Why is Everybody Picking on the Conservative Movement?

I am not sure what kind of Jew I am. By default, at one time, I would have said that I am, nominally, a Reform Jew - that is, most of the congregations that I have served or been a member of have been Reform. Nevertheless, I'm definitely on the towards tradition side. And I have have taught and worked (and still do) in Conservative congregations, and even for a traditional day school. I sort of consider myself trans- (or perhaps post-) denominational when it comes to Judaism. I have no particular affinity for the principles of any one movement within Judaism.

Nevertheless, I am bothered by all those who criticize the recent votes by the Conservative Movement's Committee on Jewish Law and Halakha regarding the status GLBT individuals. Three t'shuvot were passed, with conflicting opinions. The most significant one is the one that opens the door for full participation by GLBT individuals in synagogue life, and will likely leads to admitting openly gay students to UJ and JTSA. It pushes the halakha about as far as it could in terms of having any chance of passing a committee vote, yet still retains the position that anal sex between males remains prohibited (nudge, nudge, wink, wink.)

A second t'shuva reiterates the existing position that allowed limited participation by GLBT individuals and couples in synagogue and ritual life. The third perpetuates the opinion that homosexuality et al is a disease that can be cured.

Some ask how these contradictory t'shuvot could all be approved. Some call the more liberal opinion of the three a cop-out.

Now, personally, I support the elimination of any and all obstacles to full participation by GLBT individuals in synagogue and ritual Jewish life. And yes, there are paths through the halakha that could lead the Conservative movement to such a position. G"d willing, someday they'll get there. For now, a t'shuva had to be crafted that could win the support of a majority int he committee, and there's no shame in that compromise for the sake of the progress it will bring. It took more than Lincoln's emancipation Proclamation to truly free slaves.

And what is unusual about conflicting opinions in Judaism co-existing? The Torah, Talmud and all the accompanying literature are replete with contradictory opinions and statements. Whether you agree with their sentiment or not, some respect is due to those whose opinions differ. The t'shuva that will finally open the way for openly GLBT individuals to be ordained in the Conservative movement uses the concept of human dignity as the underpinning.

In the same way, allowing the committee to pass t'shuvot representing three differing opinions also serves to preserve and protect the dignity of those who strongly hold on to convictions other than those expressed by the most liberal of the t'shuvot. They remain unconvinced by the arguments presented that, for the sake of human dignity, BLBT individuals must be allowed to participate fully in Jewish life. That is truly a shame, and I pray that someday their eyes will be opened. Yet, if we deny them their dignity, then we undermine the very underpinnings of this new t'shuva which will finally allow GLBT individuals the chance for open participation in synagogue and seminary life (in those places where the more liberal t'shuva is taken to heart.)

Yes, it's less of a victory, less of an outcome than desired. But it is not a Pyrrhic victory at all. While one side has managed to keep their foot in the door, the other side has managed to fling a door as wide open as possible.

As has been our tradition for thousands of years, each community and its leadership will be able to seek guidance from the pos'kim. May the wisdom of those pos'kim who see GLBT individuals as full members of the community prevail. And may we never fail to preserve our tradition of agreeing to disagree.

Ken y'hi ratzon

Migdalor Guy (Adrian)