Jewish Sexual Ethics: Marriage

Question 1

Marriage is a …

Answer 1

divinely sanctioned institution.

sacred activity and union

Question 2

what is marriage an expression of in judaism?

Answer 2

the convenantal relationship made between god and the isrealites. the couple share in a three way relationship with god.

Question 3

what are the two purposes of marriage?

Answer 3

procreation and intimacy

Question 4

how is procreation and intimacy achieved in a marrige relationship?

Answer 4

through sexual intercourse

Question 5

what are the three most important ethical statements to remember for jewish ethics

Answer 5

-the dignity of human beings
humans are created in gods likeness and image and therefore deserve respect and dignity

-marriage is a divine institution
god made it and established it as a sacred covenant

-sexual intercouse is a means of attaining holiness
god expects jewish people to attain holiness, by being faithful to the covenant

Question 6

which eight values disctate the ethical decision making process in judaism?

Answer 6

• seeing ones self and partner as creations of god
• respect for others
• modesty
• honesty
• fidality
• health and safety
• being open to the possibility of children
• commitment to nurture the jewish quality of a relationship

Question 7

what happens to a man and a women when they become united in matrimony according to the torah?

Answer 7

they become one flesh

Question 8

does Judaism offer interfaith marriages generally speaking and why is this so?

Answer 8

they strictly prohibit it. this is because The Talmud says a Jewish woman is not permitted to marry a non-Jewish man because he will lead the children away from Judaism. In addition, children born of a non-Jewish woman are considered non-Jewish.

Question 9

what are the different variants views regarding interfaith marriage?

Answer 9

Orthodox rabbis regard interfaith marriages as wrong on the basis that they constitute a breach of the covenant God established with the Chosen People.

Conservative rabbis strongly discourage interfaith marriages. However, they recognise that many countries are multi-faith societies. Consequently, interfaith marriages are inevitable.

Reform rabbis tend to be very flexible on the issue. Some Reform rabbis discourage intermarriage. Many will officiate at such weddings, provided the couple agrees to raise the children as Jews and give them a Jewish education.