By Morris Malakoff, JTNews Correspondent
Incongruent situations make for interesting conversations. They are the basis of everything from humorous wit to deep philosophical debate.
Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation’s “Scholar-in-Residence” program presented the community with an incongruent situation that, depending upon one’s point of view, was inappropriate, enlightening, or even odd, among any number of other reactions. But there was no doubt the scholar was a source of lively debate and may have shined light on the differences between Seattle’s Conservative and Orthodox communities — or at least their leaders.
Over the last weekend of January, HNT presented Rabbi Steven Greenberg, an Orthodox rabbi who is also an openly gay man.
Rabbi Greenberg presented a variety of programs to the community over four days. But the centerpiece was a program, held after services on Jan. 30, titled “Gayness and God.”
The Columbus, Ohio native who was raised in a Conservative home, entertained and engaged his audience of more than 100 people assembled for his talk. He presented a graphic and innovative interpretation of the sexual prohibitions set down in Leviticus.
While the presentation could be considered titillating, HNT senior rabbi Jay Rosenbaum said there is much more depth to Rabbi Greenberg.
“His being an Orthodox rabbi who is gay is intriguing,” Rosenbaum said. “But I think he brought more than that to us. He brings a message of inclusiveness and he challenges stereotypes, particularly Jewish stereotypes. There is great value in that.”
Even in the greater Seattle community, with a large gay population, there is no doubt that in certain settings homosexuality can be a sensitive and decisive issue.
Rosenbaum said that for the HNT congregation, that was not the case.
“We are an accepting community and it was not an issue for our members,” he said. “I heard no objections and saw no one walk out on the rabbi.”
Asked about the frank and graphic nature of Greenberg’s presentation, particularly within the walls of the synagogue, Rosenbaum said that it may have surprised a few people, “but I didn’t hear anyone sucking in their breath.”
He said it is appropriate to speak anywhere about issues that are part of a discussion of exclusion in the community.
“You cannot overstate that value and worth of a discussion that is more than just the abstract ideas involved,” he said. “Personal contact will always break down barriers and stereotypes.”
On a personal level, Rosenbaum noted that Rabbi Greenberg is a “fabulous teacher” and one who presents a view on human relations in general that is relevant and gives linkage to Jewish texts.
Rosenbaum said he experienced one other positive note for him from Rabbi Greenberg’s time at HNT.
“We heard from many members of the broader gay community, thanking us for doing this,” he said. “Many had no idea where we stood on our relationship with the gay community. They say it gives affirmation and makes them feel valued.”
Rabbi Greenberg said he feels that Judaism does change with society and the times, albeit slowly.
“The younger members of our community are more accepting than the older generations,” he said. “That is true in Jewish communities as well.”
While Rabbi Greenberg was in Seattle, he spoke before the Community High School of Jewish Studies as well as met with members of Bashert, the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle’s gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender affinity group.
He also met with Rabbi Moshe Kletenik at the Orthodox Bikur Cholim-Machzikay Hadath.
Rabbi Kletenik said he could not comment directly on what Rabbi Greenberg had said during his residency at HNT or at his other engagements, as he had not heard the presentations. But he did point out that while the Orthodox community is sensitive to various constituent communities and their individual members, his work revolves around thousands of years of accepted teachings and practices that he does not see as having the fluidity that Greenberg visualizes.
“We care deeply about and have compassion for every member of our community and are sensitive to their struggles and challenges,” Rabbi Kletenik said. “On the other hand, we have a tradition to uphold that has guided our people meaningfully for thousands of years. There is an expectation that an Orthodox rabbi teach and uphold Jewish law. While one can be sensitive to challenges, we cannot legitimize behavior that is prohibited.”