Trembling Before G-D

Older Comments on Trembling Before G-D

• Posted 07/24/11 by yitz
  As an orthodox straight male, all i can say is that I have never seen such a deep nisayon (test). We know that Torah is Torah and as hard as it may be, homosexuality cannot be accepted. Therefore we cannot accept an open homosexual within our community. However there is no doubt that the homosexual still must keep the rest of the Torah even if he/she feel that the prohibition against homosexuality is too great for them. I hope that all you frum homosexuals out there know and feel that we don't look down on you, yet we cannot accept behaviors which are explicitly prohibitted, no matter the challenge it may cause. I pray thay hashem give you the strength to endure and ulimately pass this most incredible nisayon.
• Posted 02/23/11 by Roshea1956
  In the "next world" no homosexuality would be allowed. NONE. As well as all the sins G_d "hates". It is His Kingdom, His reign, He will rule w/a rod of iron, in justice, RIGHTEOUSNESS, etc. Hard to get around G_D for ALL of us on earth. Sin is sin. It will be dealt with. G_D let's us decide, our free choice, and it probably will be we who do not agree w/G_d's Word will have to "go elsewhere". Whether it be you or me. Else why does the Torah speak of purity, means pure as G_d is. I do not think He will allow any one to do their own thing in His Kingdom. This is a learning ground. So who can say this one is good, this one is bad, none are good except G_d. keep climbing the hill to the mountain, clean hands, clean heart. So get the shovel out and start digging in your heart (as well as I) This walk and search with in is between you and G_d. It is so easy to get lost in this world and listen to its talk that can be confusing the soul. Sometimes we listen too much and not enuf of G_d. The world does not have the answers that only G_d can give and secure. Look at the trouble the world's in now, shunning G_d, no fear of G_d. His Hand is always stretched out for each of us, keep your eyes on Him not on faces that frown upon you. His look tells you you belong, you His, no one can take you from His Hand. He gives you struggles He knows you can overcome. He secretly knows you. He is waiting for you to come away from the others TO HIM and be alone w/Him to talk for awhile. Each life has purpose, so is yours.
• Posted 02/23/11 by HeatherRoss
  I think what comes down to it is what relationship do you have with G_d? Since G_d does not change, His Word stands, all our sins are before us, right? Everyone's. What's the problem? You do not want to TURN away from the sin, b/c the sin HAS you. Does it or does it not. This is the struggle you will have all your life. BUT how can sexual impurity stand before G_d as a say, priest who serves let's say in the Tabernacle. Does the impurity make everything one does impure? Homosexuality is forbidden, you can not change G_d's Word right or are we going to make the Torah say what we want b/c we do not like it? Would you dare to change G_d's Word and think your alright and your relationship w/Him. I wouldn't think so. Do we have no fear of G_d anymore? Do we dare to change our minds not try to change G_d's? Falling on emotions does not change G_d's Word. Change comes from the heart. Sounds like some time is needed facedown in prayer w/G_d not try to convince G_d your pure, show Him your heart and intention, b/c He reads our hearts. Rituals don't make you pure, the change comes from where the heart is read by G_d, talk to G_d and dare to hear the truth in your heart. Change comes by WILL not your mind deciding what your going and not going to do. Superficial relationship w/G_d could be the problem. Would it be easy to have a face to face w/G_d & tell Him you can't or won't? Is there anything too hard for G_D? Excuses, everyone has them, even me. Thank G_D He does NOT. HE wants you to stay w/Him BUT there are things He will not use you for, though man would appease and compromise his principles. Thank G_d He does not. A sure foundation.
• Posted 10/18/10 by JJ
  Really interesting documentary. As an observant straight Jewish man, fairly well versed in Torah, I have the following to add: I have a tremendous amount of respect for David and the others who are so dedicated to Truth (in true Jewish fashion) that they choose a life of struggle and battle rather than give up on Truth. They could have just swanned off to Netherlands and renounced all of G-d and His Holy Torah but chas v'shalom (G-d-forbid) they should do that because every single mitzvah is a candle in and of itself. The idea that Judaism is 'all or nothing' like some suggest in the video and in the comments is absurd. The rabbi in the video was correct when he states that if shulls had a policy of no sinners they would never get a minyan. WE ALL SIN. WE ALL DO THINGS WRONG (as a people) - AND THAT IS HOW WE ARE JUDGED. The people must strive to limit and eventually try to desist altogether from these activities but the fact that they fall in a certain area does not make any of their observances invalid! Take the following example - imagine a person. They put on tefillin - amazing! They daven to Hashem - amazing! They learn Torah - amazing! They engage in homosexual activity - aveira (sin - or more literally, 'crossing over' (i.e. crossed in that act)! Ok - so in those four examples, they are 75% doing well and 25% a 'hypocrite'; this is far better than the person who thinks he's NOT BEING A HYPOCRITE by rejecting everything to live a seeming guilt-free life of free homosexuality. Such a person is far closer to being a 100% hypocrite. We all have struggles. I fail often in my own. But does that mean I should not do the rest?! Absolutely not - and for any Rabbi or otherwise to tell a Jew this is completely against the Torah as far as I can see. Every mitzva is a goldmine and an opportunity to forge a deep relationship with G-d. The fact that we can't do everything yet, that should mean we shouldn't do anything!?! How bizarre a thought. Keep battling guys and keep doing mitzvot! Am Yisrael Chai and we are all bnei Hashem (children of G-d) and bnei bacharey Hashem (firstborn sons of G-d). Shalom
• Posted 09/28/10 by pissed
  I'm not gay, but I would like to slap that "sweet" rabbi that is telling the guy that he has to be celibate.
• Posted 09/16/10 by fifimsp
  I really enjoyed this documentary, but must admit I had to stop and laughed my ### off when the guy used the word schmeki for dick. I guess I could just picture the Jewish rabbi with a think accent saying it and I lost all control.
• Posted 09/06/10 by Rachel
  David, I respect the determination you have for keeping your bond with G-d strong. Its just amazing how you were trying to overcome what is normal for you in order to please G-d. Hashem should bless you with clarity for all your decisions!
• Posted 03/05/10 by Mastershot Films
  Interesting movie.
• Posted 02/22/10 by Leah
  God is Love. that's all people need to know. As long as your heart feels Love as a gift from God, then the form in which you express it is really insignifiant.
• Posted 02/06/10 by Judy
  Great documentary. Enjoyed it very much, well done top to bottom
• Posted 10/10/09 by kyron
  God wants us to be Holy.
• Posted 08/12/09 by Meredith
  That one part where he says "I want my daddy" I was bawling. How heartbreaking is that? I wanted to take him into my arms and though I don't know the songs he was singing, I could sing him a few songs from my childhood. Such a wonderful film. Really touching. I always thought Jews were more relaxed about gays and lesbians... I don't know why I thought that but... I mean at least they don't have the excorcisms
• Posted 08/03/09 by catherine
  I wish the producers would update their webpage with a Where are they now? section to see how some or all of the main subjects are doing today.
• Posted 07/12/09 by tara
  Its is a heartbreaking portrayal of the hypocrisy of a religion that so values the idea of humanity and then denies its people the pleasure that is a part of life.Even more so is the hypocrisy of the men who condemn homosexuality in the name of God--but then themselves condemn many others who have found God with the honesty and peace of the light that is their own truth.God wants all humanity to embrace themselves and love their families--and homosexuals are completely capable to do so by virtue of the honesty with themselves.As a shiksa--I have been the object of attention of Jewish men both observant and otherwise--who suffer with their shame and in doing so project that guilt onto themselves and it permeates their lives like a cancer.And then I feel guilty--as if I have seduced these men--which I have not--because their teaching condemns me also.I pray that these beautiful souls embrace their desires and experience pleasure in this life--God wants us to be happy.
• Posted 05/05/09 by Masoud
  What is apparent is that, gayness is given to a person to endure and to raise above it. It is as thou, G-d does not want to hear about the problem and the mud he created. He seems to want us to rise above it , accepting it within his given laws, and then the result is a crown woven by man from the mud and presented as a gift to G-d. To show, see, what man has done with the mud given to him. The ones who are gay, are actually of higher soul, they have to, because they need more power to deal with the pain and shame within torah laws and then to rise up above the evil inclination and present a holy crown from the raw base given to them by G-d himself. G-d knows they can rise above, hope is they will; not fall to the animal instinct inherent in every man, be it gay or straight.
• Posted 04/20/09 by Francisco
  If GOD does in fact exists I am sure he would send us a mass e-mail or text message to let us know how she/he feels aobut this and other issues. I cannot believe that some people still live with this dark-age mentality. No wonder we are slaughtering eachother... Ignorance is not bliss. Be good to yourself and others.
• Posted 04/18/09 by RemiPynch
  A more careful reading of Leviticus suggests that the Torah forbids ritual homosexuality rather lay homsexuality: Homosexual intercourse was prevalent in Canaanite cultic practice because it was thought to re-enact the divine marriage (hierogamos)and thus bring about favorable natural conditions (rain, weather) crucial to an agrarian society. Recall that biblical literature is essentially a massive polemic against indigenous Canaanite cultic practices, so it's not surprising that ritual homosexuality would be anathemaized in the Bible. It would be a good thing for all orthodox Jews to study what the Bible actually says rather than rely on tendentious and de-contextualized Rabbinic pronouncements.
• Posted 04/18/09 by Virginia Coleman
  This movie breaks my heart. As Jew, I resonate with my culture. As a straight woman, I understand that my sexuality was biologically predetermined before I was born, it is nothing that I chose as none of us have that capability. We can all "try on" behaviors, but we are profoundly defined by factors beyond our control. Would anyone choose to be heavy or gay or homely in a world which hates these attributes and oppresses those who possess them? I love many of the tenets of my religion, especially the espousal of values which tell us to cherish and respect others, to be kind and decent, to do good in this world. But to take every word of the doctrine literally is to believe implicitly various teachings which are in direct opposition to one another. Is not one's bechert determined by the heart, soul and very being of a person rather than by the gender? As a mother, I cannot imagine rejecting my child because of her or his innate sexuality. As a person - well, as I said already, my heart breaks for all the pain this teaching, G-d's word interpreted by fallible humans, has caused. And I rejoice for the gay and Lesbian Jews who have been able to transcend this, who with or without loving and accepting families, have been able to find their dignity and their joy.
• Posted 04/16/09 by mariolina
  We are all children of G-d.Nobody choose to be gay or lesbian.Too bad that religion are so punitive and intollerant.I loved this movie even though is very sad. What I appeciate the most is the people telling about their struggle, their pain. their isolation. Who are we to tell them not to be what they feel they are.I loved the rubber band story. Keep the good work going.Love to all of you Mariolina
• Posted 04/12/09 by charles
  This film made me realize how lucky I am to be able to live openly as a gay man and be surrounded by people who loves and respect me as I am. The way I see religion when it comes to homosexuality is this: God gave gay men a test or challenge to see how good or bad they would deal with this matter and go on with their lives. Some will fail and live their lives in shame, while others will grow to live fullfilling lives. Like my father once told me: " Just because you are different, it does not mean you have to live differently, live your life to the fullest just the way you are and remember that God loves all of his creations". Why can we all just accept each other and recognize that we are all sons and daughter of God?
• Posted 04/10/09 by MIKE IN SACRAMENTO
  THIS IS THE MOST FACINATING FILM I HAVE EVER SEEN. I DID NOT KNOW MANY JEWS AS A HYOUTH, BUT AS A GAY, 70 YEAR OLD, SOUTHERN BAPTIST FROM NEW MEXICO WHO HAS A LIFE PARTNER FOR 43 YEARS, I CAN APPRECIATE WHAT YOUR GOING THROUGH. BUT I MUST SAY, YOU GUYS A BRUTAL...EVEN MY CATHOLIC FRIENDS WERE NOT QUITE THIS BAD. GOD BLESS YOU. I LEFT GOD FOR 25 YEARS BUT HE NEVER LEFT ME. I FOUND HIM AGAIN, WAITING FOR ME WHEN I WAS 45. He KNOWS THE NUMBER OF HAIRS ON OUR HEADS, HE KNEW YOU BEFORE YOU WERE BORN AND HE KEEPS HIS EYE ON THE SPARROW, HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLE THINK HE WOULD NOT LOVE YOU? YOUR ARE IN HIS IMAGE AND HE CREATED YOU. WE, AS GAYS, HAVE TOUGHT MANY PEOPLE HOW TO LOVE EACH OTHER AND THE LOVE I SEE IN THIS IS FAR BETTER THAN THE RELIGIOUS DISRESPECT THEY TEACH IN CHURCH. YOUR WONDERFUL, YOUR RELIGIOUS DEVOTION IS MORE RESPECTED THAN MOST OF THE LEARNED LEADERS I HAVE KNOW, AND I HAVE KNOWN A FEW. MY MOTHER DID A SAMPLER FOR ME THAT SAID "REACH UP AS FAR AS YOU CAN AND GOD WILL REACH DOWN THE REST OF THE WAY." GOD BLESS YOU, ..HE IS ALWAYS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY. MIKE
• Posted 04/09/09 by AZegada
  I cannot understand the plight of the homosexuals. But regardless, it is only a sin unless you act (in your mind/or in your actions) on it. By the same token, we must VERY CAREFUL to condemn homosexuals because we are taught that even by looking at a woman with lust, we have already committed fornication in our hearts. Remember that our G_d is not one of a thousand rules! G_d wants to rule our hearts. The best way for us to do this is to obey. To willingly submit to His way, not our way, nor society's way. G_d Bless You all! :-)
• Posted 04/09/09 by Jesus Saves
  There is a way for these people to be saved from there sin. Really it is the only way... JESUS CHRIST! If they would turn to him and ask for forgiveness, and ask him into their hearts, they would be able to overcome ANYTHING! I'll pray for these people's souls, and for them to be saved by his grace. GOD BLESS!
• Posted 04/06/09 by marva lightbourne
  I believe that G-D understands this dilemma,and don't condemn us,as much as we condemn each others and ourselves,we pray for guidance to help deal with this stronghold, and our heavenly father will help us work thru it,he created us, so he KNOWS US, and knows we cannot conquer this in our own strength,ask and seek his answers for his continous love in our lives.
• Posted 04/06/09 by doug
  With all due respect - one cannot be both homosexual and a follower of God based upon what the Torah says. It really is a choice and God clearly asks those with such tendencies to choose Him over such behavior. He is there to help, but one must want Him more than that.
• Posted 03/25/09 by Don
  My first partner was a Jew. While our relationship dissolved after 10 years, we remained loving friends until his death in 1995. This film enlightened me. I understand more clearly now what this loving man was suffering through with his family relationships. He was a wonderful human being and I still feel a very close relationship with his spirit. He's always in my thoughts. Thank you.