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New York Jewish seminary will allow gays, lesbians

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RationalThought110:
Someone help my argument that gay rabbis violate the Torah.  What is it say about rabbis?

ftf:
I think I'm right in saying that under strict Torah law homosexuals are to be put to death...

MassuhDGoodName:
Re:  "...I think I'm right in saying that under strict Torah law homosexuals are to be put to death..."

The rabbis of the Talmud discussing such matters offer that the sentence "...they shall be put to death..." can refer to the fact that Ha'Shem will extinguish their immortal souls; as opposed to the idea that man must end their lives.

Torah also states that when Moshe appointed Judges to rule over Israel, he instructed them that they were to apply and interpret the law "...according to each generation...".  Again, Talmudic scholars explain the passage to mean that because each and every generation differs from its parents, and because each new generation finds a world in constant flux and living in conditions far different than those of the wandering Israelites; judges must apply wisdom and understanding in their decisions.  They state very clearly that "for an eye...eye; for a tooth...tooth" is meant to mean a compensation of money and/or services equivalent to the hardship caused one who has been injured.  The laws governing execution of a criminal are so strict that the person who is the eyewitness to a murder is obliged to personally "cast the first stone", and circumstantial evidence can not be used to convict one of murder.  Manslaughter without premeditation allows the perpetrator to retreat to certain cities or towns where they are granted permanent asylum and refuge from retribution or prosecution.
Quite an advanced system of justice, from a people with not only brains, but also hearts.
(in actual fact, the ancient Israelites and other peoples felt that the correct site for feelings and emotions was the liver; not the heart!)

RationalThought110:
If it's up to each generation, are you claiming that homosexual behavior should be considered acceptable? 

MassuhDGoodName:
Re:  "...If it's up to each generation, are you claiming that homosexual behavior should be considered acceptable?..."

No.

I'm only saying there is a sound Torah rationale for why we don't carry out summary executions on them today.

Let's face it:  Were we to carry out Torah in the strictest sense today, we 'd be killing as many people as do the Taliban.

I've the feeling that were we suddenly thrust face-to-face with our ancient ancestors, neither group would recognize the other; to the extent that our lifestyles, customs, and laws changed over the last 2000 years. 

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