Evaluation and treatment of unconsummated marriages among Orthodox Jewish couples.
Orthodox Judaism expects new brides and grooms to engage in sexual intercourse on the first night of marriage or soon thereafter, despite stringent norms forbidding premarital physical contact. Any delay for more than several weeks in consummating a marriage is seen as problematic and worthy of rabbinic or professional attention. This article examines traditional Jewish sources for this emphasis on marital sexuality, defines the problem of unconsummated marriages, discusses issues pertinent to evaluation, and suggests appropriate treatment strategies. Our focus includes both the Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) elements of the Jewish community.
Ribner
David S
DS
Sex Therapy Training Program, School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. matzeel@hotmail.com
Rosenbaum
Talli Y
TY
D000328:Adult; D003075:Coitus / Q000523:psychology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007585:Jews / Q000523:psychology*; D007599:Judaism / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D012071:Religion and Sex; D012731:Sex Counseling / Q000379:methods; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome