Wrestling with God and men : homosexuality in the Jewish tradition /

Greenberg, the first Orthodox rabbi to openly declare his homosexuality (1999), tells of his internal struggle in reconciling his sexuality with the Orthodox Judaism he so deeply cherishes. His personal journey is combined with an exploration of sacred texts on gender and sexuality with a particular focus on two biblical verses, Lev. 18:22 and 20:13, long known for their condemnation of homosexuality. Using the tools of rabbinical legal analysis (Halakhah), Greenberg presents a reading of these passages by exploring four rationales (reproduction, social disruption, category confusion, humiliation and violence), thereby emphasizing the true spirit of Halakhah--"asking why and seeking reasons for the written word." Greenberg provides, as did the rabbis of old, potential readings to "demystify" biblical law and then find anew deeper divine meanings that can provide hope for reconstructing homosexual, lesbian, and gender relations within (though not limited to) Orthodox Judaism. Greenberg also examines non-scriptural texts from the Talmud, medieval Jewish poetry, and legal literature. He closes with "Conversations"; though designed to assist rabbis in counseling those "wrestling" with God and their sexuality, his wisdom can be appreciated by anyone struggling with understanding differing lifestyles and gender issues. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-level undergraduates and above. H. M. Szpek Central Washington University

Defying more than 3,000 years of Torah tradition and belief, Greenberg, an Orthodox rabbi who recently publicized his homosexuality, embarks on a thorough, if questionable, trek to reevaluate the overt biblical prohibition of male-male relations. Central to his argument is a rereading of Leviticus 18:22, "Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is an abhorrence" (JPS translation) to be understood as "And (either a female or) a male you shall not sexually penetrate to humiliate [;] it is abhorrent." The story of Sodom's destruction, the love between David and Jonathan and the creation of Adam and Eve figure prominently as sources of new and interesting perspectives, yet they are all based on subjective evaluations that bear no textual confirmation. While he is obviously well versed in Torah knowledge and rabbinic law, Greenberg admits that he is "not a disinterested party on the matter of homosexuality"; indeed, many of his arguments stretch the truth or omit vital segments of biblical text to reach their desired conclusion, and, in addition, are fraught with expressions of unease such as "maybe" and "perhaps." This is not to say that his attempt bears no fruit. He effectively portrays the plight of closeted and openly gay Orthodox Jews who struggle daily with their sexual desires and with the knowledge that the Torah and the rabbis forbid homosexuality. While Greenberg's controversial biblical claims on this long-taboo topic may infuriate some and gratify others, his book arouses deep empathy for Orthodox homosexuals. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved