Sexuality in Advanced Age in Jewish Thought and Law

Abstract

Judaism has a positive attitude to sexual relations within a marriage, and views such sexual relations as important not only for procreation but also as part of the framework of marriage. This is true for any age group, and sexuality is seen as an essential element of marriage for couples of advanced age. In this article, the authors present the views of Jewish law and thought regarding sexuality among older couples. The authors illustrate this using 3 case studies of couples who sought guidance in the area of sexuality. In addition, this area of counseling benefits greatly from an ongoing relationship and dialogue between expert rabbis in the field and therapists treating older Orthodox Jewish patients for sexual dysfunction. The triad relationship of couple, therapist, and rabbi enhances the ability to treat and assist such couples to seek treatment and overcome their difficulties.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank Dr. William Petok and Prof. David Weitzman for reviewing the material and assistance in preparing this article.

Notes

¹Genesis 1:28

²Exodus 21:10

³Ben Ish Chai, Vayera, 2nd year

⁴Sanhedrin 58b s.v. “Sheloh KeDarkha”

⁵Shabbat 140b, and Rashi s.v. “Marganita Achvin Lei”

⁶Ketubot 62b

⁷Rabbi Eliyahu Abergel Rabbi in Jerusalem, personal communication, February 11, 2010.

⁸Israeli Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, personal communication, February 11, 2010, Rabbi Dov Lior the Chief Rabbi of Kiryat Arba/Hebron, December 24, 2010, and Rabbi Nevenzhal Chief Rabbi of the Old City of Jerusalem, October 19, 2010.