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Chief Rabbi Suspended For Gay Stance
The chief rabbi of Amsterdam’s Orthodox Jewish community, rabbi Aryeh Ralbeg has been suspended after signing a statement describing homosexuality as an illness which can be cured.
The US-born rabbi signed the document, along with 162 other rabbis and mental health practitioners, called Declaration On The Torah Approach To Homosexuality, which states, "We emphatically reject the notion that a homosexually inclined person cannot overcome his or her inclination and desire. Behaviours are changeable.
"The Torah does not forbid something which is impossible to avoid. Therapy and teshuvah (repentance) can overcome homosexuality."
A statement released by the NIHS, the Jewish community board, in response to the rabbi's declaration read, "Rabbi Ralbag's signature may give the impression the Orthodox Jewish community of Amsterdam shares his view. This is absolutely untrue. Homosexuals are welcome at the Amsterdam Jewish community."
Ralbag told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that he found it "scandalous that a chief rabbi cannot state the Torah viewpoint for his community without being penalised."