 |
| Yeshiva University Beis HaMedrash (RIETS Press) |
A few days ago, I, along with many other Orthodox Jews, was perplexed by what appeared to be Yeshiva University’s recognition of an LGBTQ student club. As I noted at the time, I was perplexed but not shocked. Based on my ‘theory of the case’ I reserved judgment until I heard from their Roshei Yeshiva.
That has now happened - in the person of Rav Schachter, who responded
almost exactly as I expected he would. Which is, of course, the Torah way to
respond.
I speculated that there might be a rationale allowing YU to
recognize this club without it being an endorsement of sexual behavior that
makes such recognition so problematic. Here is the pertinent part of Rav Schachter’s
statement as reported at YWN:
"Two and a half years ago, when I was last consulted, I gave my blessing to a Yeshiva University initiative to help students struggling with problems of same-sex attraction and gender identity. My position, then as now, emphatically rejects the ideology, lifestyle, and behaviors that the LGBTQ term represents.
My position, then as now, is that all relevant prohibitions (homosexual behavior, same-sex marriage, castration, etc.) must obviously be uncompromisingly upheld. Simultaneously, all halachically legitimate means of support should be provided to struggling students to foster and sustain their unwavering commitment to Torah and mitzvot.
I gave my blessing to providing guidance and support in maintaining full, uncompromising shemiras ha-mitzvos—toward this sacred goal and nothing more.
Helping Jews keep the Mitzvos they struggle with is not only
permissible; it is an obligation upon all of us. This is what 'Kol Yisrael
Areivim Zeh BaZeh' is all about. If there is a club specifically designed for
that purpose, it should be lauded, not criticized.
Adding to this, YU President and Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, stated the following:
"The Yeshiva has always conveyed that what a Pride club represents is antithetical to the undergraduate program, in which the traditional view of marriage and gender as determined at birth is transmitted. The Yeshiva never could and never would sanction such an undergraduate club, and it is due to this that we entered litigation," Berman wrote.
He then introduced the Hareini club, which he says was created to support students who 'are striving to live authentic, uncompromising halakhic lives.' The club, he said, was 'agreed to by all of the parties to be in accordance with halacha, consistent with the rabbinic guidelines of the senior Roshei Yeshiva.'"
The last thing Hareini seems to be about is pride in a
sinful lifestyle. It appears to be the exact opposite. I am quite pleased that both
sides have agreed to those terms and that the litigation is being dropped.
All’s well that ends well, I guess. But I would be remiss if
I didn’t express my deep (albeit unsurprising) disappointment at the knee-jerk
response of the Charedi world when the news of YU’s recognition of Hareni first
broke. Which is exemplified in the very title of a YWN hit piece:
NAIL IN THE COFFIN: Yeshiva University Caves, Recognizes Toeiva Club In Landmark Surrender
That was followed by this:
"In a stunning capitulation, Yeshiva University (YU) has officially recognized an LGBTQ+ student club, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle but solidifying its descent into a Torah-compromised institution. The newly sanctioned club, now called 'Hareini,' will operate under the university’s banner - an unthinkable development for an institution that once prided itself on maintaining a Torah-observant identity."
It’s almost as if they couldn’t wait to condemn YU, as if
they were salivating - waiting for the day when YU would surely capitulate. And when they
perceived that it had, they pounced with some pretty incendiary language.
The idea of being Dan L’Kaf Zechus - judging YU favorably - never occurred to
them. They decided to condemn the school - and, by implication, its Roshei
Yeshiva. They didn’t even attempt to understand what was meant by YU doing this with the approval
of senior rabbis. Nope. They just couldn’t wait to drive the final nail into
YU’s coffin.
Well, they backpedaled somewhat by releasing Rav Schachter’s and Rabbi Berman’s comments. But as of yet, they have not apologized for their original harsh, knee-jerk reaction. Here is a little Mussar for them from the Gemara (Bava Basra 60b):
K’shot Atzmecha V’Achar Kach K’Shot Acherim - Correct yourself (first) and afterwards correct others. If they don’t know what to correct, they might want to start by checking out the list mentioned in this post.
