Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality
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Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality (JONAH) is a Jewish organization that focuses on “prevention, intervention, and healing of the underlying issues causing same-sex attractions”.[1] They take the Orthodox view that the Torah prohibits homosexual behavior, and is hence most (not all) of its members are Orthodox Jews. [2] Although the Torah does not prohibit homosexual thoughts, JONAH also helps its members overcome homosexual thoughts.[3] They believe everyone can change, because the Creator has endowed mankind with freewill.[1] It uses a variety of psycho-educational methods, including live support group meetings, E-mail list-serv groups, networking, therapy referrals, experiential weekend programs.[4] It has an extensive library which includes books, articles, and tapes.[5] It attracts a variety of Jews with same same-sex attractions, including those who want to leave the gay lifestyle, those who were never actively gay but want help to marry and have a family, and those who are already married. [2] It also works directly with spouses, parents, and other friends and relatives. [4]
JONAH was created in 1999, with its executive offices in Jersey City, New Jersey. Previously, most support groups were Christian, and Jews had nowhere to turn within their own religion. [3] It is now a world-wide organization, with the majority of its membership in the United States, Israel, Canada and Europe. [5] Its website is in English, Hebrew and Spanish. In July 2003, it joined with 10 other organization that serve people conflicted over unwanted homosexual attractions [4] to form a coalition called Positive Alternatives to Homosexuality.[6]
JONAH does not teach hatred towards homosexuals. Rabbi Samuel Rosenberg, the group director for JONAH, stated "We must repeatedly remind ourselves that, in the Torah, it is not the person, but the act that is abhorred. Moreover, even after the act, we have the obligation to promote teshuva and not censure by the family, leaders, and community." [3]
[edit] References
- ^ a b JONAH'S Mission Statement Retreived April 6, 2007
- ^ a b Strugglers Overcoming Same-Sex Attraction Jessel, Adam. 2001 Edition of the Jewish Magazine
- ^ a b c JONAH: Help for Jewish Homosexuals Consistent with Torah Principles Rosenbluth, Susan. Jewish Voice & Opinion. December 8, 1999
- ^ a b c http://www.pathinfo.org/orgs.htm Retrieved April 6, 2006
- ^ a b News from JONAH
- ^ Diverse Coalition Forms to Support People Seeking ‘Non-Gay’ Alternatives to Unwanted Homosexuality JERSEY CITY, NJ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- July 09, 2003
