There appears to be only one similarity between the two authors. Both Novak and Dorff agree that homosexuality does not fit the traditional Jewish outline of procreation sexuality. The two authors disagree, however, on the degree to which they consider the Torah’s statements to be concrete.

Dorff breaks down the views of homosexuality within the Jewish community by outlining what each sect has adopted as their interpretation of the Torah. He argues mainly in favor of the Conservative sect and for gay rights, but does not deny the fact that the Torah refers to homosexuality as being prohibited. He admits that it is referred to as an ‘abomination’ in Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13.

Novak states that homosexuality is considered to be ‘counterfamilial and, also, counterproductive‘ wit

 Call upon synagogues and the arms of our movement to increase our awareness, understanding and concern for our fellow Jews who are gay and lesbian. “

Does homosexuality have a place in modern Jewish practice?

Novak seems to be holding to the idea that what is written in the Torah is outlining what is to be considered natural. The Torah, written in another time and presumably during different cultural circumstances, is eluding to the idea that homosexuality is unnatural. Novak believes that regardless of the circumstances of modern society, the same natural standards apply to our modern world.

Dorff, on the other hand, is presenting the idea that maybe what is natural is not unwavering. With regard to traditional teaching, maybe it is the modern Jew’s responsibility to consider whether the circumstances (socially, culturally and scientifically) of today have been due in part to God’s will and creation. If they are, then we must consider the social and cultural circumstances of today in relationship to the traditional ideas of the Torah.

He also makes a distinction between societies that recognize homosexuality and ones that include ‘official sanction’ and open recognition of it within their community. An example used is the story of Sodom and Novak’s idea that the punishments inflicted upon the people were because of their marriage contracts for homosexuals, not because of their recognition of it. Novak seems to be using the ideas that are outlined in the Torah in a concrete and unwavering way. He holds the historical interpretations of the Torah as being the guidelines for not accepting homosexuality as having a place in his conception of Judaism.

Some topics in this essay:
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