Rabbi’s Corner – Repudiating Reputations Edition

Dear Friends,
Those who have been following the New York gubernatorial race have likely heard of the anti-gay comments Republican candidate Carl Paladino made this past week flanked by ultra-Orthodox Jews. Mr. Paladino subsequently apologized for his remarks, causing him to lose the endorsement of Rabbi Yehuda Levin, who as it turned out wrote the anti-gay comments himself.

Speaking for myself, the most disturbing element of this story came from the comments of conservative commentator Ann Coulter on Fox News’ O’Reilly Factor. In defending Mr. Paladino, Ms. Coulter argued that he was preaching to the choir saying, “He’s speaking to Hasidim… it’s like going to Chicago. You say, ‘Go Cubs.’”

It is one matter for Jews to make disagreeable comments in the name of Judaism – given the plethora of Jewish communities, offending someone is inevitable. However, Ms. Coulter’s remarks reveal that the visceral anti-gay mentality is as fundamental to Hasidic Jews as being a Cubs fan is to Chicagoans (north-siders anyway). More than one mere belief, being anti-gay is perceived to be a defining characteristic of Hasidim (or more accurate ultra-Orthodox Judaism in general).

Regardless of one’s view of homosexuality in Orthodox Judaism, it is extremely unfortunate when this becomes the 14th principle of faith, supplanting all others. Socrates once said, “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” I would hope that even the most right-wing Jews believe there is more to Judaism than just homophobia, and if so, should endeavor to present themselves accordingly.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh Yuter