In light of the recent Supreme Court decision regarding same-sex marriage, we bring you a letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, which adresses the issue of same-sex attraction. Written back in 1986, the letter makes mention of both cutting-edge science and deep Torah thoughts.

See the original letter here. 

"... I would like to clear up a misconception that has led some individuals into confusion and wrong conclusions. The misconception stems from the argument that since some individuals are born with this problem, it must be a "natural" thing; hence it cannot be designated as a wrong, or a sin, and there is therefore no need to do anything to change it, or at any rate, it is not a serious problem at all."

To protect yourself from a pornographic invasion of your home, you can use 'opendns' (free of charge) at the router level in your home, and not give admin access to the laptops/computers to anyone. You can set up user logins as regular users that cannot change the network settings (DNS) by default. Then, on 'opendns' you can select what kind of filters you want. This way you will filter out everything that "comes into your home" at the router level no matter what device(s) your house members use to connect.

The OpenDNS site is:https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/

It basically prevents accidental viewing of inappropriate material (you can select the categories that you deem inappropriate). It is not what they commonly call "filter," there is nothing to install, it's a configuration setting. It also helps somewhat against viruses, phishing, etc. You can also install additional filters, if you wish.

Please note: if you live in proximity to other open networks (as in an apartment) then the tablets/phones etc. can connect to a neighbor's open network.

There is a huge difference between "fulfilling desires" and "happiness". Fulfilling desires is like scratching an "itch". It may feel like we need to. It may feel good while we do it, but scratching just makes the itch worse - and it brings no happiness whatsoever.

Only being of service to others brings happiness. This has been scientifically proven. The happiest people are those who don't live for themselves. And when we say "no" to our desires, we are actually being of service. As Chazal say, "If someone sits and doesn't do an aveirah, it is as if they did a Mitzva". By saying "no", we are being of service to ourselves - to our neshamos, to our (future) spouses, to our (future) kids, and most of all, to Hashem.

Do you have a problem with obsessive and compulsive porn use? Have you seriously tried the tools on GYE and feel that you are not getting better? Maybe it’s time to consider joining a 12-Step program.

Porn Anonymous (PA)
If you’re compulsively acting-out with pornography and masturbation we suggest you explore joining Porn Anonymous (PA). If you need help deciding whether to join PA, call Michael at 347-699-2368, or email help@pornanonymous.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit pornanonymous.org (Hebrew: p-a.org.il / Yiddish: pa-yid.org).

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
If your compulsive acting-out has progressed beyond the screen (with other people, paid sexual services, etc.) we suggest you explore joining Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). To figure out if SA is for you, call Dov at 917-414-8205, or email Dov at dov@guardyoureyes.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit www.sa.org.