I look forward to reading the responsa and hope I am not out of place in voicing
some immediate concerns. One thing I find extremely disturbing is a statement in
the memo from USCJ as follows:

> Although we have the greatest respect for the Law Committee’s
>decisions, we do not agree with the recommendations of the
>third paper it accepted, which said that gay men and lesbians
>are best advised to find “restorative therapy” to change their sexual
orientation.

This seems way way out of place and counterproductive with respect to reported
goals Klal Yisrael and the process being described. How dare they do this? Even
Rabbi Nevins, in his journal has more considered words re Rabbi Levy. It is an
accepted responsa that passed so how dare USCJ poskin against this?

Rabbi Nevins states:

It has been reported that Rabbi Leonard Levy called for “reparative therapy” for
gay and lesbian Jews to function as heterosexuals. This is, as Len likes to say,
a “sweeping generalization.” In fact, his point was that while most people who
experience same-sex attraction may never be able to change that, even if highly
motivated, a small percentage nevertheless may, and they should be offered that
opportunity.  I don’t think anyone disagrees that people should be able to
understand their sexual orientation with the assistance of open minded
counselors. Where we disagree with Len is in his claim that you can maintain an
exclusive public policy that bans all homosexual intimacy and the recognition of
homosexual families while also creating a welcoming and respectful environment
for people who identify as gay or lesbian. I voted against Len’s paper, but I
don’t think it should be distorted.

He must be responding to USCJ!

I think this touches on a major problem that I see ---- people and especially
children on the line who could go either way. Can we or can we not say we love
you all but it's better to be straight if you can! Do we believe that or does
it just not matter -- are these to become two modes among equals? I also voiced
previously voiced a related question about bisexuals -- is that also a valid
approach for a Conservative Rabbi to take according to the Dorff Responsa. And
how about experimentation -- will it now be valid for Conservative Jewish youth
to try out both opposite sex and same sex dating to see which appeals to them?
What is the view of the gay community on this. Will we now be in a "friendly
competition" to see which side can attract more of our youth? What if a child
has questions about their identity -- how should they be counseled to decide?
Will committed gay couples be within their rights as Conservative Jews to try
bring their children up as gay or will they be expected to initially assume that
the children will be straight? What is the stance of the Gay community on this?
Is there an analogy in the Deaf Community where many/some would prefer that
their children be deaf. in this regard, I had an interesting conversation with
Rabbi Leonard Levy a couple of years ago at a symposium at JTSA on cochlear
implantation in children. He was trying to understand the reaction of the Deaf
Community who were rejecting the possibility of hearing via electronic means now
available through implants. The Deaf Community felt that they were not
disabled, but rather different, even when given the opportunity to be less
different. They felt that it was wrong to implant children since it would
remove them from the Deaf Community. Is the analogous attitude on the part of
the Gay community a prevalent one and is it a Jewishly valid one?

I hope you realize that I ask these questions with respect and love for all Jews
and all human beings, and apologize for my own prejudices which no doubt are
many, but I have concerns.that I pray are unfounded.

R.L. Smith