Sexual Ethics

Abortion  Biblical basis- Exodus 21:22-23  Issues –Rodef- pursuer –Viability of fetus –When does life begin  Ultra-orthodox  Orthodox/Conservative  Reform

Birth Control  Expectation of having children –First commandment in Torah- be fruitful and multiply  Question of spilling seed –Genesis 38, 6-10  What is permitted and forbidden

Relationships  “The times for conjugal duty prescribed in the Torah are: –for men of independent means, every day; –for laborers, twice a week; –for donkey drivers, once a week; –for camel drivers, once in thirty days; –for sailors, once in six months.” Talmud, Ketubot 61b  Cannot change profession if it means less frequency or more onerous (like becoming a tanner)

 sexual pleasure is a wife’s right and a husband’s obligation  a man may not compel his wife to fulfill the marital obligation  if a husband refuses to perform his marital obligation in a loving, romantic, and sexually pleasing way, his wife actually has the right to demand a divorce

Fertile Technology  Basic Principle –“Be fruitful and multiply” [First biblical commandment]  Artificial Insemination  IVF  Surrogate Motherhood

IVF  Basically accepted  AIH  AID  Status of spare embryos

Homosexuality  Biblical basis –Lev. 18:22; Lev. 20:13; Deut. 23:17 –Are the laws equal for men and women  Various views today –Reform –Conservative –Orthodox

Ritual Uncleanliness  Taharat Ha-Mishpaha  Basis- Leviticus: 15:19-30, 18:19, 20:18 Leviticus  Not just says of low but 7 additional days  Nothing to do with physical uncleanliness  Mikva