|
from Books & Reviews
Film, "Trembling Before God"
Critiques Orthodox Jewish View of Sexuality
A new documentary film, "Trembling Before God," relates the real-life stories of Jews from
Orthodox backgrounds dealing with their homosexuality.
After the Jerusalem Film Festival this past fall, the film quickly became the subject of a
massive international promotional campaign.
But "Trembling Before God" left out the perspective of strugglers attempting to live according
to Orthodox Judaism's understanding of God-ordained design. The following letter was written to
the editor of The Jerusalem Post by the director of an ex-gay ministry for Jewish strugglers.
To the Editor of the Jerusalem Post:
During the Purim Fabrengen (Late winter gathering) of 5746 (1986), the Luvavitcher Rebbe,
shilta, z'tl, of blessed memory, addressed the issue of homosexuality by suggesting a humane
therapeutic approach, and he urged the Jewish community to see this issue for what it really is--a serious
physical, mental and spiritual problem which needs immediate help from concerned, devoted and
compassionate people.
He advised us that "a special responsibility lies on parents, educators and counselors to educate
those afflicted with this problem" and, further, "despite the misguided way of the past, everyone has
the capacity to change."
Adam Jessel's movie review of "Trembling Before G-d" reflects the Rebbe's counsel.
Unfortunately, the movie maker's artistry does not.
I am the co-director of the only Jewish support group in the world that helps people deal with
and overcome homosexuality. The movie maker asked me to supply information about our
organization (which was indeed sent). Thus one might wonder why--as your movie review reported--JONAH
is not even mentioned in the film and is "conspicuously absent" from the resources listed in the
film's credits.
The reason is obvious. It clearly lies in the film's biased and faulty assumption that same-sex
attraction and behavior is irreversible. Thus opposing points of view were, in the reviewer's words,
left "lying on DuBowski's cutting room floor."
JONAH is a unique, not-for-profit organization that provides education and support to Jewish
individuals and families regarding issues of sexual orientation and identity. Our services target men
and women who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions, sexually addictive behavior,
abusive relationships, depression or other symptoms of sexual brokenness. Based in Jersey City, New
Jersey, JONAH believes that each of us can and should take control of our sexual behavior and
relationships in order to achieve happiness and fulfillment in life.
JONAH aids Jews of all backgrounds, ranging from Orthodox to Reform as well as unaffiliated.
For Jews who are unhappy with a homosexual identity or whose goal is to attain heterosexual
marriage and start a family, JONAH provides support, counseling, referrals, and up-to-date information on
the causes and treatment of the problem. The organization also runs an e-mail discussion
LISTSERV (jonah@shamash.org) that has dozens of active participants located around the globe,
including several in Israel.
JONAH rejects so-called "conversion therapies" that frighten or shame the patient, and is
constantly refining its worldwide roster of sympathetic therapists. The organization's counseling
programs emphasize self-acceptance and achievement of positive goals, involvement in the community,
and Jewish religious identity. Our message is a life-affirming one that embraces traditional Torah
views as a way of combating isolation and assimilation.
For information about the organization or its referral sources, either call JONAH's message center
at (201) 433-3444, write to JONAH, Inc. at PO Box 313, Jersey City, New Jersey 07303, or
email Jonahhelp@aol.com.
Thank you,
Arthur Goldberg, Co-Director, JONAH
Updated: 8 February 2008
|
