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It appears that the Torah deals more strictly with an unfaithful wife than with an unfaithful husband. But the Torah teaches that in order to experience the Divine Presence, there should be a proper relationship between one man and one woman. The Torah calls couples, a man who "leaves his parents and clings to his wife and become one flesh" (Bereishit 2:23-24).
Admittedly, the Torah allows a man to marry more than one woman, which was a sociological need in yesteryear. However, the Torah consistently stressed the problematic nature of having multiple wives. Lemech lamented his lot to his two wives, and he turned into the second recorded murderer (ibid. 4:19-23). After Cain killed his brother, Lemech killed his son. Chazal lamented about such men and their two wives, one for childbearing, who was mistreated, while the other one for his enjoyment was rendered sterile with ancient drugs and occupied herself with beautification. Indeed, in polygamy, at least one wife would be treated improperly.
When the Torah discusses the laws of two wives (Devarim 21:15), one of them is described as "hated." The next section discusses the wayward son (ibid. 18), which is no coincidence. The navi (Shmuel I, 1:6) calls a co-wife a tzara (a cause of pain). In all of Tanach, there is no polygamous relationship which is presented as an ideal union.
So why is the unfaithful wife worse than the unfaithful husband? Until recent times, relations made it very likely that children would be born, and the prospect of a husband having to raise his wife’s illegitimate child was unfair to the husband financially and emotionally. If a man took two wives, he would rightfully be responsible for the welfare of the children of both.
We will end off with another perspective. The waters that checked the sota to see if her denial of impropriety was correct only worked when the suspicious husband was free of any sexual impropriety himself (Yevamot 58a). The obligation of fidelity cuts two ways. No house can have the dwelling of the Divine Presence unless both he and she are worthy of it.
Reviewing the salient lessons: 1. Men and women must not become intoxicated, which opens the door to sin. 2. Ideally, a household has one husband and one wife. 3. The goal of a couple is to create a home for the Divine Presence, impacting both parents and children. 4. The obligation to be loyal is mutual in marriage, and it is the basis for peace and fraternity, within the family and in harmonious successful life.
Igrot Hare’aya Celebration of Quarters for Yemenite Community
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook: #162
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
