Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality
Encyclopedia
Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing (JONAH), formerly Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality, is a non-profit organization
which is "dedicated to educating the world-wide Jewish community about the social, cultural and emotional factors which lead to same-sex sexual attractions
(SSAs). JONAH works directly with those struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions and with families whose loved ones are involved in homosexuality." JONAH operates within the weltanschauung of Orthodox Judaism
and focuses on both Jews and non-Jews who deal with any form of sexual confusion with a focus on those who identify themselves as homosexuals or have same-sex attractions. JONAH offers various therapeutic techniques that focus on the underlying issues which lead to unwanted sexual ideation and behavior.
, New Jersey
by Theodore and Elaine Berk and Arthur and Jane Goldberg after each family had a son who revealed their homosexuality and they found no adequate Jewish organization to help them. Arthur Goldberg
is a former secretary-treasurer of the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality. In 2000, JONAH began providing literature and personal education to gay and bisexual Orthodox
, Conservative
, Reform
, and unaffiliated Jews and their families from the tri-state area on supposed methods of reducing and eliminating homosexuality, and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Since then, it has expanded to include membership in the United States, Israel, Canada, and various European nations. In 2010, JONAH adopted its current logo.
understanding of homosexuality as "being led astray" (Nedarim 51a) and therefore of being able "to return" (the Jewish principle of teshuvah); JONAH eschews the traditional translation of same-sex sex acts being 'to'eivah' as 'abominations'., but uses the less judgmental term, 'abhorance'. As such, JONAH helps their clients distressed by Same-Sex Attractions alter their sexual orientation. According to JONAH, these attractions may be mitigated and potentially eliminated. JONAH employs the conversion therapy techniques of ex-gay psychologist and Sexual Reorientation Specialist Richard Cohen, which include identifying potential environmental causes of homosexuality and undoing their effects through therapy. In addition to therapy, JONAH employs "mentoring and coaching services, group support, [weekend retreats], seminars and outreach" for its participants, all of which is part of the process of becoming heterosexual.
The Jonah Institute is one of the clinical and educational divisions of JONAH, which is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity. As a Jewish-based organization, JONAH's Directors, Arthur Goldberg and Elaine Silodor Berk, are obligated to reach out and serve the entire community under the principle of tikkum olam
(working together with G-d to heal and perfect the world); simultaneously, they are commanded to avoid proselytizing while offering such help. In this respect, both JONAH and the Jonah Institute differ from most other faith-based ministries because they assist non-Jewish individuals and families in a manner which will not threaten their personal religious or secular beliefs. The Institute is staffed by culturally diverse counselors and life coaches who offer comprehensive services and practical skills for creative problem solving so that their clients can attempt to move forward and make the changes they want to make in their lives.
Therapy to overcome SSA: The video by Truth Wins Out asserted that Alan Downing, a JONAH councilor, demanded that his participants strip off all of their clothing in front of a mirror in his presence; and that Downing’s clients were told to touch their genitals in front of him.
JONAH's Co-director: was convicted 25 years ago of a white-collar crime in which "none of the investors have lost any of their investment” involving municipal bond issues.
Freedom of Speech: On several occasions, attempts were made to prevent representatives of JONAH from speaking or to pressure supporters to abandon such support. See, for example, Arthur Goldberg was invited to speak at a July 2010 convention of the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists
. After protests were threatened, his speech was cancelled, but then the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists subsequently allowed him to speak at the request of conference participants. Dr. Yael Respler of the Jewish Press printed a letter by Goldberg about the incident and initially applauded his work. She later confined her endorsement to "responsible reparative therapy... strictly talk-therapy".
Nonprofit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
which is "dedicated to educating the world-wide Jewish community about the social, cultural and emotional factors which lead to same-sex sexual attractions
Same-sex attraction
Same-sex attraction is a term occasionally used instead of the more common term homosexuality to refer to a person's feelings of sexual attraction toward members of the same gender identity....
(SSAs). JONAH works directly with those struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions and with families whose loved ones are involved in homosexuality." JONAH operates within the weltanschauung of Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism , is the approach to Judaism which adheres to the traditional interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the Torah as legislated in the Talmudic texts by the Sanhedrin and subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and...
and focuses on both Jews and non-Jews who deal with any form of sexual confusion with a focus on those who identify themselves as homosexuals or have same-sex attractions. JONAH offers various therapeutic techniques that focus on the underlying issues which lead to unwanted sexual ideation and behavior.
History
JONAH was created in 1999 in Jersey CityJersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is the seat of Hudson County, New Jersey, United States.Part of the New York metropolitan area, Jersey City lies between the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay across from Lower Manhattan and the Hackensack River and Newark Bay...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
by Theodore and Elaine Berk and Arthur and Jane Goldberg after each family had a son who revealed their homosexuality and they found no adequate Jewish organization to help them. Arthur Goldberg
Arthur A. Goldberg
Arthur Abba Goldberg is an American attorney, businessman and leader in the ex-gay movement. He is the former Executive Secretary of the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality , co-founder and co-director of Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing , president of Positive...
is a former secretary-treasurer of the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality. In 2000, JONAH began providing literature and personal education to gay and bisexual Orthodox
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism , is the approach to Judaism which adheres to the traditional interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the Torah as legislated in the Talmudic texts by the Sanhedrin and subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and...
, Conservative
Conservative Judaism
Conservative Judaism is a modern stream of Judaism that arose out of intellectual currents in Germany in the mid-19th century and took institutional form in the United States in the early 1900s.Conservative Judaism has its roots in the school of thought known as Positive-Historical Judaism,...
, Reform
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism refers to various beliefs, practices and organizations associated with the Reform Jewish movement in North America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. In general, it maintains that Judaism and Jewish traditions should be modernized and should be compatible with participation in the...
, and unaffiliated Jews and their families from the tri-state area on supposed methods of reducing and eliminating homosexuality, and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Since then, it has expanded to include membership in the United States, Israel, Canada, and various European nations. In 2010, JONAH adopted its current logo.
Methodology
JONAH emphasizes the TalmudicTalmud
The Talmud is a central text of mainstream Judaism. It takes the form of a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history....
understanding of homosexuality as "being led astray" (Nedarim 51a) and therefore of being able "to return" (the Jewish principle of teshuvah); JONAH eschews the traditional translation of same-sex sex acts being 'to'eivah' as 'abominations'., but uses the less judgmental term, 'abhorance'. As such, JONAH helps their clients distressed by Same-Sex Attractions alter their sexual orientation. According to JONAH, these attractions may be mitigated and potentially eliminated. JONAH employs the conversion therapy techniques of ex-gay psychologist and Sexual Reorientation Specialist Richard Cohen, which include identifying potential environmental causes of homosexuality and undoing their effects through therapy. In addition to therapy, JONAH employs "mentoring and coaching services, group support, [weekend retreats], seminars and outreach" for its participants, all of which is part of the process of becoming heterosexual.
The Jonah Institute is one of the clinical and educational divisions of JONAH, which is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity. As a Jewish-based organization, JONAH's Directors, Arthur Goldberg and Elaine Silodor Berk, are obligated to reach out and serve the entire community under the principle of tikkum olam
Tikkun olam
Tikkun olam is a Hebrew phrase that means "repairing the world." In Judaism, the concept of tikkun olam originated in the early rabbinic period...
(working together with G-d to heal and perfect the world); simultaneously, they are commanded to avoid proselytizing while offering such help. In this respect, both JONAH and the Jonah Institute differ from most other faith-based ministries because they assist non-Jewish individuals and families in a manner which will not threaten their personal religious or secular beliefs. The Institute is staffed by culturally diverse counselors and life coaches who offer comprehensive services and practical skills for creative problem solving so that their clients can attempt to move forward and make the changes they want to make in their lives.
Controversy
As an organization devoted to assisting men and women who struggle with unwanted SSAs, JONAH has been subjected to a great deal of criticism by LGBT activists. Fundamentally, the opponents of JONAH disagree with the statement that "everyone is capable of overcoming an inclination that is prohibited by the Torah."Therapy to overcome SSA: The video by Truth Wins Out asserted that Alan Downing, a JONAH councilor, demanded that his participants strip off all of their clothing in front of a mirror in his presence; and that Downing’s clients were told to touch their genitals in front of him.
JONAH's Co-director: was convicted 25 years ago of a white-collar crime in which "none of the investors have lost any of their investment” involving municipal bond issues.
Freedom of Speech: On several occasions, attempts were made to prevent representatives of JONAH from speaking or to pressure supporters to abandon such support. See, for example, Arthur Goldberg was invited to speak at a July 2010 convention of the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists
Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists
The Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists is an organization of scientists that focuses on the interrelationships between science and Orthodox Jewish Halakha....
. After protests were threatened, his speech was cancelled, but then the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists subsequently allowed him to speak at the request of conference participants. Dr. Yael Respler of the Jewish Press printed a letter by Goldberg about the incident and initially applauded his work. She later confined her endorsement to "responsible reparative therapy... strictly talk-therapy".