The following statement was released by the Agudah this afternoon following the President’s support of same-gender marriage: In the wake of President Obama’s sharing of his personal feeling that the millennia-old institution of marriage should be redefined in contemporary America, National Jewish Democratic Council chair Marc R. Stanley declared his admiration for the president’s demonstration of “the values of Tikkun Olam.”
A political group is entitled to its opinion, no less than a president is to his. But to imply that a religious value like “Tikkun Olam” – and by association, Judaism – is somehow implicated in a position like the one the president articulated, is outrageous, offensive and wrong.
We hereby state, clearly and without qualification, that the Torah forbids homosexual acts, and sanctions only the union of a man and a woman in matrimony.
The Orthodox Jewish constituency represented by Agudath Israel of America, as well as countless other Jews who respect the Jewish religious tradition, remain staunch in their opposition to redefining marriage. TLS.
Why is this offensive? If the president declares his support for eating pork, is that offensive to us? We believe what we believe, and Jews have never been offended by someone not having the same beliefs asus
the agudah now is telling everyone to VOTE FOR ROMNEY with no exceptions or excuses
This is a country of many faiths or lack there of. No one would be forcing members of any faith or belief system that doesn’t permit it marry the same gender, it merely would ensure the right of those who have that belief be able to do so. It is no different then those of the Orthodox faith having the right worship as they see fit in spite of the fact that many disagree. Why should their rights be any less valued then yours. Live and let live.
Gevalt! Did you learn the Parsha last week? Check out the l’shonos about Toeva. OF COURSE the frum world must speak out to remind the rest of the world that this is perversion and try to exert influence to uphold the sanctity of marriage as HaKadosh Boruch Hu intended.
No-one is suggesting discrimination of individuals; they are unfortunately confused and do not have the Torah to guide them through this challenge. But we, the Am HaKodosh, MUST rally in support of the institution of traditional marriage.
To # 1: God permits his creations to eat pork. Had Mr. Obama said that, fine and dandy. He is can if he wants garner the support of hogs and hog farmers that way. There are ways to earn their respect. Such an endorsment would not announce a personal war with God.
to # 2: The Agudah does not seem to be telling anybody anything. They expect even the lowest standing Jew to recognize the difference between pure evil and otherwise.
To # 3: Any and every “faith” stands for morality. No matter which one. Such a declaration is a silent renonceation of faith and beliefe in God.
Live and let live is wonderful but they want to change basic definitions and make them standard this does impede others and seriously so.
To number 1: the reason why this is offensive is not because of Obama’s opinion, rather because National Jewish Democratic Council chair Marc R. Stanley is commending the presidents action and calling it TIKKUN OLAM!!
Obviously, the guy doesn’t know what tikun olam means. Who cares?
as long as the government doesnt force different religions to marry same gender couples, whats the big deal? its not personally affecting or hurting you.
Kudos to Agudas Yisroel for standing up for whats right, and representing us in the outside world. I am a strong believer that Aguda is now in it’s prime under the leadership of R’ Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, R’ Shloima Gertzulin and R’ Labish Becker.
What does the Lakewood Rabbanim have to say about this? Does anyone know anyone who has spoken about this?