Re: Rohrlich/Zias celibacy

Beth E. Kaminow (kaminow@GWIS2.CIRC.GWU.EDU)
Tue, 9 Jan 1996 14:33:41 -0500

This is getting way off the subject of celibacy and its definitions, I
realize, but in reply to Denise and Ruby, I want to talk a little bit
about the miztvah of having sex on the Sabbath. The way I understand it,
a mitzvah is more of a "good obligation" than a good deed. Making
love with your spouse on Sabbath encompasses many ideas important to
Judaism; celebrating the relaxation and specialness of the day, the
importance of "being fruitful and multiplying," showing love for your
spouse etc. Also, the way I understand marriage in Judiasm is as a
special partnership, a oneness or joining of two souls (or two halves of
one soul). Therefore, the mitzvah, to my mind, is done by both
partners. Also, Mitzvahs are not quite things that are for credit, as
Denise implied in her message (no flame intended, just a different
perspective), they are, once again, moe obligitory than that.
-Beth Kaminow