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Unlock This CourseIn Human Sexuality and Changing Relationships you met the general ideas and the main religious and non-religious views. This lesson looks at what Judaism itself teaches. Remember that Jews believe the Almighty (the Jewish name for God) made the world, and that after creation it was 'very good' (see Creation, Humanity and Tikkun Olam). Jewish teaching says this includes human sexuality. It is not shameful or dirty. It is a gift, and the Torah (the Jewish holy book of law and teaching) treats it as something to use with care and respect.
Key terms:
Jewish teaching sees several purposes for sexual relationships. Each one comes from the Torah or from Jewish tradition.
The Almighty told the first humans, 'be fruitful and multiply' (Genesis 1:28). Jewish tradition counts this as a mitzvah, a commandment. Having children carries Jewish life on to the next generation.
'It is not good for man to be alone' (Genesis 2:18). Jews read this as teaching that people need a partner. Genesis 2:24 says a couple become 'one flesh', a close bond of love and trust.
Jewish tradition teaches that love and physical closeness within marriage are a mitzvah and a source of joy, not just a duty. The Song of Songs, a book of love poetry in the Jewish Bible, shows that love is celebrated.
For this reason Orthodox Jews, and Jewish tradition more widely, teach that the right place for a sexual relationship is marriage, where there is a lasting promise. Progressive views are covered below. You will study marriage itself in Marriage in Judaism: A Mitzvah and a Covenant.
Jewish teaching about love is not only about romance. The Torah commands, 'love your neighbour as yourself' (Leviticus 19:18). Jews apply this to every relationship, so partners should treat each other with kindness, honesty and care, and never use each other.
Jewish teaching sees a sexual relationship as more than a physical act. It is a way for two people to build a close bond, to share love and, if they are able, to have children. Because it is so important, Jews teach that it needs commitment, trust and responsibility. Many Jews describe such a marriage as holy.
Jews do not all hold the same view. The main difference is between Orthodox Jews, who follow the traditional reading of Jewish law, and Progressive Jews (Reform and Liberal), who believe the law can change over time.
Sexual relationships belong within marriage between a man and a woman. Sex outside marriage is against Jewish law in Orthodox teaching. Orthodox teaching reads Leviticus 18:22 as forbidding sexual relationships between men, and many Orthodox rabbis say it is the act that is forbidden, not the person. Orthodox Jews teach that every person, whatever their orientation, is made in the image of God and must be treated with dignity and respect.
Reform and Liberal communities welcome same-sex couples and celebrate their marriages. They stress the Torah's teaching of love, equality and dignity. Many Progressive Jews also accept that a committed, loving relationship outside marriage can have value, though many still see marriage as the ideal.
Both groups teach that no person should be bullied, insulted or rejected for who they are. They differ on what the law allows, not on the worth of each person. Positions can develop over time, so it is best to say what Jews 'teach' or 'believe' and to name which group you mean.
You have already learned that Humanists and many atheists judge sexual relationships by consent, respect and responsibility, not by religious rules, and that they accept relationships of many kinds between adults. Here is how Jews respond:
Paper 1 style, Judaism.
(a) Identify three purposes of sexual relationships. [3 marks] (AO1)
(b) Choose one religion. Outline two teachings about sexual relationships in this religion. [4 marks] (AO1)
(c) Choose one religion. Explain why there are different attitudes to homosexuality in this religion. [6 marks] (AO1, AO2)
(d) 'Sex should only take place within marriage.' Evaluate this statement, showing you have considered different points of view. In your answer you should refer to at least one religion. [12 marks] (AO1, AO2)
(a) 1. Having children (1). 2. Companionship (1). 3. Expressing love (1).
(b) Judaism teaches that sexual relationships are a good gift from the Almighty (1), because the world he made was 'very good' (1). It also teaches that they belong within marriage (1), where there is a lasting promise of faithfulness (1).
(c) Orthodox Jews follow the traditional reading of Jewish law. They read Leviticus 18:22 as forbidding sexual relationships between men, and teach that sexual relationships belong within marriage between a man and a woman. Many say it is the act that is forbidden, not the person. Progressive Jews, in Reform and Liberal communities, believe the law can change over time. They stress love, equality and dignity, so they welcome same-sex couples and celebrate their marriages. Both groups say every person is made in the image of God and deserves respect. They differ because they disagree about how far the law can be reinterpreted and about how much authority tradition has today.
(d) Plan. For the statement: Orthodox Jews teach that sexual relationships belong within marriage, which gives a lasting promise, faithfulness and stability; marriage protects partners and children; the Torah's teaching on faithfulness and respect points to commitment. Against: Humanists and many atheists say consent, respect and responsibility are what matter, not marriage; Progressive Jews accept that a loving, committed relationship outside marriage can have value, though many still see marriage as the ideal; some marriages lack love or respect, so marriage alone does not guarantee a good relationship. Conclusion: a possible view is that marriage is the best setting because of the commitment it brings, but the word 'only' is too strong, since respect and commitment can exist outside marriage as well.
For part (c), name the groups (Orthodox and Progressive) and give a reason for each view. Do not just say that Jews disagree.