gronich '12 explained that Rabbi Greenberg has had a profound impact on his life. "Hearing his story was such an inspiration to me. ... It gave me hope. I come from a religious background and he made me realize that I don't need all the answers and that I can still be Jewish and be gay; I don't have to choose. He is really a role model for the Jewish gay community. I'm happy he talked about his identity crisis and I hope that it helped other people the way that it has helped me."

Rabbi Greenberg's visit was unquestionably met with a diversity of responses: Some felt they simply could not agree with his views while others were utterly convinced by them. Many students were merely happy to see their too-often marginalized group given a voice within the religious community. Still, for many, the most important thing was simply that the conversation happened and that it happened in a dignified, respectful and honest manner. Last weekend's events demonstrated that personal growth and greater respect and understanding can come from events that bring different communities together for open, honest and respectful dialogue. Sitting in a room in upper Sherman Friday night that was packed with students who identified as Jewish, queer students "just curious," all of whom were willingly and honestly grappling with basic questions of identity and religion, I was proud to be a Brandeis student.

The writer, a member of the Brandeis Orthodox Organization and a member of the Class of 2009, organized Rabbi Greenberg's visit.

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