Homosexuals Can Change, Says Jewish Experts

Orthodox rabbis, mental health professionals, and other leaders have jointly declared that homosexual behavior is prohibited and that so-called sexual orientation can be healed with proper therapy. The formal declaration was made in an effort to counter secular propaganda aimed at normalizing homosexual behavior.

"The concept that G-d created a human being who is unable to find happiness in a loving relationship unless he violates a biblical prohibition is neither plausible nor acceptable."
-- Declaration on the Torah Approach to Homosexuality

For background, read Homosexuality NOT Fixed, Change Possible: Study and also read Lesbianism NOT Genetic: Study as well as Psychologists Suggest Homosexuals Change Religious Affiliation

-- From "Rabbonim OK Therapeutic Approach to Homosexuality" by Hana Levi Julian, MSW, LCSW-R, Arutz Sheva (Israel National News) 12/28/11

A coalition of more than 150 Orthodox rabbis, community leaders, organizers and respected mental health professionals have given an historic stamp of approval to a document entitled a "Declaration on the Torah Approach to Homosexuality."

The treatment recommended in the statement is reparative or gender-affirming therapy . . .

The statement -- which goes out of its way to caution against castigation of the individual and notes "They deserve our full love, support and encouragement in their striving towards healing" -- is likely to be met with a storm of protest both in Israel and abroad.

The Declaration, written by a 25-member committee of rabbis, parents, "strugglers" currently in therapy and "success stories" -- those who completed therapy and today are living heterosexual lives, many with spouses and children, belies those claims.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Declaration On The Torah Approach To Homosexuality"

The Torah makes a clear statement that homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle or a genuine identity by severely prohibiting its conduct.

From a Torah perspective, the question whether homosexual inclinations and behaviors are changeable is extremely relevant. The concept that G-d created a human being who is unable to find happiness in a loving relationship unless he violates a biblical prohibition is neither plausible nor acceptable. G-d is loving and merciful. Struggles, and yes, difficult struggles, along with healing and personal growth are part and parcel of this world. Impossible, life long, Torah prohibited situations with no achievable solutions are not.

We emphatically reject the notion that a homosexually inclined person cannot overcome his or her inclination and desire. Behaviors are changeable. The Torah does not forbid something which is impossible to avoid. Abandoning people to lifelong loneliness and despair by denying all hope of overcoming and healing their same-sex attraction is heartlessly cruel.

The only viable course of action that is consistent with the Torah is therapy and teshuvah. The therapy consists of reinforcing the natural gender-identity of the individual by helping him or her understand and repair the emotional wounds that led to its disorientation and weakening, thus enabling the resumption and completion of the individual’s emotional development. Teshuvah is a Torah-mandated, self-motivated process of turning away from any transgression or sin and returning to G-d and one’s spiritual essence. This includes refining and reintegrating the personality and allowing it to grow in a healthy and wholesome manner.

The key point to remember is that these individuals are primarily innocent victims of childhood emotional wounds. They deserve our full love, support and encouragement in their striving towards healing. Struggling individuals who seek health and wellness should not be confused with the homosexual movement and their agenda. This distinction is crucial. It reflects the difference between what G-d asks from all of us and what He unambiguously prohibits.

To read the entire declaration, CLICK HERE.

From "Rabbis get biblical on same-sex lovin'" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 12/27/11

Among the signers who have chosen to go public with their endorsement of the position are psychologist and author Dr. Miriam Adaham of Jerusalem; Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, president of the International Network of Orthodox Mental Health Professions; Los Angeles psychiatrist and author Dr. Miriam Grossman; Dr. Joseph Gelbfish of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, psychotherapist and author; Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, a vice president of the Rabbinical Council of America and dozens more.

It contradicts a statement from 2010 signed by Orthodox rabbis who believed, "Jews with homosexual orientations or same sex-attractions should be welcomed as full members of the synagogue and school community. As appropriate with regard to gender and lineage, they should participate and count ritually, be eligible for ritual synagogue honors, and generally be treated in the same fashion and under the same halakhic and hashkafic framework as any other member of the synagogue they join."

The 2010 statement also rejected the idea of therapy to heal homosexuality, but the new declaration takes the opposite position.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Normalization of Pedophilia Urged by Psychiatrists