Isaiah 62:4-5 No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over yo…

How do you adjust to a new relationship after losing a spouse? What treatments are there for male infertility? Visit Dr. Michael Werner at MAZE Men's Health! Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Instagram: @drbatsheva Facebook page Book: Sex Points www.DrBatSheva.com Follow Rabbi Dov Linzer! Rosh Yeshiva Responds YCT podcasts YCTorah Facebook page www.YCTo…

Genesis 49:24 Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Facebook fan page Instagram: @drbatsheva Book: Sex Points www.DrBatSheva.com Follow Rabbi Linzer! Rabbi Linzer’s other podcasts YCT Facebook community Instagr…

Is doing sex work ever kosher? Follow Leah Forster! Instagram: @leahforster Tickets: Feb. 3 @ Caroline's On Broadway Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Instagram: @drbatsheva Facebook page Book: Sex Points www.DrBatSheva.com Follow Rabbi Dov Linzer! Rosh Yeshiva Responds YCT podcasts YCTorah Facebook page www.YCTorah.org Have a question for Rabbi Linzer …

Responsa Maharsham 3:161 (Rabbi Shalom Mordechai Shvadron, 1835-1911, Ukraine) For five years, a couple had no child. And then, came to them a man who was his relative and slept in their house. Then his wife got pregnant and had a child. Why does the child look more like the relative than the husband? Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Facebook fan page …

What happens when I'm attracted to someone I shouldn't desire? When does childhood curiosity become sexually inappropriate? Mentioned: The Other Side of Desire Follow Noam Zion! Shalom Hartman Institute Sanctified Sex Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Instagram: @drbatsheva Facebook page Book: Sex Points www.DrBatSheva.com Follow Rabbi Dov Linzer! Rosh …

Horiyot 10b:15 A transgression performed for the sake of Heaven is greater than a mitzva performed not for its own sake. Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Facebook fan page Instagram: @drbatsheva Book: Sex Points www.DrBatSheva.com Follow Rabbi Linzer! Rabbi Linzer’s other podcasts YCT Facebook community Instagram: @YCTorah www.YCTorah.org Have a questi…

The team discusses erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, shame, and hope! Visit Dr. Michael Werner at MAZE Men's Health! Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Instagram: @drbatsheva Facebook page Book: Sex Points www.DrBatSheva.com Follow Rabbi Dov Linzer! Rosh Yeshiva Responds YCT podcasts YCTorah Facebook page www.YCTorah.org Have a question for Rabbi L…

Moed Katan 17a A wasp came and stung the ostracized scholar on his penis and he died. Because he was a great Torah scholar, they took him into the caves in which the pious are interred in order to bury him there, but the caves did not accept him. A snake stood at the entrance of the caves and did not let them pass. They then took him into the caves…

Is it okay to watch pornographic material? What is boudoir photography? Can you mix dairy and semen? Follow Rebecca Sigala! Instagram: @rebeccasigalaboudoir Facebook page Rebecca’s Facebook group www.RebeccaSigala.com Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Instagram: @drbatsheva Facebook page Book: Sex Points www.DrBatSheva.com Follow Rabbi Dov Linzer! Rosh …

Deuteronomy, ch. 29, verse 18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood. Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Facebook fan page Instagram: @drbatsheva Book: Sex Poi…

Is Judaism sex-positive? Bat Sheva and Rabbi Linzer fielded questions ‘at’ June’s Limmud Oz conference hosted by Goldie Markovits. Due to technical difficulties over Zoom, some of the moderator’s questions have been dubbed over for clarity. Learn more about Limmud Oz at limmudoz.com.au. Follow Goldie on Instagram @goldiemarko! Follow Dr. Bat Sheva …

What does Halacha say about abortion? Donate to Lada'at! Follow Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus! Facebook fan page Instagram: @drbatsheva Book: Sex Points www.DrBatSheva.com Follow Rabbi Dov Linzer! YCT Facebook community YCT YouTube channel www.YCTorah.org Have a question for Rabbi Linzer and Bat Sheva Marcus? Click to submit yours! Moderated by Sara Rozner …

Deuteronomy, ch. 6, verses 4-9 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when …

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of desire in a sexual relationship, the varying views Judaism has taken on the innate desires of different sexes, and what individuals can do to improve their sex lives. Then, we interview our very own Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus about her new book “Sex Points: Reclaim Your Sex Life with the […] The post Sex an…

In this episode, we explore a fascinating text that states that the greater the person (in Torah), the greater his yetzer (lust). What is the correlation here, and how might the cloistered experience of rabbis be a factor? The post The Yetzer of “Great Men” (Sukkah 52a) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.…

In this episode, we discuss the complexities, both halachic and interpersonal, of sexual fantasies. We ask: Are they good or bad for a relationship? Are they halakhically permitted or forbidden? Should they be shared with one’s partner, or kept to oneself? Then, we sit down with Noa Fleischacker and Hannah Barg to talk about their podcast […] The p…

In this episode, we reflect on the complexities of long term relationships, as we examine three stories about Talmudic couples experiencing timeless challenges. The post Peas, Lentils, and the Complications of Long Term Relationships (Yevamot 63a-b) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.Di Bat Sheva Marcus, Dov Linzer, Sara Rozner Lawrence

How should parents and educators talk about sex to teens and young adults? What is the role of halakha in these conversations, and how do we deal with cases when one’s sexual ethics are in conflict with halakha? Then, we chat with popular instagrammer “Holy__Shid” about her innovative matchmaking technique on social media, discuss her take […] The …

In this mini-text episode, we discuss a provocative text about the Holy of Holies and its sexual symbolism, just in time for Yom Kippur. The post From Behind the Curtain (Yoma 54a) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.Di Bat Sheva Marcus, Dov Linzer, Sara Rozner Lawrence

In this episode, we discuss how parents should talk with their young children around issues that relate to sex, body parts, physical touch, and more – what language and tone one should use, at what age should certain topics be raised, and how do we balance these conversations with our values and with concerns for […] The post Sex Education, Part 1 …

In this bonus episode, our hosts reflect on wrapping up their fifth season of the Joy of Text, reminisce about some of their favorite episodes, and look forward to next season. Thank you to all of our longtime listeners for sticking with us, and thank you to all of our new listeners for joining us […] The post BONUS EPISODE: Reflections on Five Yea…

In this episode, we look at various opinions in the Gemara about limitations on learning Torah after having sex and explore the potential spiritual and psychological effects sex can have on the way we engage with Torah. The post Learning Torah after Sex (Berachot 22A) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.…

We now have the potential to control the sizes of our families more than ever before. In this episode, we discuss family planning and ask what exercising this control says about our approaches to family life and sex, and how this freedom can be balanced with our halachic obligations to have children and raise a […] The post The Family Planning Epis…

In this episode, we examine a passage in Tractate Berachot regarding reciting the Shema while lying unclothed next to family members and others, and grapple with perspectives and social norms different than our own. The post Shema and Strange Bedfellows (Berachot 24A) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.…

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning producer, filmmaker and actor, Michal Birnbaum, who most recently played the Kallah teacher on the Netflix hit series, Unorthodox. We talk about her portrayal of the character, how she prepared for the role of a Kallah teacher in an Ultra-Orthodox community, and much more! The post BONUS EPISODE: Inte…

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of changes in our sex lives through different life stages. We look at how couples can spice up their private life when youthful signals like Mikveh night fade away, and when different aspects of life might get in the way of intimacy. Then, we sit down with Bracha Bard-Wigder, […] The post Sexuality Throu…

In this episode we look at a passage from the Zohar which seems to put the woman in charge of the sexual relationship, and we ask the question: what does sleeping on rocks, flattery and apes have to do with all this? The post Whispering Sweet Nothings? (Zohar I:49a-b) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.…

One of the defining characteristics of an Orthodox synagogue is the mechitzah. But where does it come from and what is it about? On this episode, we discuss the ins-and-outs of mechitza. Is the goal to make women invisible, to create a gender-separate space, or something else? And does mechitza truly make for a better […] The post Mechitzah, Gender…

In this mini text episode, we look at a passage in the Gemara (Niddah 16b-17a) which forbids or discourages sex during the daytime and try to parse the different reasons given for this ruling. In the end we discuss how some of this plays out practically and to what degree this is applicable nowadays. The post Sex During the Day (Niddah 16b-17a) app…

This episode is a re-release, and was originally recorded at Limmud NY in 2016. In this episode, Dr. Marcus and Rabbi Linzer tackle female masturbation and interview Miryam Kabakov about Eshel, a group for LGBT Orthodox Jews. In the Q&A: is it permissible to talk “dirty”? The post (Re-Release) Does Sexting Lead to Mixed Dancing? appeared first on J…

Kissing as a spiritual experience? In this episode, we explore a cryptic text of the Zohar about the deeper meaning of a kiss. If you would like to learn it yourself, check out Zohar 2:124B. The post Kissing as a Spiritual Experience (Zohar 2:124B) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.Di Bat Sheva Marcus, Dov Linzer, Sara Rozner Lawrence

What are the halakhic and emotional issues associated with infertility and the Jewish community? In this episode, we explore the question of fertility treatments and the mitzvah to procreate, and what allowances halakha makes for undergoing such treatments on Shabbat and the halakhic category that applies in this case (is the person sick? Are they …

Meeting your Bashert (Soulmate) on Yom Kipper? We are kicking off the first mini-text episode of the season with a Mishnah in Taanit, which sheds some light on the nature of Yom Kipper with an interesting ancient custom that young, single, Jewish women performed in the times of the Gemara. To learn the text yourself, […] The post Meeting Your Bashe…

With the High Holidays quickly approaching it is time for us to take stock of our year. How should we approach teshuva, repentance, when the misdeeds are complicated and we cannot be confident we will change our future behavior? Is Teshuvah out of the question? Is there a more nuanced way for us to approach […] The post The Teshuvah and Guilt Episo…

Is it true that Jewish law forbids a couple from having sex when sleeping over in someone else’s home? Is a woman not supposed to initiate sex when she’s in the mood? What does the Talmud say about having sex in front of pets? On the Season 4 finale, we clear up more potential myths […] The post Season Finale: The Fact or Fiction Episode, Part 2 ap…

Is abstinence before marriage the secret to a great married sex life, or a recipe for sexual difficulties later on? We discuss the value and impact of “saving oneself” for marriage and of other sex and relationship norms of the Orthodox community. Then, the acclaimed author of “I Am Not a Slut: Slut-Shaming in the […] The post The “S Word” Episode …

A text about what can be eaten on the Eve of Passover leads to an interesting analogy: we discuss why the rabbis compare eating matzah before the seder to having premarital sex with one’s betrothed in her father’s house. The post On Matzah and Sex (Yerushalmi Pesachim 10:1) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.…

According to Jewish law, cross-dressing is considered a Biblical prohibition. So why is it permitted on Purim? We discuss some of the relevant sources and their implications for trans Jews on this mini text episode. The post Why Cross-Dressing on Purim is Kosher (Shulchan Aruch 6:96) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.…

Yikes! What’s a parent to do if your kid walks in on you naked? How old is too old for parents to see their kids unclothed? On this episode, we discuss what psychology and halacha have to say about these sensitive issues and how to help your kids develop a healthy body image. The answers […] The post The What If My Kids See Me Naked Episode appeare…

A classic Talmudic discussion about having first-time sex on Shabbat is often taught to adolescent yeshiva students. What effect might this explicit, technical text have on their emerging sexuality? We read the passage and discuss on this mini text episode of The Joy of Text. The post Having Sex For the First Time on Shabbat (Ketubot 5b-6a) – Mini …

On this episode* we answer a listener question about women’s hair covering, changing norms, and the connection between hair and “erva” (nakedness). Then we talk about sexuality in Kabbalah with Dr. Sharon Faye Koren, author of Forsaken: The Menstruant in Medieval Jewish Mysticism, who discusses why sex plays a central role in Kabbalistic thought an…

In what could be the first parent-child sex talk on record, Rav Hisda gives his daughters advice about how to increase their husband’s desire during sex. Or is it the benefits of being modest? We discuss the different interpretations of this cryptic text and the continued relevance of its lessons. The post Rav Hisda’s Seduction Advice to His Daught…

Welcome back to The Joy of Text! We’re kicking off Season 4 with a fact or fiction quickfire round: Is sex really a “double mitzvah” on Shabbat? Is daytime sex verboten? And what is up with the “hole in the sheet?” We clear up these and other common myths and misconceptions — or are they? […] The post The Fact or Fiction Episode appeared first on J…

On the Season 3 Finale we interview a Jewish woman who made the decision to be a surrogate and carry a child for someone else, with the support of her husband and their three young children. Carrie and Jamie Bornstein share personally and poignantly about what it means to help another couple become parents, and […] The post The Surrogacy…and Sexual…

Words, words, words. In this mini text episode, our hosts discuss a curious Talmudic passage (Nedarim 91a & b) about when a woman’s admission of adultery is believed, or not, emphasizing the power of words to create legal realities with real-world consequences. The post Mini Text Episode – Adultery and The Power of Words appeared first on Jewish Pu…

Colored underwear, black pantyliners, “look the other way.” What are the Rabbinic leniencies that allow a woman who is spotting to avoid becoming a niddah, when and why do they work? Most importantly, how can we prevent a well-intentioned set of Jewish laws from driving women crazy? Plus, we get tips from sex therapist Dr. […] The post The Don’t Lo…

Can unrequited lust be a life-threatening condition? How far can one go to save the life of someone afflicted with such a “malady”? Our panel discusses a curious passage from the Talmudic tractate of Sanhedrin in this Mini Text Episode of The Joy of Text. The post Mini Text Episode – When Lust Leads to Death (Sanhedrin 75a) appeared first on Jewish…

Live from the JCC in Manhattan: Torah and #MeToo. In this recorded live episode, we ask: What is a Jewish response to #MeToo? Can laws of modesty and yichud play a role in preventing sexual assault and harassment? Is affirmative consent a Talmudic concept? When is it okay to publicly shame an alleged abuser? Plus […] The post The #MeToo Episode app…

Recorded live at Brandeis University! “Be fruitful and multiply” is the first commandment in the Torah and a central value of the Jewish community, but what about those who go against the grain and choose to be child-free? Rabbi Dov Linzer and Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus dive into this question. Then, a lively and wide-ranging […] The post The What If I D…