can they?
2007-11-26 16:36:30 · 11 answers · asked by Sierra H 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Lol, yes. I've dated them.
2007-11-26 16:40:56 · answer #1 · answered by Legs 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It interesting because the answer for women is yes. The answer for men is no. In the Torah (jewish bible) it forbids sexual relations between two males. There is no mention of women and therefore Lesbianism is permitted but not encouraged. Even Orthodox Rabbi's will welcome openly gay women into their congregations. Openly gay men have a much harder time finding acceptance.
Lesbians are generally less offensive to American sensibilities then gay male relations. This seems to hold true even in Orthodox Judaism.
If someone is born Jewish there is nothing they can do to stop being Jewish. Being gay doesn't somehow get you out of Judaism, Gay jewish men just have to face more challenges if they wish to live a life according to the Torah.
Hope this helps, Ralph.
2007-11-29 15:50:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you asking if it's possible, or if Judaism permits it?
If the former, yes, there are gay Jews, so it must be possible that Jews can be gay.
If the latter, the Torah strictly forbids homosexual acts (simply being attracted to the same sex would probably be seen as a challenge to overcome, just as we are prohibited from consuming non-kosher foods, but not from thinking that they taste good.
So, it is possible? Yes. Is it allowed? No. To give you a parallel that's unlikely to offend (if I compare homosexual acts to theft or murder, even though they are all reckoned as sins, people will object on the grounds that consentual gay relationships don't harm others), it is possible for a Jew to violate the laws of the Sabbath (the vast majority of Jews in our generation, sadly, do not keep the Sabbath), even though it is not permitted to do so (except in a life-or-death situation, but that's neither here nor there).
I hope this answers your question.
2007-11-27 15:03:16 · answer #3 · answered by Daniel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. There are plenty of gay Jewish people.
2007-11-27 00:40:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
You have no control over who your mind, body, and soul is attracted to, so yes, anyone can be gay. If you are asking if their BELIEFS allow it I would say no, most relgions have something against it but since I have never studied judaism I am not sure about the details. As far as christians go there are things that point to it being a sin and other things that contradict it so it is really what ever you choose to believe.
2007-11-27 00:44:59 · answer #5 · answered by Ace 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There are gay people present in every ethnic and religious group on earth. But is that what you meant, or did you mean to ask whether Judaism has specific rules against homosexual behavior? Orthodox Judaism condemns homosexuality, but other branches within the faith are more accepting.
2007-11-27 00:45:57 · answer #6 · answered by Katia S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. There's a whole movie about it: Trembling Before God. There are Jewish internet dating sites, too. Here's an article on it: http://joi.org/bloglinks/A%20Dating%20Service%20Gives%20a%20Nod%20to%20Jewish%20Gays%20-%20NYTimes%201-8-06.html
2007-11-27 00:40:37 · answer #7 · answered by Katherine W 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
What made you think otherwise or even doubt it?
Hopefully a big YES will suffice. Some more contemporary synagogues are gay friendly. Smile and be happy!
2007-11-27 00:45:14 · answer #8 · answered by AliBaba 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Genetically/culturally? yes of course. Religiously not quite sure.
2007-11-27 00:41:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
No... impossible... never gonna happen...
2007-11-27 00:45:33 · answer #10 · answered by Irish37 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋