Jewish Sexual Ethics – PEACHMAN Summary – Refer to yellow booklet pp 26 – 29, 49 – 62. Plus six page summary doc.
Aspect
Pre-marital sex
Scriptural basis
Sexual behavious is only permitted in marriage. Halachah
mitzvoth – “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:28) No suggestion
anywhere that sex inside marriage is in any way unworthy. Story
of Jacob and Rachel (Gen 29:20-21)
Extra-marital sex
Adultery
The Torah forbids adultery (Leviticus 18:6-23)
Contraception
Homosexuality
Masturbation
Abortion
Niddah
Homosexuality is forbidden “You shall not lie down with a man in
the same what that you would lie down with a woman: it is
abomination” Leviticus 18:22. Lesbianism is not mentioned in the
Torah, the Talmud treats to it with disapproval.
Variants
Progressive Judaism does not see the Torah as eternally binding, and is in
need of modern interpretation. The strict Orthodox position is that the Torah is
God’s law and offers fixed answers. There are Jews of all shades in between