Marriage Laws
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Ancient Marriages
When were wedding ceremonies first recorded in the Torah and what was the process leading up to the ceremony? Answer: The Talmud (Tractate Eruvin 18b) says that God made a wedding processional, complete with wedding attendants (Shushvinin) for Adam and…
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Obligation for a Husband to Please His Wife
Does a married man have a Biblical obligation to physically please his wife or is it just something he can choose not to do? Answer: A man does indeed have a Biblical obligation to please his wife – this is…
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Why Can’t a Kohen Marry a Divorcee?
I am a Kohen, and I know that I can’t marry a divorcee. But why not? Answer: The Torah states (Leviticus 21:7) that “…they [i.e. priests] shall not marry a woman who has been divorced from her husband, because he…
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Joshua and Rahab
If Joshua the son of Nun married Rahab didn’t he break the covenant of not marrying outside of the their tribes? Answer: Indeed, our tradition teaches that Rahab married Joshua. The requirement of marrying within the tribe (which only applied…
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Horseback Riding for Women
Is there something wrong with horseback riding for women in Jewish law or is this just an area of sensitivity in Tznius (Modesty). I was never able to get a clear answer and that makes me think there is something…
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Wigs and Hair Covering for Married Women
Can you please tell me why married women have to wear a wig? Answer: Thank you very much for your question. Although there is no obligation for a woman to wear a wig, there is a Torah prohibition for a…
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Monetary Obligations of a Husband
My husband and I both work, and we have been having some “discussions” regarding the level to which my husband must contribute to household expenses. (Don’t worry, we’re getting marriage counseling.) What are my rights according to Jewish law? Can…
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Divorced Parents Escorting Child Down the Aisle
I am getting married soon, and I just heard that your parents should not walk you down the aisle if they are divorced. My parents are divorced, and I really want them both to walk me down! What’s wrong with…
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Remarriage to Original Spouse
Why is it forbidden for a woman to remarry an ex-husband after having married someone else for period of time? Answer: Rabbi S.R. Hirsch (Deuteronomy 24:4) observes that there can be nothing legally wrong or immoral with either the first…