Marriage and relationship counseling

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The alleged incompatibility of sexuality and spirituality—more precisely, their antithetical nature—is a notion that, while foreign to Torah thought, is attributed by many to Judaic philosophy under the larger and completely mythical rubric of a “Judeo-Christian” creed. Few concepts have done more harm than this widespread misapprehension.

In stark contrast to Christian dogma—where marriage is seen as a concession to the weakness of the flesh, and celibacy is extolled as a virtue—the Torah accords matrimony an exalted and holy position.

Within that consecrated union, the expression of human sexuality is a mandate, a mitzvah. In fact, it is the first mitzvah in the Torah and one of the holiest of all human endeavors.

Moreover, human lovemaking signals the possibility and potential for new life, the formation of a new body and the descent from heaven of a new soul. In their fusing, man and woman become part of something larger; in their transcendence of the self, they draw on, and even touch, the Divine. They enter into a partnership with G‑d; 

Human sexuality is a primary force in the lives of a married couple; it is the unique language and expression of the love they share 

Human sexuality is a primary force in the lives of a married couple; it is the unique language and expression of the love they share. A strong relationship between husband and wife is not only the backbone of their own family unit, but is integral to the world at large. For the blessings of trust, stability, continuity, and ultimately, community, all flow from the commitment they have to each other and to a joint future.

 The man-woman relationship thrives on a model of withdrawal and return 

In reaffirming their commitment, in their intimacy, the couple adds to the vibrancy and health of their society, of humanity, and ultimately, to the fruition of the Divine plan: a world perfected by man. In their private, personal togetherness, they are creators of peace, harmony and healing—on a micro-cosmic scale, but with macrocosmic reverberations—and as such, are engaged in the most sacred of pursuits.