Sex & Sexuality
Sexual Pleasure
We often think of religious authorities as prudish, striving to repress all sexual enjoyment. This is not always the case in Judaism, however, as you can see in these traditional texts.
Read moreSex in the Torah
Sex & Sexuality 101
Judaism has an overwhelmingly positive attitude toward sex and sexuality.
Jewish Approaches
Jewish tradition looks favorably on sex and sexuality, given certain conditions.
Sexual Pleasure
Some classical Jewish statements about sex might surprise you.
Adultery
In Judaism, adultery is considered one of the most grievous sins.
Niddah
The Bible prohibits sex between a man and a menstruating woman.
LGBTQ
Homosexuality
The sources of Judaism's traditional position on homosexuality and gay issues are well known.
Homosexuality and Halakhah
Traditional sources on homosexuality.
Lesbianism
The Torah does not address lesbianism, but later rabbinic commentators frowned upon it.
Choice and Jewish Law
If homosexuality is not chosen, then there is precedent in Jewish law for condoning it.
In Orthodoxy
Recently, organized efforts have been made to confront the conflicts between homosexuality and traditional Jewish life.
Premarital Sex
Premarital Sex
Judaism's attitude toward premarital sex is intriguing.
Modern Rabbinic Views
A selection of statements from rabbis of various denominations.
New Possibilities
Rethinking our categories of sexual relationships in light of the reality of sex outside marriage.
Sex Outside Marriage
Non-marital sex is not ideal, but that doesn't mean Judaism has nothing to say about it.
Traditional Sources
Including some surprising teachings about concubines.
Modern Insights
Love & Sex
Jewish tradition embraces love and sex as part of the human drive for holiness.
Masturbation
Though traditional Judaism frowns upon male masturbation, today there may be reasons to be more permissive.
Why our Orthodox Synagogue Hosted an LGBT Training Institute
Taking a note from Abraham’s open tent policy.
When the Rabbi Finds Your Vibrator
My rabbi came to my daughter's baby naming, but I really wish he stayed out of my nightstand.
Sex, Violence, and Shades of Grey
The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy might be helping some women get in touch with their sexuality.