For people not welcome in the church I found this thoughtful text on chabad.org:
A friend told me this true story about a phone conversation that occured over a decade ago between a friend of hers & the rabbi of the local Orthodox Shul:
Rabbi: – Why haven’t I seen you in Shul?
Man: – I’m gay, I didn’t think I’d be welcome.
Rabbi: (without skipping a beat) – Why haven’t I seen you in Shul?”
This shows that G-d welcomes everyone.
Of all 613 commandments, mitzvot, in the Jewish Bible, we can relax and enjoy the words of Rabbi Hillel: “What is hateful to thyself do not do to another. That is the whole Law, the rest is Commentary.” Shalom.
Hi, I’m Jonathan, born and raised in the woodlands of northern Sweden. I became a Christian in 1980 (Pentecostal) at the age of 18, started pretty soon as an usher, prayer meeting leader, and later on as a deacon. I have been working as a senior carer, with radio, TV and printing matters. Interests: long walks in the forest, astronomy, reading books, seeing friends and I enjoy both solving and making crossword puzzles.
In 1997, I left the congregation and started a new journey in life; I begun to immerse myself in the Scriptures. I eventually came to embrace Judaism, which I believe, is the true origin and foundation of our Bible.
I am going to reveal a little secret behind the name on my blog; Tzedaqyal.
The name is a form of Tzadkiel, which is one of the angels, which is housed in the Sefirah of Chesed in the Tree of Life, as described in the Jewish oral traditions.
Angel: Tzadkiel (צדקיאל), “Righteousness of G-d.” Also known as Sachiel, Zedekiel, Zadakiel, Tzadkiel, Zedekul and Hesediel. (Many spellings.)
Choir of Angels: Hashmalim, (השמלים) the Dominations or Dominions.
Characteristic: Patron Angel of all who forgive. Rabbinical tradition considers him to be the angel of Mercy. As an angel of Mercy, some texts claim that Tzadkiel is the unnamed Biblical Angel of the Lord who holds back Abraham to prevent him from sacrificing his son, Isaac, and because of this, the angel is usually shown holding a dagger.
Who knows, perhaps I have been blessed by one of G-d’s Angels?
I also believe that G-d has sent Tzadkiel to help me to be filled with more grace, forgiveness and mercy to fellow human beings and all creation. Tzadkiel is also associated with the color purple, which has always been my favorite colour.
My texts deal with thoughts about how the Scriptures throughout history have been used to support various types of oppression and how it has been used to support ideas that are not so obvious, seeing from a Jewish perpective. But I am also glad to experience how the Scriptures have given readers consolation and encouragement. That is a right use of the Bible.
My texts will also deal with spirituality, asking questions about our origin, where we come from, why we live here, what will happen when we leave our bodies to enter a higher plane of existence. One day your body will die, you know, but the spirit will be set free. I will raise questions about how we can use our lives to develope and grow spiritually, to be able to fully appreciate and use our gifts and talents for a good thing, to be a helper and a light in the darkness for fellow human beings in need. It is my belief that we live our lives for a purpose, no matter what belief system we have embraced, or if we just have this pathos inside of us, religious or not.
Sometimes we experience limits in our lives, due to different circumstances. Sometimes we limit ourselves without knowing it and sometimes we limit other people, controlling people. But our spirit has no boundaries, it wants to be free, but stucked in our body and locked minds, its cry can give us mental problems, yes, even hurt us physically. I’m often thinking of conflicts, wars and sorrows we see in the world. Is it because of people who’s spirits have been stucked and in pain, and now they are longing to be free? Perhaps it is our spirit’s cry for attention? That’s deep, I know, but I warned you.
Another topic will be homosexuality, or rather, how we percieve the Biblical sources that are said to condemn this type of “behavior” or lifestyle. Well aware that this subject is very controversial and creates many emotions among people, nobody is unaffected by these questions. This I believe is due to the fact that sexuality is something sacred and a fundamental part of us, deeply rooted in the human biological history. As a gay person myself, it is therefore with great humility, but also with courage, I am approaching this subject. Note: it is not my intentions to disparage or harass any opinion. These texts carry my own personal testimony, and I can become very personal, so, reader’s discretion is advised. Do feel a warm, heartly welcome to the Meadow of Tzedaqyal.
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience”
(Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, 1881-1955)
Please note: many links in my articles are provided for documentation purposes and in no way suggest an endorsement of the subject groups’ activities.
Contact information:
jonathanaxelsson82@gmail.com
Twitter @tzedaqyal
Tzedaqyal’s Blog 
News update from Stockholm, Sweden.
Here is a small sign of life from me. I’ve been to school for a time. The purpose of the studies is to learn everything about Cleaning, cleaning methods, floor materials, chemicals, environment and more. Very interesting. You’re never too old to learn something new. In a few weeks, I have a license in the “linoleum” techniques, I may call my self a comfort technician;)
And we we´ll be back… In a computer near you! The best wishes for a marvelous new year.
Where are you these days??? I hope all is well. Please contact me when you can…
Hi, my friend. Long time no see;) Sorry, just had some health issues, but I´m okay. Hope you are doing good too. For this year I hope to find some new topics to write about. I guess, my first year was kind of a therapy for me, so now I would like to step further into our spirit and soul and what fills our lives with joy and excitement. Have any ideas on topics? Perhaps we could make a post together. Ah! That would be a cross continent project for spiritual growth. See you.
Jonathan A in a beautiful and snowy Stockholm
First of all I am glad you are well…and snowy! Being from Minnesota, where most of the USA Scandanavians settled many years ago, our weather is similar and we have snow as well of course. If we write a post together, we could perhaps share contrasting views, perhaps on what it is like to be a Pentecostal turned Jewish, as in your case, contrasted with a Pentecostal who returned to Catholicism, as in mine. And compare our journeys. That could be really fun actually and probably very informative to our respective audiences. Particularly with our other commonalities. Just curious, do you still look similar to your picture? I only realized the other day when I wrote to you that you were probably more in my age group. I for some reason thought you were younger, younger but extremely mature that is. And I assumed that the picture was current. Then I figured it out that you were likely 40-50 or thereabouts. I am 57 on my last birthday, which was Christmas Day.
So I do NOT look too much like the picture you see here hehe. It is so nice to hear from you. If you need anything, let me know. And know your health is in my prayers. Blessings to you.
Excellent post!!! Your life experience is very similar to mine and we seem to see things alike.