Is it a wrong to enjoy intimacy with one’s spouse? I sometimes feel guilty.

Unlike other religions, in Judaism, we do not believe that we should refrain from physical pleasure or abstain from enjoying “worldly pleasures” as long as it is within the boundaries of Jewish law. As long as your marriage is a “kosher” marriage – i.e. Jewish man, etc…, then there is nothing to feel guilty about. You are in a healthy, kosher relationship and intimate relations between husband and wife are part and parcel of building a bond that is physical, emotional, and spiritual. You have no reason to feel guilty at all for enjoying being with your husband and if you and he have an otherwise good relationship you should feel extremely lucky and blessed.

Unfortunately, most couples today do not and that is a sad reality that I do not wish on anybody. I would encourage you to continue developing your relationship with your spouse and try to build on the physical relationship so that you can infuse more spirituality into both of your lives. If a relationship is purely physical it cannot last. G-d willing, you and your husband will continue down a path of happiness and bring true pleasure to each other and those around you.

Be Well,
Rabbi Litt