Outspoken Brooklyn rabbi helped write Paladino speech

Had it not been for Rabbi Yehuda Levin, Carl Paladino may have spared himself the uproar that's followed the GOP candidate for governor's remarks on gays and same-sex marriage at a Brooklyn synagogue Sunday.

Levin, a self-styled culture warrior and voice for right-wing elements of the Orthodox Jewish community, was Paladino's host and guide. Levin said he wrote one of two speeches Paladino gave, and claims a role in shaping the second, which proved controversial.

Paladino said that he did not want children "brainwashed" into thinking that homosexuality is a "valid and successful" alternative to straight marriage. Also in the speech was a line he didn't deliver: "There is nothing to be proud of in being a dysfunctional homosexual."

Levin, 56, said the speech was a collaborative effort by Orthodox leaders. Paladino, he said, was given a copy to review in the car before speaking. Levin said Paladino exercised "editorial discretion."

The Paladino campaign confirmed Levin's account and said the speech circulated at the event did not entirely reflect the candidate's views. Early Monday, Paladino issued a statement saying he omitted the "dysfunctional homosexual" line because he disagreed with the passage.

It's actually the second time in a month that Levin has hosted Paladino. On Sept. 20, some Orthodox leaders planned to gather on the City Hall steps to accuse Paladino of anti-Semitism for having allegedly affirmed an upstate politician's insults against Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. That morning at 8 a.m., Levin said he got a phone call warning him about the gathering from "a devout Orthodox who shares my political views."

Levin said he contacted Paladino's campaign and promised to show up and defend Paladino on two conditions: that he get a full explanation of Paladino's comments and that the candidate visit his synagogue. Levin went to the rally and Paladino, he said, came to the synagogue the next day. A video of the visit, posted Sept. 27, is on Levin's website.

In the video Paladino makes remarks about his opposition to gay marriage, but says nothing as inflammatory as his comments Sunday. In the end, Levin offers Paladino his personal endorsement.

As politicians from both parties and advocacy groups blasted Paladino Monday for his remarks, Levin continued to voice firm support. "We think he is the last, best hope right now for New York State," Levin said in a telephone interview.

For decades, Levin, spokesman for the Rabbinical Alliance of America, has been a loud critic of gay marriage and abortion rights. He has run for local office several times. Among some politically active members of Brooklyn's Orthodox community, however, he is seen as too narrowly focused on gay marriage and his ability to secure votes, particularly for the divisive Paladino, is considered questionable.

"I don't know what product Levin is walking around trying to sell the community," said Isaac Abraham, a Hasidic activist in Williamsburg. "Because I have a bridge to sell."

With Michael Amon