JEWISH MARRIAGE

Kiddushin Is the Hebrew word for marriage It means sanctification/holiness Marriage is a sacred relationship, a setting apart.

Purpose of Marriage Companionship Propagation Establishing the family as the basic social unit

“When a husband unites with his wife in holiness, the divine presence abides with them.” (Talmud Bavli Sotah 17a). According to the Talmud (Yevamot 62B) ‘a man without a wife is incomplete, and cannot experience true goodness’. Sex is permissible only within the context of a marriage.

In Judaism, sex is not merely a way of experiencing physical pleasure. It is an act of immense significance, which requires commitment and responsibility. The requirement of marriage before sex ensures that sense commitment and responsibility.

Jewish law also forbids sexual contact short of intercourse outside of the context of marriage, recognizing that such contact will inevitably lead to intercourse.

Jewish law says that a man commits himself to three major obligations in marriage: He owes his wife food, clothing, and sex.

Indeed in Judaism, the ideal time for sexual relations is on The Shabbat Thus emphasising the holiness of the sexual act when performed with the proper attitude and intent.

Since marital relations are a mitzvah, Jewish law also details the frequency of sex in the marriage, based on the man’s profession!

Talmud prescribed minimum schedule for sexual relations based on a man’s profession. For men of independent means, every day. Donkey drivers, once a week. Camel drivers, once every thirty days. For sailors, once every six months.

The legal code also states If someone originally worked in a trade near his home, which put him in a category of those expected to have greater frequency of sexual relations, and he wanted to change to a trade where he would have to travel far from home, his wife could have legally prevented him from changing jobs!

The primary purpose of sex is to reinforce the loving marital bond between husband and wife. The first and foremost purpose of marriage is companionship, and sexual relations play an important role.

Procreation is also a reason for sex but it is not the only reason. Sex between husband and wife is permitted (even recommended) at times when conception is impossible, such as when the woman is pregnant, after menopause, or when the woman is using a permissible form of contraception.

Those who are Sterile beyond childbearing age, or pregnant are all still obligated by Jewish law to engage in sexual relations.

In the Torah, the word used for sex between husband and wife comes from the root word meaning "to know," which vividly illustrates that proper Jewish sexuality involves both the heart and mind, not merely the body.

Nevertheless, Judaism does not ignore the physical component of sexuality. The need for physical compatibility between husband and wife is recognized in Jewish law.

A Jewish couple must meet at least once before the marriage, and if either prospective spouse finds the other physically repulsive, the marriage is forbidden.

Sex should only be experienced Sex should only be experienced in a time of joy. Sex for selfish personal satisfaction, without regard for the partner's pleasure, is wrong and evil. A man may never force his wife to have sex.

A couple may not have sexual relations while drunk or quarreling. Sex may never be used as a weapon against a spouse, either by depriving the spouse of sex or by compelling it. It is a serious offense to use sex (or lack thereof) to punish or manipulate a spouse.

Judaism believes that marriage is an honoured, essential part of Jewish life. At the same time, it recognizes that some marriages break down irreparably and it accepts divorce.

A document of divorce known as a ‘get’ and the method of issuing this bill of divorce is described in Deuteronomy 24:1. Orthodox Jews may still seek a get from a rabbinical court (Beit Din) where as progressive Jews usually rely on a civil court.