Ron Yosef

Rabbi Ron Yosef (Hebrew: רון יוסף) is the founder of the Israeli organization Hod, which represents Israeli gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews. His organization has played a central role in the recent reevaluation of the role of religious homosexuals in the Israeli Religious Zionist movement.

Background

Born into a traditional Adeni Yemenite family in 1974 (year 5735 of the Jewish calendar), Yosef began to become aware of his sexual identity in his early twenties, if not earlier. Religion was his way to deal with (or more accurately, avoid) the issue. During his time in the IDF, Yosef served in the Adjutant Corps and the Medical Corps. Coming out at 21, he moved in with a now-deceased grandmother who provided love and support. He at first left his faith behind, moving to irreligious Tel Aviv. However he soon returned to traditional Judaism, continuing his studies in yeshiva and eventually obtaining semichah.

In the Closet

For many years Yosef served as a rabbi in Netanya, concealing his sexual orientation. He became involved in the Walla's "Religious Gays" Forum. Like all others on the forum, he kept his true identity concealed. Due to differing beliefs and agendas, the various constituencies found on the forum went their separate ways. On February 1, 2008, 12 people banded together with rabbi Yosef and a religious attorney named Itay. An internet website was launched that month. Due to its affinity to the Kabbalistic Sephira Hod or "Majesty" (Hebrew: הו"ד, English: Majesty), this name was adopted. The name is connected mystically with truth-telling. From its inception, Hod was—and remains—a totally a voluntary association and accepts no outside financial support. This gives it the freedom to remain true to its roots and maintain its own independent agenda and values.