Jewish Leaders: Same-sex Marriage Ban Represents Hatred, Injustice and Persecution

Madison.com ^ | March 22, 2006 | Misc. WI Jewish "Leaders"

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Dear Editor: As leaders of the Jewish community in Madison, including its three synagogues, the Madison Jewish Community Council, and Hillel Foundation at the University of Wisconsin, we express our outrage and deep disillusionment at the Wisconsin Legislature's passage of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships.

Our Jewish values impel us to create a society that is democratic, pluralistic and just. This amendment, however, does just the opposite and promotes hatred. As religious people, we cannot be silent. The amendment denies equal rights to a historically persecuted group and relegates them to second-class status. Under federal law, over 1,000 rights, responsibilities and privileges accrue to married couples and their families. The history of the Jewish people compels us to vigorously oppose any attempt to limit the rights of a minority, and this amendment clearly is intended to do just that.

Moreover, with the amendment's preventing the state from recognizing "substantially similar" relationships like civil unions and domestic partnerships, same-sex couples will be denied critical legal protections and rights they currently enjoy or might enjoy in the future from their employers. This will hurt real families who live in every part of our state.

Proponents inform us that it will be the courts that will decide what "substantially similar" means. Yet, it is those same proponents who claim that the purpose of the amendment is to stop "activist judges" from defining marriage. Either they are being hypocritical with respect to the role that they want or don't want the courts to play, or they are being untruthful. Perhaps they are being both.

Many, though not all, of us recognize the religious status of same-sex marriage. However, this amendment seeks to ban civil marriage for same-sex couples, which is an entirely different matter. It is not for the state to define for religions what is or is not permissible.

We stand firmly in support of the separation of religion and state, a cherished value that ensures religious liberty for the Jewish community and for people of all faiths and beliefs. Whatever else this amendment may be about, it is also about which religion or religious view shall be the law of our state. That is precisely what the Founders sought to avoid and what we in this state have avoided for 157 years.

Jewish tradition teaches us that every human being is created in the image of God. Each one of us is truly sacred and deserves to be treated with equal respect and dignity. We, therefore, must embrace our human diversity and demand equality for all.

As religious leaders committed to fostering values that strengthen the love and commitment between human beings, we urge citizens to vote no on the amendment, and we urge you to join with us in mobilizing other citizens to do the same.

Rabbi Jonathan Biatch, Temple Beth El; Rabbi Kenneth Katz, Beth Israel Center; Rabbi Laurie Zimmerman, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim; Steven H. Morrison, Madison Jewish Community Council; Greg Steinberger, Hillel Foundation; Rabbi Andrea Steinberger, Hillel Foundation; Rabbi Renee Bauer, Congregation Mayim Rabim; Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice

[The Red Zone]

The "Conservatives" are not far behind the "Reform."

[Elsie]

 

If they be, why are not Christians taught to obey them?

 

 

 

Galatians 3

 1.  You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.
 2.  I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?
 3.  Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
 4.  Have you suffered so much for nothing--if it really was for nothing?
 5.  Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
 6.  Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
 7.  Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.
 8.  The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you."
 9.  So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
 10.  All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."
 11.  Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith."
 12.  The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, "The man who does these things will live by them."
 13.  Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."
 14.  He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
 15.  Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case.
 16.  The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed,"  meaning one person, who is Christ.
 17.  What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.
 18.  For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
 19.  What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator.
 20.  A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one.
 21.  Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.
 22.  But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
 23.  Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.
 24.  So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ  that we might be justified by faith.
 25.  Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
 26.  You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,
 27.  for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
 28.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
 29.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

[DirtyHarryY2K]

Homosexual Agenda Ping!

FReepmail if you want on/off the ping list.

Free Republic homosexual agenda keyword search

[Elsie]

 

 

 

Genesis 13:13
  Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD.
 

Genesis 18:20-21
 20.  Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous
 21.  that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."

Genesis 19:4-7
 4.  Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom--both young and old--surrounded the house. 
 5.  They called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them."
 6.  Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him
 7.  and said, "No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing.

Isaiah 3:9
 9.  The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves.

 More?

Ezekiel 16:49-50
 49.  "`Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.
 50.  They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.

 

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But there IS hope!!!

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1 Corinthians 6:9-11

 9.  Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders
 10.  nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 
 11.  And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

 

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If you could NOT change, you would be in most pitiful shape.....

[Elsie]

Ah... ya just GOTTA love MADISON!!!

 

 

 

Packers' White discusses 'sin' homosexuality in speech

CBS SportsLine wire reports
March 25, 1998

MADISON, Wis. -- Most people invited to speak to the Wisconsin Legislature give five minutes of pleasantries, get a few moments of applause and go home.

Lawmakers weren't expecting the earful Reggie White had in store for them Wednesday......

 

(From here --> http://www.skeptictank.org/white.htm )

[delacoert]

Our Jewish values impel us to create a society that is democratic, pluralistic and just. This amendment, however, does just the opposite and promotes hatred.

Sadly, the truth is just the opposite. The deceitfulness of sin blinds so many to the reality that wickedness is the primary promoter of hatred.

I am sad that this is so hard to see.

Sin promotes hatred, but victory over sin overcomes hatred.

It is understandably human to conclude that speaking about the sinfulness of homosexuality (taking a stand against homosexual unions) means being against the homosexual and therefore, means enmity between the homosexual and the one speaking opposition. This is just logic.

What is not understood is the true heart of humility of a sinner speaking about sinfulness. A sinner who has been relieved of the great weight of that sin speaks humbly about sin... speaks against sin not with arrogant condemnation, but with empathy and concern.

The humble sinner speaking against the acceptance of homosexual unions is saying, "come humbly with me and repent..." as far from hatred as the east is from the west.

[The Hound Passer]

No, not really. As far as I'm concerned (as a Conservative Jew) they are JINOs...that's Jews In Name Only. I say this because the Talmud and Jewish tradition is quite unambiguous that marriage is a bond between one man and one woman. To claim anything else is over-interpretation on their part. It peevs me to no end when these heads of religion use there "holy" position to serve there own narrow political ends. They no more represent the "Jewish Community," any more than Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid represent "Mainstream American Values."

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

Those are not the words of Yeshua, nor do they instruct to disobey the laws given by Moses. As Yeshua followed every one of them, so are “Christians” (the Christ like) expectd to...

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Reggie is greatly missed in our state. My only consolation is that my WHITE jersey will now pay for my retirement years. ;)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

"They no more represent the 'Jewish Community,' any more than Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid represent 'Mainstream American Values.'"

Perfectly stated. :)

[Inwoodian]

Let Rabbi George Michael or whatever his name is try this pronouncement in Israel. He'll be stoned more than Courtney Love ever was.

[patriot_wes]

"My late Grandfather would be what many called "ultra-Orthodox." He had a name for Reform Jews: "Christians."

Great line...one of my favorites is "I believe in replacement theology - Israel will replace the church!"

[NYC Jewboy]

Because it seems that a little more or less of half of people who say they are Jews don't ascribe to their particular position. Maybe it is time that they get their act together, a lot hangs on what they do believe.

I'm not saying I agree with their position, but it's the rare day when over 50% of Jews agree on anything at all.

Just saying.

[Sometimes A River]

Even the "Conservative" branch of Judaism is accepting homosexual "marriages."

I read the article on here a few weeks ago.

[Elsie]

As Yeshua followed every one of them, so are “Christians” (the Christ like) expectd to...

 

By whom????

 

Matthew 12:1-14

 

 1.  At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.
 2.  When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."
 3.  He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
 4.  He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread--which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.
 5.  Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent?
 6.  I tell you that one  greater than the temple is here.
 7.  If you had known what these words mean, `I desire mercy, not sacrifice,'  you would not have condemned the innocent.
 8.  For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
 9.  Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue,
 10.  and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"
 11.  He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?
 12.  How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
 13.  Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.
 14.  But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

[Elsie]

Even the "Conservative" branch of Judaism is accepting homosexual "marriages."

Luke 18:8
I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

[Mrs. Don-o]

What's really offensive here is not just that these Jewish community leaders support same-sex "marriage" or "domestic partnership" or whatever, but that they choose to advance their position, not by argument, but by calumny and insult.

If you have religious reasons for supporting and honoring homosexual behavior, let's hear them. Quote from the Bible or the Talmud if you can. Let's hear a coherent faith-based orgument.

Or if you're in favor of himosexual behavior for philosophical reasons, or because you think it advances the continuation and flourishing of human society, marshall your evidence and argue away.

But if the best you can come up with is to ignore your opponents' reasoned arguments, slander their motivations, and malign their moral character with words like hatred, injustice, and persecution, don't expect people to listen to you serenely or take you seriously.

This is bullying and bombast. It's the intellectual equivalent of saying, "Shut up, poopy-head." It is intended to heap insults on other points of view without even hearing them, and contributes nothing worthwhile to the public policy debate.

[MeanWestTexan]

"Why do you hyphenate "G-D"?"

Because, if strictly following the Law, one should not write out the name of God.

There is disagreement on the issue and there is a school of thought that the the only the "proper" name of God should not be spelled out (that being the one that starts with a "Y" and ends with an "H").

[Right Wing Assault]

But if the best you can come up with is to ignore your opponents' reasoned arguments, slander their motivations, and malign their moral character with words like hatred, injustice, and persecution, don't expect people to listen to you serenely or take you seriously.

Good point. It's so much a part of that mindset that we tend not to even notice it.

[MeanWestTexan]

"Judaism is dying."

Nah, non-observant judaism is dying.

Observant Jews have lots of kids.