Alef: The NEXT Conversation

Sex. It’s not the first thing that comes to mind when we think about “The Jewish People.” Maybe humor (keep an eye out for the “Why We Laugh” Issue, debuting on March 1st), intelligence (and the “Jewish Geniushood” Issue, debuting on March 15th), or rich cultural traditions. Now that’s Jewish. But sex? Sure we have some sexy people, like Natalie Portman, Israeli model Bar Refaeli, Paul Newman, and a few other stars who made it into Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song.” But that’s not really the same.

So why this whole “Jews and Sex” thing? As it so happens, sex is an integral, and even a prescribed part of Judaism. There are, of course, certain caveats that come with this statement (such as the underlying expectation that you are married if you’re having sex), but the fact remains – Judaism looks at sex as an important and holy part of life. For example, it is a man’s responsibility to give his woman sexual pleasure. Yes, we said “responsibility.” And on Shabbat, it’s considered a “double-mitzvah” for a married couple to seal the deal. Now we have a better idea of where the concept of Shabbat “naps” comes from. We’re onto you, Uncle Jon and Aunt Margaret.

- Alef

The Sex Issue Posts:
From Jesus, With Love
Seduction in the Land of Israel
An Unorthodox Coming Out Story
The Foreskin, and the Man Behind It
Nice Jewish Girl No More
No Excuses
The Virgin Chronicles
It Takes More Than Making Out
The Love of the Game
Jewish Identity Through Burlesque
Do You Have The Touch?

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