For instance, I use a power wheelchair to attend Shabbos, and High Holy Day prayers. I would not expect my community to alter their understanding of what it means to be Shomer Shabbos, just so that I would be included. The reason that the Torah remains. And defines Judaism is because it remains the Torah.

We can extend compassion without alienating or excluding. My Rabbi tells the story of a gay man who wanted to attend our synagogue, but was afraid his sexual preferences would alienate him. My rabbi suggested that the mitzvah, which is usually considered to disallow homosexuality be the last one that he accept.

I understand that this post doesn’t read with continuity to my first comments. This is why am really glad that you even open the door for questions. Thank you very much.

Now I’m not making a judgement on this practice. I’m simply saying that in my opinion and interpretation I do not believe this says all sex should be for procreation and thereby all non-procreative sexual acts are wrong. On the contrary Judaism sees sex as positive for many reasons, procreation is one of those reasons. I understand that there is always a focus on “spilling seed” yet I feel it is a mistake to take that phrase outside the context of the story. According to the translation on Torah-online.org Genesis/Bereshit 38:10 says “And the thing which he did was evil in the sight of the LORD; and He slew him also.” How do we know “the thing which he did” only applies to spilling seed and not the whole situation or some other aspect of the situation.

Thank you for letting me share my opinion.

Dear Ms. Schwartz, I thank you for your reponses, they stimulate some rather old little grey cells. I shall answer your question about Onan this week. What specifically is your question.
Blessings
Rebahir

This is an post from my father’s blog on halachic (Jewish Law) considerations of homosexuality. Fascinating!