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- Title
The Dialectic Nature of Sexual Intimacy in Talmudic Literature.
- Authors
Dienstag, Aryeh; Dienstag, Penina
- Abstract
Sexual intimacy in traditional Judaism is frequently discussed in a nearly contradictory manner. While sexuality is described as a religious ideal it is concurrently portrayed in a highly puritanical version of Jewish law that minimizes such possibilities. This paradox is clarified by an exploration of the Talmud's approach to sexual pleasure in the context of marriage. An analysis of the Talmud's approach to sexual positions, frequency of marital relations, as well as homiletical approaches to sexuality and laws of ritual purity relating to sexuality demonstrates a dialectical approach to sexual intimacy. One pole endorses an ascetic approach, with a very negative view of sexuality. The other pole endorses an 'anti-ascetic' celebrating the importance and significance of sexual intimacy and pleasure in the context of marriage.
- Subjects
JUDAISM; SEXUAL positions; SEXUAL intercourse; SEXUAL excitement; TALMUD
- Publication
Sexuality & Culture, 2023, Vol 27, Issue 5, p1646
- ISSN
1095-5143
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s12119-023-10082-2