NCSY takes sexual position

The Orthodox Union’s youth group started a Web site that promotes sexual abstinence for teens. Negiah.org, a site of the National Council of Synagogue Youth, explains abstinence, offers religious arguments for it and tips. “Does being abstinent mean you can do everything except for the actual sex act?” the site asks. “Or is it doing absolutely nothing of an intimate or affectionate nature whatsoever (i.e., being “shomer” )? Is hugging and kissing still abstinent? What about second base? Third base?”The answer: “Just be aware that halacha (Jewish law) does not permit any intimate or affectionate contact between men and women who are not married to one another (or close relatives).”