64. The Gay Orthodox Conundrum

Last week, we read that Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, a liberal Modern Orthodox rabbinic school in NY, will not be granting ordination to one of its 4th year students, Daniel Atwood, who is gay. The details of this particular case are depressing, confusing, and unclear - which didn't stop many in the community erupting in strong reactions - some firmly behind Rabbi Dov Linzer, the president and Rosh Yeshiva of Chovevei, and some very angry with him, others blaming Daniel, and others strongly supporting him. We don't know all the details about this particular situation - but let's step away from the specifics: what does this say about the larger questions? Do we still see a space for a gay Orthodox religious leader? What would that look like? Where does, or should, Orthodoxy draw the line? Read more about Passover seders: https://forward.com/food/397452/why-are-christians-starting-to-have-passover-seders/ http://www.schechter.edu/the-origins-of-the-seder/ Read more about YCT and Daniel Atwood: https://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/liberal-orthodox-yeshiva-says-it-will-not-ordain-gay-student/ https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/fundraiser-for-gay-orthodox-rabbinical-student-raises-3000-in-under-an-hour Fundraiser for Daniel: https://www.facebook.com/donate/409390213192359/