Relationships and Families

Relationships and Families

Importance of the Family

• Core unit of Jewish society, serving not just as an economic and emotional support system but also as the primary setting for religious observance.
• Torah highlights the importance of parents teaching their children religious traditions and values.
• Observance of Sabbath starts at home, with various rituals and prayers led by family members.

Marriage

• Viewed as a mitzvah, or religious obligation, marking the formation of a new family unit.
• The concept of ‘bashert’ pervades Jewish culture, meaning that a person has one soulmate who they are destined to marry.
• The ketubah is a marital contract outlining the husband’s responsibilities to the wife.

Sexuality and Sexual Relationships

• Sex within marriage is considered a mitzvah, encouraging strong family units and procreation.
• Traditional Judaism does not formally recognise homosexual relationships. However, various movements such as Reform Judaism have become more inclusive.

Divorce

• Though seen as a last resort, divorce is permitted in Judaism through the granting of a get.
• Both men and women can request a divorce, but the husband must issue the get.
• The woman must willingly accept the get for the divorce to be valid.

Gender Equality

• Traditional Jewish roles distinguish men and women, often leading to perceived gender inequality.
• However, more recent movements within Judaism advocate for equal participation of women in religious services (e.g., Reform Judaism allows women to become rabbis).
• Orthodox Judaism maintains more traditional views, including allowing only male rabbis and limiting women’s roles in services.