Marriage in Judaism Essay

Submitted By Samirasalah
Words: 4335
Pages: 18
Open Document
In the words of judicious Ba’al Shem Tov, “From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls are destined to find each other, their two streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being.” This is a momentous quote which implies to the prominence of marriage in Judaism, it also relates to a phrase in the Old Testament Genesis 2:24 “A man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”. The concept of marriage in Judaism is an ideal state of personal system, a man without a wife and a woman without a husband is considered incomplete. Jews consider marriage a holy institution, from the name “kiddushi” meaning sanctification, the wedding ceremony dates back to the earliest days and is associated with the providing of the Torah at Mount Sinai. According to Jewish law physical contact is not allowed between a male and a female until they are married. This aids to ensure that one’s choice of partner will be based on intellect and emotion and not on physical desire alone. In Genesis God has stated: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” The marriage ceremony itself contains symbolic significance to Judaism, conveying Jewish beliefs through symbols, actions and words. To be Jewish one has to be born of a Jewish marriage; therefore, Jewish marriages are substantial ensuring Judaism remains through generations due to procreation and the adherence of individuals marrying. As a result, marriage is viewed as the joining of a couple to form a complete entity, giving them strength and vitality to maintain a Jewish life and to grow physically, mentally and spiritually. In doing so, they gain a voice and new standing within the Jewish community. The ceremony is intricate of high morality as the ritual is embedded in historical and spiritual implication to the individual adherent, as well as the community. It allows them to express their faith and belief through their wedding ceremony, love seeks eternity and sanctity rootedness in a transcendent power.

Table 1: The number of Jewish marriages in Australia from 1992 to 2010.

Marriage is seen as a personal, contractual relationship and the fulfilment of the Mitzvah. All Jewish men and women are expected to marry as it is the first commandment located in Genesis. Marriage is a religious obligation as it structures the lives of the couple and assigns clear roles to each partner. In fact, one must be married in order to become a rabbi. Judaism's high view of marriage derives from its view of the home and family as the centre of religious life. Given true love and a man and woman who follow religious and ethical precepts, life holds the possibility of being as close to paradise as is possible in this world. But if they violate God's commands, they must repeat the experience of Adam and Eve in paradise lost. Judaism teaches that every bride and groom must go back to Adam and Eve, and re-enact that physical and spiritual drama of community as "one flesh". Jewish marriage is not designed for the ethical management of the sexual drive, nor is it a concession to human weakness. Marriage is seen as a blessing from God because it enables to overcome loneliness. According to the Torah, Jewish marriage is the decision to confront the challenge of the real world. Judaism teaches when a man marries, he enters not only marriage, but the world. In addition, Judaism views marriage as holy, as a sanctification of life. Furthermore, Judaism views marriage as purposeful. The purposes of marriage are both companionship and procreation. Conferring to Judaism, woman was created because "It is not good for a man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18) In addition, marriage enables fulfillment of the first commandment: "Be fruitful and multiply." (Genesis 1:28). The mystics explain that two primary considerations drive the
Show More

Related Documents: Marriage in Judaism Essay

Essay about Judaism Sexual Ethics

Judaism – Sexual Ethics & Marriage Sexual Ethics Sex & Marriage In Judaism, sex is allowed only within the context of marriage. Marriage is seen as a contract between a man & a woman excluding all other people. Judaism forbids adultery, but within marriage, sex is a mitzvah – commandment. It is treasured as something which should be permanent, faithful & exclusive The Jewish Scriptures accepted polygyny – when a man marries more than one woman – but it is almost universally outlawed today. Polgamy…

Words 468 - Pages 2

Jewish Marriage Essay

Marriage is a significant part of Judaism bringing together a woman and man under God’s reign. It is the mitzvah (122) “To marry a wife by means of ketubah and keddushin” (Deut 22:13), all Jewish adherents see marriage as a necessity in order to obey God and to experience the fullness of life. In Genesis God says: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” It is a link between individuals and the wider community as it recognises two individuals coming together…

Words 1202 - Pages 5

Jewish Sexual Ethics Essay

'Sexual ethics provide a framework for Jewish conduct so that the tradition may continue in stability and morality' Evaluate the accuracy of this statement. Sexual Ethics are integral to Judaism because they provided direct guidance on how to behave morally and in accordance with the Torah and God. Although, over many years Jews were suffering from persecution, they are currently showing stability which can be attributed to the framework that is outlined through the strong ethics that they…

Words 1322 - Pages 6

Jewish Marriage Roles

This paper demonstrates the roles of women in marriages based on religious beliefs in Judaism, Hinduism and Christianity. This paper goes into detail on the women’s role in the marriage as a good wife. This paper will show the structural opposition between husband and wife. The three religions have many similarities as well as some differences that will be explored and explained. As time continues women are slowly getting more rights, so depending on where these religions are most common and…

Words 1887 - Pages 8

gay marriage Essay

Gay Marriage Debate - Against it Opening statement, begin the debate with : Much of the debate over same sex marriage centers on one's belief of whether homosexuality is a sin. If homosexuality is asin, and marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman, then the faithful can be tolerant of a sin but they cannot support it. None of the major Abrahamic religions Judaism, Christianity, or Islam support homosexuality or gay marriage. The Judeo-Christian belief that homosexuality…

Words 673 - Pages 3

Role of women Essay

The role of women in traditional Judaism has been grossly misrepresented and misunderstood. The position of women is not nearly as lowly as many modern people think; in fact, the position of women in halakhah (Jewish Law) that dates back to the biblical period is in many ways better than the position of women under American civil law as recently as a century ago. Many of the important feminist leaders of the 20th century (Gloria Steinem, for example, and Betty Friedan) are Jewish women, and some…

Words 1317 - Pages 6

Jewish Marriage Essay

Judaism is a monotheistic religion deriving from the covenant (Genesis 12: 1-2) made between G-d and Abraham based on the Promised Land for the Israelites. Rituals play a fundamental role throughout all religions. Consequentially the ritual of marriage is considered an obligation in Judaism – as it completes the individual holistically. A traditional Jewish marriage involves a historical, biblical, cultural and an intricate legal transaction binding the bridegroom (Chatan) and bride (Kallah) into…

Words 1865 - Pages 8

Early Gender Roles

main religions such as, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, not forgetting that these religions started thousands of years ago, and still remain a reference of the idea that women are meant to produce, serve their husband and raise their children. Throughout history, these religions have continuously influenced the gender stereotypes in society, which were written since the beginning in the Bible, Torah…

Words 1420 - Pages 6

AP Human Geography: Comparison Of Christianity And Judaism

Alanna Sims and Jenny Qiu Comparison of Christianity and Judaism 3B AP Human Geography Since, Christianity and Judaism began as one they have similarities between them. But, after the separation the way the religions operate, their core beliefs and what is considered holy are different. Christians award Jesus with being the founder of Christianity. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God and was sent as human salvation. They believe Jesus was conceived by the Virgin Mary. According to…

Words 1186 - Pages 5

2009 Studies Of Religion Notes Essay

ADRIANA NAVARRO RELIGION 1 UNIT NOTES Page 2: Aboriginal Spirituality Page 5: Post 1945 Page 7: Judaism page 10: marriage Page 12: Chrisitianity page 13: marriage Page 18: Ethics page 18: Christianity page 21: Judaism Aboriginal Spirituality Country: term used to describe ones land which they belong to and their place of dreaming Elders: Key persons and keepers of knowledge within Aboriginal communities ‘Elders’ – kinship and owners ‘Elders’ - leaders of large extended family ‘Elders’…

Words 8507 - Pages 35