Both the Torah and the Talmud view a man without a wife, or a woman without a husband, as incomplete. Therefore quickflirt.com has shared interesting information about Judaism’s views on marriage as the ideal human state.
There are distinctly defined aspects, rather stages, centered on marriage, according to common Jewish views. Knowing and practicing the obligations of each stage is extremely essential as far as religious sanctity is concerned. In conventional terms, both the man and woman’s families come under a consensus to arrange for the ceremony. Continue reading to know more tradition-based details on this matter.
Engagement
Engagement in Jewish culture is generally far more formal and religion-bound than in other communities. Kiddushin is the term used for engagement. According to Jewish religious literature, it is a noble act of acquiring a woman, through any of the three alternatives – money, writ, sexual intercourse. The Talmudic discussions, known as Gemarah, discusses each of these alternatives at length.
In contemporary ceremonial practice, the event takes place through kinyan kesef (acquiring with money). It is generally marked by placing an engagement ring and simultaneously reciting a verse on the acquisition, formalizing the ceremony. The woman remains silent, indicating her consent to be acquired. There are some controversies regarding the term ‘acquisition’, but the usual view is it is all about acquiring the marital responsibilities of being a husband to the woman.
Matrimony
Marriage, or nisuin, is primarily a contractual agreement between the man and the woman. The ceremony does not have any obligation to be held under the presence or supervision of a rabbi. But major instances witness a rabbi religiously administering the event.
The essential part, as per the Jewish views, is signing ketubah, the well-defined marriage contract. The marriage takes place under a chuppah, a ceremonial canopy. Seven blessings are recited validating the matrimonial act. These blessings are called Sheva Branchot.
Some of the couples, just before the actual ceremony, may get involved in the ritual of the mikveh. In this ritual, the couple visits a synagogue, and immerse themselves in water pools. It is said to be done for spiritually cleansing souls and getting prepared for the marriage.
Physical Obligations
Jewish holy texts consider physical obligations after marriage sensitively. For a man, not getting engaged in frivolous acts is regarded as pious. Physical intimacy with one’s wife is viewed as a highly important matrimonial duty. But the texts also warn of excessive desires, as they tell about the blemished character of the husband. Mishneh Torah particularly states that minimizing the sexual conduct with control over one’s sensibilities is no doubt praiseworthy. But the texts also remark that neglecting the usual conjugal duties is sinful and unwise.
Fidelity
According to Talmud, fidelity is considered to be one of the holiest virtues in marriage. It also considers adultery to be the gravest of sins. It is extremely important to honor every condition of the ketubah, the mutual contract signed by the husband and wife when they had married.
A wide range of aspects falls under fidelity, according to Jewish religious views. From a deep sense of security and safety to bonding between family members, fidelity encompasses the fundamental elements associated with an eternally happy marriage.
Age of Marriage
Through time, legal perspectives have been blended in the usual traditional Jewish religious framework about the minimum age for marriage. A boy must be in the last 13 years old during the marriage ceremony. For a girl, the minimum age should be 12. The Jewish religious literature specifically cites Genesis 1:28 on this matter. The bracket between puberty and 20 years of age has been considered as the perfect time for marriage. It is applicable whether you are a man or a woman.
Intermarriage
Generally, there are three views of intermarriage, depending on how orthodox or unorthodox a Jewish family is. The orthodox Jews don’t permit intermarriage. The conservative Jews agree to intermarriage, given the person who becomes a new family member converts to Judaism. The Reform Jews don’t oppose intermarriage and don’t press on conversion, but prefer the offspring from the marriage to be raised in Jewish traditions.
Divorce
Jews never consider civil codes to be superior to civil laws in divorce-related issues. A divorce is primarily initiated by a man by producing a defined divorce document to his wife.
