Marriage
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Purification Before Marriage
I have been studying the Jewish wedding customs. In my study, I have come to understand that there are certain purification rites for a virgin before her marriage. In fact, the purification process is carefully practiced by all married (or…
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Virginity and Marriage
I was wondering what role does virginity play in Judaism, and why, if it does at all, it plays such an important role? The answer to your question depends on how you define “roleâ€?: does one’s lack of virginity automatically…
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Bride Walks Around Seven Times
What is the origin of the custom that a bride walks around her groom seven times during a wedding? The custom of the bride walking around the groom seven times is from the Kabbalah. See Tikunei Zohar (6, 23a) in…
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Soul Mates
I always heard that each Jewish person born has a Soul Mate. Please explain the following. Why do people get divorced? I think it’s fair to describe the existence of “soul mates” (Zivug) as an opportunity rather than a guarantee.…
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Wedding Ring Customs
Can you give me some guidelines for choosing a wedding ring for a Jewish wedding? Thank you for your questions. Technically, a person need not use a wedding ring at all to get married, but may use anything that has…
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A Ring for the Groom
Why doesn’t a bride exchange rings with her groom and say something under the chupah (Wedding canaopy)? Surely in these days of equality, the marriage ceremony should be updated to reflect contemporary reality. The giving of a ring (or anything…
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How Intermarriage is Perceived
I’m doing some research on Judaism. Could a Jewish man marry outside the religion, like marry a Baptist, and still be considered a practicing Jew? No, for an educated Jew to do so would be akin to throwing a Torah…
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Single Women
Are there any special requirements for single women? Should un-married women in their early thirties be doing something extra as we don’t have family or child obligations? This is a very interesting question. The truth is, that of the three…