Holy Letter: A Study in Jewish Sexual Morality

by Seymour J. Cohen (Translator)

The Holy Letter: A Study in Jewish Sexual Morality is a translation of Iggeret haKodesh, a thirteenth-century Hebrew text whose authorship, while unknown, is traditionally attributed to Nahmanides. It is on one level a sexual treatise for the marital relationship. On an esoteric level, it is a kabbalistic work depicting God's relationship to his people.

The sexualrelationship between a husband and wife is sacred in Judaism. Lovemaking between husband and wife is a holy act, especially on the Sabbath. Jewish tradition considers sexual intimacy to be above and beyond the commandment to "be fruitful and multiply." Even a barren couple is commanded to make love, for it is a spiritual union that brings husband and wife closer to each other and closer to God.

Within The Holy Letter we find the prohibition against a husband having intercourse with his wife against her will. We see that, in Jewish tradition, husband and wife are partners: "The union of man with his wife, when it is proper, is the mystery of the foundation of the world and its civilization. Through the act they become partners with God in the act of creation. While it is a mitzvah for the husband to give physical pleasure to his wife - some Rabbis argue that the wife must experience pleasure before the husband - the holiness and spirituality of the act must never be forsaken. "The mystery of man includes in his being the mystery of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Know that the man is the mystery of wisdom and the female is the mystery of understanding. And the pure sex act is the mystery of knowledge."

Genres: Judaism

187 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1200