tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post758592054105454074..comments2024-01-17T16:15:59.682-05:00Comments on Another gay Jew: RisqueEly Winklerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14816825030719694334noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-9530153159960444582011-06-24T08:39:37.588-04:002011-06-24T08:39:37.588-04:00First nobody should be exposed to infection. How w...First nobody should be exposed to infection. How widespread is the strategy?... of "BEFORE we have sex let's get tested TOGETHER for A VARIETY of STDs." Do sexual health checkups reduce the ambiguity?... Can sexual health checkups be like anything else POTENTIAL sex partners do together?... If you needed surgery would you want the surgeon to wash before operating?... If you needed a blood transfusion would you want the blood tested before or after the transfusion?... see also<br /><a href="http://notb4weknow.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">http://notb4weknow.blogspot.com</a><br /><a href="http://continuedat.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">http://continuedat.blogspot.com</a><br /><br /> "tested together" alerts<br /> <a href="http://alerts.google.com" rel="nofollow">http://alerts.google.com</a><br /> <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=%22tested+together%22" rel="nofollow">http://www.google.com/search?q=%22tested+together%22</a>theszakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02671109875431805540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-62771623337949721222011-03-10T18:29:08.672-05:002011-03-10T18:29:08.672-05:00@ Anonymous 3:11pm
I appreciate your responses an...@ Anonymous 3:11pm<br /><br />I appreciate your responses and your candor. I do, however, find the same fault with your question that I outlined above. <br /><br />Laws don't exist for things embedded in our natures. There is no law that states we must eat; there are special times to make a feast and certain situations that talk about what may be eaten (ex. non-kosher during wartime or when deathly-starving with access to no kosher food), etc. There is no Halachah that states we must breathe, because those things we are built to do. <br /><br />Laws guide us, and help us channel ourselves, create opportunity for growth and connection to Hashem. If I was built to do everything The Almighty wanted, then I'd be an angel without free choice. If there's no (natural) desire to do something other than what halachah mandates, then there's no free choice, and no reason to have the halachah in the first place. Yes, there are laws that tell us to appreciate and bring The Almighty into the way we eat, thanking him for life (breathing) in the morning, but no law says we must eat/breathe, only that we should use our natures (and perhaps curb them) in showing appreciation (or service) to The Almighty, connecting to him and growing. <br /><br />Just because we struggle with different desires and different challenges, that does not make us any less frum, religious, observant, orthodox... whatever you want to call it. <br /><br />I object to the FRAME. The assumptions underlying the question. I find them faulty. Also, in a way, arrogant. <br /><br />I guess that I presume we will -as human beings -slip up with regard to halachah, which doesn't mean it's allowed, only that I observe and accept it happens (post-facto). There is no Jew exempt from Yom Kippur, who has nothing to do Teshuvah for. Because I realize that, I understand very well that in the struggle to remain frum a homosexual Jew may slip-up, the same way I may slip-up myself in halachot regarding sexuality. I acknowledge the struggle will very likely become more intense and difficult as I age, especially if I have no outlet -in my case, marriage, and even then I will struggle tremendously when the woman I'm married to is considered a niddah. Thus, I recognize it may be more difficult for a homosexual Jew, but the difficulty does not make them less Orthodox or less part of the community as far as I'm concerned. <br /><br />I don't make the giant distinction between being homosexual and heterosexual regarding struggles and slip-ups that creates such a chasm and allows people to somehow say that homosexuals can't live a frum life. I understand when you say the homosexual LIFESTYLE will not be accepted, particularly because that lifestyle includes sinning. However, all lifestyles (and life itself) includes the inevitability of sinning. I just don't make such a huge distinction, because I recognize my flaws, my weaknesses and the temptations I have, especially the habitual or deeply ingrained ones. I just don't see the difference and I believe the perspective comes from a place of humility in my own flaws and humanity. <br /><br />My measuring stick is simply DEDICATION to Halachah. For someone who is dedicated it matters not how they are challenged, and I know that they (like me) may slip-up. For someone who is not dedicated, regardless of what their challenge is, chances are they do not keep the Halachah and have little motivation to work on themselves and do better.Yishainoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-70469948453748806232011-02-26T18:11:16.725-05:002011-02-26T18:11:16.725-05:00Yishai,
I'm the same anonymous poster from ab...Yishai,<br /><br />I'm the same anonymous poster from above that you have been replying to. I like the way you think, and really do agree with most of your opinion on this. I do believe that being Orthodox should not be defined by how many halacha's a person is breaking, but how motivated such a person is in keeping the halacha's. True, every time a person is fighting an impulse to go against halacha, he/she is being a good Orthodox Jew.<br /><br />At the same time, it was I who did also ask the question to Ely regarding what can he really do to maintain observance in Halacha while getting his sexual needs met. I think every human needs to fulfill their sexual needs, and I honestly want to know what form of this can Ely practice that will not force him to break any Halacha. In that question, I am not implying at all, in any shape or form, that Ely must therefore not be Orthodox because he does not have an answer to that question. If Ely is trying to be Orthodox though in the definition that "Orthodoxy" is doing ones best to live according to Halachic Jewish law, I sure as bet hope he does have some sort of answer, and will one day be willing to share it with others in order to help other Orthodox Jews in his situation. <br /><br />But let's say there is no answer. Let's say that as of now, the only thing an Orthodox gay Jew can do to get his sexual needs met is go directly against halacha. If so, then I believe under Halachic law, saying that as a gay person, my lifestyle should be accepted, by the Orthodox community and they should completely accept me and all my gay Jewish friends, is something not possible for the Orthodox community to do. Because, outwardly saying "I am gay" without providing a basic framework for ok, fine, you have attractions to the same sex, but how under Halachic law are you going to be human and get your sexual needs met, is basically the same thing as saying I have an impulse to do something against a halacha, and there is nothing I can do to not go against that halacha.<br /><br />On the other hand, when the Orthodox community is confronted by heterosexual's who have strong impulsions to have sex with many women, or do other sexual sins, they do have answers to the Orthodox community when they are asked, ok fine, you have this impulse, but how under Halachic law are you going to be human and get your sexual needs met.<br /><br />Yes, we all struggle as human beings, and we all fail. It's part of life. Chazal teach that a righteous person must fall down seven times to get back up once. It's part of human nature and how it is supposed to be. But intrinsically part of that is finding ways to recover. We fall, yes, but how do we get back up? Is there a solution, a way to prevent ourselves from breaking the halacha again? Right now, I don't know what that solution is for homosexual individuals who are acting out on their impulses. <br /><br />So basically, what I am trying to point out is that until Ely and other Orthodox gay Jews can explain how their behaviors can meet Halachic standards while still allowing them to be human and get their sexual needs met, never will their homosexual lifestyle be accepted in the Orthodox world. HOWEVER, that does not mean in any way, that Ely as an individual, composed of so many other traits and facets, should be rejected from the Orthodox community. Because again, we reject the sin, not the sinner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-6123735139325921062011-02-24T18:33:26.347-05:002011-02-24T18:33:26.347-05:00@Anonymous 10:45
Thanks for your comments, and I ...@Anonymous 10:45<br /><br />Thanks for your comments, and I understand what you mean - the issues can be quite touchy. As far as truth seeking, I think we must seek that in ourselves as well. I'll give an example here. <br /><br />One of the questions raised above is how a homosexual man can call themselves orthodox if they (very likely) will not have a relationship that gives them a Halachically mandated outlet for sexuality. I recognize that those who asked often put it in terms of themselves ("I don't understand") instead of just pointing the finger. Still, it has the strong implication that any homosexual man cannot maintain Halachah and so cannot be considered orthodox. <br /><br />However, the implicit assumption there (though one person mentioned it and then tossed it out) is that heterosexual orthodox men do not struggle tremendously with sexuality. Instead of coming from a place of "I struggle with sexuality, and most likely will continue to struggle with that even in my marriage, so I wonder how your struggle will be" it comes from a place of "I will be having kosher sex and have as much of an outlet as I need (or at least some outlet and that will be enough), so it's not a problem for me (despite what I do now). But YOU can't do/say that, so clearly you will fail and cannot call yourself orthodox." <br /><br />I see that assumption/presumption as ludicrous. Men (and women too) struggle (to varying degrees I'm sure) with sexuality REGARDLESS of sexual orientation. The ENTIRE idea of the Blog/OP is that things are not so black and white; and yet some comments reflect that very thinking. Perhaps we should also examine ourselves as we seek truth.<br /><br />If being frum/orthodox is dependent on never violating a prohibition - pretty much everyone is doing SOMETHING wrong, or has in the past, or will in the future. Many of us do the same thing repeatedly, struggling with our own demons. But whereas in other areas, that seems "normal" in that it is part of life's struggles, there seems to be tremendous resistance in accepting sexuality -and in particular homosexuality -as an individual's life struggles in being frum. <br /><br />On the other hand, if it's about "potential" to do right, then every moment a homosexual man is NOT acting on the impulse to engage in violating Halachah/Torah prohibitions, they are absolutely fulfilling that potential to do right. It is comparable to how a heterosexual frum Jew would be when they have tremendous desire and opportunity to violate prohibitions regarding sex and refrain. <br /><br />The way I figure, and I'm definitely open to being wrong, but the idea of dedication to Torah and Mitzvot (and Halachah) overrides our individual violations of Halachah; that's what makes a person frum - the dedication, not the individual infraction(s). Which is (relating to the OP) why "private bedroom behaviors" are completely irrelevant (as well as nobody's business). <br /><br />I have noticed, however, that some may have more resistance applying the above thought process to sexuality, and perhaps in particular with homosexuality. Given the gravity that Chazal place in their prohibitions regarding sexual behavior, I'm not surprised to see that attitude. <br /><br />To clarify, I am NOT saying violating Halachah in any context is okay, but recognition (perhaps we can call it acceptance) that we all struggle and as human beings fail from time to time allows us to move forward (instead of losing hope and/or giving up) and therefore continue dedicating ourselves to the Torah, Mitzvot and Halachah.Yishainoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-37579411596499952842011-02-24T13:45:00.880-05:002011-02-24T13:45:00.880-05:00Yishai
I'm the anonymous that you responded t...Yishai<br /><br />I'm the anonymous that you responded to and I completely agree with everything you said.<br /><br />I just still feel like when people ask the way you outlined, people are quick to overreact in general, and call it hateful bashing, instead of take a step back and realize it is simple truth seeking.<br /><br />Thanks for the very clear and thoughtful post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-47140551882363675452011-02-24T13:03:52.561-05:002011-02-24T13:03:52.561-05:00@Anonymous 4:51
I do believe it is fine to ASK AP...@Anonymous 4:51<br /><br />I do believe it is fine to ASK APPROPRIATELY, with respectful curiosity. <br /><br />However, there are two things that should be noted. Firstly, that Ely ALWAYS reserves the right NOT to answer a question; it is his private life and thoughts and nobody is ENTITLED to them whatsoever, regardless of how much they want to know. Secondly, that in asking appropriately and respectfully there are no implications or accusations. It's important to come from a place of support (eg. showing pride and admiration that he cares about and works towards living a frum Jewish life as we all do). <br /><br />Most of the issues I've seen above seem to stem from the WAY questions and issues are brought up instead of the actual CONTENT of those questions. <br /><br />It's one thing to ask if Ely is happy that he's come out but it's quite another to publicly state he is sad (based on hearsay from a friend of a friend). It's also disrespectful to air out a private conversation in public. <br /><br />It's one thing to wonder how fully and honestly Ely speaks when he chooses to disclose certain aspects of his life and private thoughts (which we also have no right to demand, but may respectfully ask and he may choose to graciously grant a reply), but it's quite another to demand full disclosure. It implies he is being dishonest (or at least that those demanding it do not trust his honesty). <br /><br />It's one thing to ask if Ely has had experience with JONAH or come into contact with those who have (and what his experience of them has been). But it's quite another to accuse him of being brainwashed by the gay community. <br /><br />People become defensive when they see themselves as being attacked. There is a way to ask questions that doesn't put the person on defensive as though they are being judged for socio-religious execution and excommunication. Whether or not that is the intent, clearly that's how it is coming across, as evidenced by the multitude of responses (and Ely has repeatedly mentioned that he WELCOMES the questions, though not publicly in such an abrasive and bullying fashion). <br /><br />It's one thing to bully in the name of truth, and another to respectfully and curiously ask - the difference is in approaching Ely as a supporter and equal, NOT tearing down the image of his religiosity because of his homosexuality (especially given that we do not choose or control our sexual preferences).Yishainoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-7161010897662717712011-02-24T07:51:15.597-05:002011-02-24T07:51:15.597-05:00I don't think it's crazy to ask Ely whethe...I don't think it's crazy to ask Ely whether he is living happily today, especially if one has heard otherwise from Ely himself. Ely is discussing his life on this blog, we want to all see him happy, and gay Jews like him will want to know the answer to that question.<br /><br />I don't think it's crazy to hold Ely accountable in being honest. We all want to know the truth. We all should seek the truth. It is ok to make sure that Ely is being honest in his dialogue with us.<br /><br />I don't think it's crazy to ask Ely whether he has met any individuals in JONAH or who have tried to change. If he has, and feels they were successful, it's ok for him to be asked about those cases. And their existence does not in any way mean Ely is doing the wrong thing. <br /><br />I don't think that every one here who has asked the hard questions has asked whether Ely has anal sex. Enovick, I am simply not sure why you have connected the two, or at least would disregard the hard questions because someone out there asked the hard questions while at the same time asked whether he has anal sex. <br /><br />This blog is really becoming too dramatic. People avoiding the tough questions, getting defensive when they are asked, and people avoiding trying to find the truth to some important matters. Shame.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-26891838864418173742011-02-23T23:52:34.471-05:002011-02-23T23:52:34.471-05:00i am merely asking how running a family as a homos...<i>i am merely asking how running a family as a homosexual couple can be said to be orthodox</i><br /><br />Ok, so this is a socio-semantics question. If people around Ely who call themselves frum/orthodox keep excluding him (i.e. not allowing him to call himself Orthodox) then maybe he'll end up having to call himself something else. For example, "a person who tries his best to live a life shaped by Torah and mitzvot". What's in a name. On the other hand, if people don't exclude him, he'll call himself a frum gay Jew which is what he seems to want to go by. The particular details that you're asking for are totally irrelevant to this point.<br /><br />-YacovAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-9165396666978981952011-02-23T23:46:57.711-05:002011-02-23T23:46:57.711-05:00And I didn't mean to imply it was a running di...And I didn't mean to imply it was a running dialogue between just you and I. That's what so great about this internet business. Lots of participants weighing in on this dialogue. No offense here. <br /><br />I know you are looking for Ely's answer but i find these conversation interesting (and again, I think the point of this ability to comment is not just to have a dialogue with Ely, but with this whole community of readers). Ely can choose to answer but I will just say for the final time, I still don't see the difference. It's the constancy of his choice that runs in opposition of being "Orthodox?" The <br />"lifestyle?" I don't see how you can see choosing to be shomer shabbat or not as anything but a lifestyle choice. I just don't understand why the performance of some averot, however constant and internalized they are, forbids one from trying to live an orthodox life in other respects. And I'm not sure what it means when we say "running a family as a homosexual couple." Would they "run" it differently then heterosexual couples, encourage their children to sin, or to go down the same route the parents have? I know when I was younger I, as I'm sure many of us did, thought my parents were infallible. But there comes a time when we realize that is untrue. And in truth, it gives them more credence as parents to guide us, having had their own struggles and their own mistakes. But those mistakes, whether it is a ongoing, inseparable lifestyle choice or a one time slip up, don't take away from our ability to parent. <br /><br />There is no question Ely will face further challenges of acceptance if he chooses to start a family as a homosexual couple. My question and concern is where will it stop? If he does decide to father a child, will that child be accepted in the community or will he/she be writing his/her own blog in a couple of decades? We have to start realizing that we can accept without condoning. Also, questioning should always be allowed from all sides and it's why this blog is so great. And it's nice to see some respectful questioning after some time of angry comments.Enovickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01646400805391539488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-83647621502417145842011-02-23T19:42:43.616-05:002011-02-23T19:42:43.616-05:00first of all, that is not a running dialogue, two ...first of all, that is not a running dialogue, two seperate people wrote each of the previous anonymous post. on the other hand... I dont believe I am asking Eli to give explicit details, i am merely asking how running a family as a homosexual couple can be said to be orthodox. thats all i ask bc yes it is different than shomer shabbos... shomer shabbos is something one can change over time. homosexuality especially once entered into a union of marriage, really cant be changed. it is what it is... so i apologize if i offend u enovick, but honestly, i was hoping ELI would answer that question not u considering that is a lifestyle he hopes to pursue. I never once said he shouldnt be accepted, i just asked how can one put the two together... this is not a rant or a bashing, this is an honest question. a question directed towards the hopeful answer of ELI and no one else, thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-6370510056222460232011-02-23T16:58:31.500-05:002011-02-23T16:58:31.500-05:00There is a severe difference between asking tough ...There is a severe difference between asking tough questions (I enjoy the back and forth dialogue, it's why I like posting) and aggressively pushing someone to publicly state whether he is having anal sex. I'm sorry but anyone who doesn't see that as highly inappropriate, and frankly completely irrelevant to what I think this blog is all about (self-discovery, search for acceptance and open-mindedness, etc.) is fooling themselves. <br /><br />The ironic thing of course, is that the second Ely, or anyone else, begins speaking about what goes on in the bedroom, he will begin to hear backlash about how inappropriate it is, and how homosexuality should not be talked about in such an explicit manner (anyone who doesn't believe this need look no further than some of the comments made following YU's Gay Panel that stated just that in response to some of the more intimate details that were shared).Enovickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01646400805391539488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-10350064932616758442011-02-23T14:05:02.969-05:002011-02-23T14:05:02.969-05:00This blog would be so much better if Ely would jus...This blog would be so much better if Ely would just try to answer the not so easy questions, and if people would not freak out when Ely is asked them. Yes, Ely has the right to stay quite and just let the drama ensue on its own. But imagine the impact it would make if people could stop being so defensive, and thought honestly about some of the questions that others ask. And imagine how much stronger Ely would look if he answered questions from people who may not agree with his lifestyle.<br /> <br />I strongly believe it's better to have answers to those who disagree with me than to get all emotionally riled up that there are such questions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-33755152247212935212011-02-23T10:29:11.048-05:002011-02-23T10:29:11.048-05:00I don't understand who gets to decide what &qu...I don't understand who gets to decide what "frum" means. I KNOW people that are openly not shomer shabbat, but who are accepted in the Jewish community, who have children whom they are trying to raise to be Orthodox and send to Jewish day schools and try to inculcate with all the Jewish values that they struggle with. Who has made the decision that certain "averot" are tolerated and others are not. Ely's, and everyone else's, decisions are his own to make. Do those decisions bar him from our community? From one day having a family and raising Orthodox Jewish children? Who gets to make these calls? <br /><br />And just for the record, a quick google search will reveal a number of Jewish bloggers who detail their personal struggles with their observance. But I have yet to find any with such pointed, harsh, and disturbingly aggressive comments.Enovickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01646400805391539488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-3089195397504480362011-02-23T00:33:16.341-05:002011-02-23T00:33:16.341-05:00im sorry, and please dont take this as disrespect....im sorry, and please dont take this as disrespect. but i have difficulties in understanding how one can say that they want to live as a "frum" orthodox jew whilst also saying they want to live a life as a married homosexual with children? i am not attacking, i just wonder how these two things go one in one... I know that no one is perfect, we are all farrrrr from it! but i just wonder how one can openly choose that lifestyle and still call themselves "frum"<br /><br />as for the comment regarding heterosexual relationship in regards to halacha, you are probably right, a lot of people are not keeping niddah laws correctly. but at same time, if one did write a blog about there choices of not keeping niddah (halachick niddah, not shomer negiah), believe me, they would also get a backlash of harsh comments. <br /><br />the comments made to eli are not fair. 100% <br />but it is a public forum and difficult questions should not be shied away from.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-88355915747796738092011-02-22T21:54:51.651-05:002011-02-22T21:54:51.651-05:00What started out as a question, a badly-phrased an...What started out as a question, a badly-phrased and most likely not-so-nicely motivated question, has become a purposeless attack. I do not know why these people believe that they have been silenced (exaggerate much?) or why they see themselves as victims, but what I am witnessing is extreme selfishness and lack of integrity. <br /><br />I am not saying that those who disagree with Ely's views need to be disliked, but there is a difference between having an exchange of opinions and exchanging targeted comments meant to incite and inflame. <br /><br />Ely, don't give these individuals the power to hurt you. They hide behind anonymous screen names and super religious email addresses, and you -- COURAGEOUSLY -- write a blog that details your struggles and thoughts--a stark difference that is appreciated and recognized.Michellenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-30088584919374748912011-02-22T21:29:27.273-05:002011-02-22T21:29:27.273-05:00Thanks for the support, everyone, but addressing s...Thanks for the support, everyone, but addressing such hatred will only entice the bully further. Please try and let it go. Or email him directly.Ely Winklerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14816825030719694334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-44539286295599282882011-02-22T21:17:22.887-05:002011-02-22T21:17:22.887-05:00Hi, I don't know who you are or why you insist...Hi, I don't know who you are or why you insist on spreading such slander, but I would appreciate stopping it, or at least discussing it with me privately. I assume you know how to contact me. Thanks.Ely Winklerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14816825030719694334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-12991280724418740732011-02-22T21:10:34.750-05:002011-02-22T21:10:34.750-05:00The person with real information has finally decid...The person with real information has finally decided to speak up and I am tired of being quiet. Everything that "a friend" has said is true as he has received the information from me. If anyone would like to contact me my email is lshemshamayim613@gmail.com.<br />Ely is not happy nor is he a martyr, however the innocent people that he has impacted are the martyrs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-59314706668312083802011-02-22T11:33:19.814-05:002011-02-22T11:33:19.814-05:00@anonymous 9:20,
The question was difficult and co...@anonymous 9:20,<br />The question was difficult and controversial, AND completely inappropriate. What makes you think that, because someone shares some personal things, you have a right to know whatever you want. It seems that your intentions are to discredit Ely.<br /><br />- YacovAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-67498922736897905952011-02-22T00:20:44.485-05:002011-02-22T00:20:44.485-05:00"a friend" has only asked an appropriate..."a friend" has only asked an appropriate question. Eli should answer his question. if one point can be openly made, why cant a question be asked. Eli was so eager to discuss the personal life issue of marriage and kids in a post a month or so ago. Why cant he answer this question. it is an open blog, with an open floor to questions. its online, its not blocked. its open. so no, a question does not need to be approached in the private. You shouldnt criticize and shun out one for asking questions. rather this should be what eli's blog is about. answering tough and controversial questions. NOT shying away from a difficult and controversial post. Your Frum and Gay. that in itself is unbelievable, even if it only last for a few months. its something i can never understand. but it comes down to whether you answer the question, and please dont be a coward. I happen to agree that what Eli or whomever else does is there own personal business, but if Eli cant answer a question bc its controversial or difficult, im sorry but he isnt a good source of inspiration, rather a coward. please eli, dont come off as a coward. you are very intelligent, and this blog is rather successful. i hope this post isnt deleted. im sure i will be called all sorts of names and such. but i feel this must be said.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-29194742489837601432011-02-21T12:00:26.915-05:002011-02-21T12:00:26.915-05:00@"a friend",
Does the word "rechilu...@"a friend",<br />Does the word "rechilut" mean anything to you? Maybe "motzi shem ra"? "Lashon hara" perhaps? Passing on information that isn't true? If you're so concerned about other people transgressing, first take a look at what you write - the tongue/keyboard can do maaany more types of sins than the genitals (shocking!).<br /><br />-YacovAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-72661676707850968632011-02-20T13:40:37.347-05:002011-02-20T13:40:37.347-05:00"A friend" posts one comment, and it set..."A friend" posts one comment, and it sets into motion a storm of angry comments. As Enovick said, his ridiculous arguments have been thoroughly rebuked. If and when he posts another comment, let's not pay any attention to it.Justinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-49869589838824805632011-02-20T09:44:53.500-05:002011-02-20T09:44:53.500-05:00I agree with anonymous 5:58, we only give credence...I agree with anonymous 5:58, we only give credence to this bully by responding to his heinous attacks. At the end of the day, Ely will go on blogging, his friends and supporters will continue to gain strength from him, and "a friend" will have accomplished nothing but reminding us that there are disgusting people among us.<br /><br />Ely, you need not answer to this individual. You have tried to address him/her in a responsible and mature way. You have done your part. Now I think it's time we all put this bully to rest and completely ignore him.Enovickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01646400805391539488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-36762451896731216792011-02-20T02:58:11.510-05:002011-02-20T02:58:11.510-05:00There has been some good stuff said here for and a...There has been some good stuff said here for and against.<br />But lets face it there are two prohibitions here.<br />One sex with a man like you would have with a woman which as Ely pointed out is anal sex and yes as Ely said lets not presume that all homosexuals are having anal sex, there are other entertaining sexual behaviors.<br />But then that will invoke two to happen 99% of the time and that’s wasting seed.<br />I mean if you going to have oral sex its bound to happen.<br />And yes heterosexuals do it as well, waste seed that is.<br />Even those who take the pill are in reality causing seed to be wasted even if the mans penis is entering the vagina there will be very little risk that the seed will produce.<br />So what are we saying, a homosexual should have no fun just kiss and don’t do any thing else.<br />Bottom line, no pun intended, but a good one, I say leave it to G-d and when the time come get punished by him and let the rabbi’s let us live the life we want to live.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928387059735958551.post-62299109739045983492011-02-19T21:50:23.421-05:002011-02-19T21:50:23.421-05:00Dear 'A friend'..
Like many others have me...Dear 'A friend'..<br />Like many others have mentioned, humiliating someone in this systematic way is not only bullying, but it is also going against a mitzvah that specifically states that one should not humiliate or cause unnecessary shame towards another. We learn this concept in many different ways- both small and large. <br />The truth is that this has nothing to do with what Ely said or didn't say- or even to whom he said it to...it seems that your ploy is just to shame him enough to possibly stop him from writing. In the end with out a powerful and rational voice like Elys, many of those who receive hope, will hide because they will fear people like you. Which is probably exactly what you want- for those to stop challenging the way that orthodoxy views homosexuals and your own opinion. The bottom line is that you are afraid of people like Ely! <br />shameful coward...ettanoreply@blogger.com