Religion Jewish Sexual Ethics

Describe and explain Jewish teachings on sexual ethics.
Kosher sex, based on the Halachah, is perceived as a ‘necessary evil’ and generally encouraged. Despite coming from the ‘yetzer ra,’ sex is in no way considered evil, so long as it is channelled into the right context. When satisfied in this context, sex is considered to be a mitzvah. From Genesis 1:28, we see the reference “be fruitful and multiply”, proving the necessity of sexual intercourse whilst practising the Jewish faith. Extreme ascetic views on sex entail that the sole purpose of sex is procreation and it is thus a necessary evil, however progressive views on sex derived from the Halachah argue the focus on pleasure and love binding experiences and the good side of sex.
The predominant view on sexual ethics across all levels of adherence is that sex is only permissible when in the confines of marriage. In Kings 1, it is outlined that King David had a virgin warm his bed on a nightly basis, giving strength to the issue of polygyny, outlined in the scriptures. This is contradicted with the modern view -Exodus: 20, maintaining that any acts of adultery are a sin. Found in the Talmud and stated by Rabbi Bavli Berachot, “Everything which a man wishes to do with his wife, he may do.” Despite this, sex is a woman’s right (onah), and it is the man’s right to provide pleasure to the woman on a regular basis. Using lack of intercourse as punishment is a serious offence, and the consistent denial of sex is grounds for divorce. Another issue is divorce, which is outlined in Deuteronomy, it states divorce is permitted; usually b a man receiving a ‘get’ and Deuteronomy 24 says remarriage is permitted.
Another law of sexual ethics is Niddah.   This is referred to as the separation of husband and wife during her menstrual period. This law is mainly practised by Orthodox Jews as it requires post Bar Mitzvah studies which haven’t been undertaken by Non orthodox Jews. This period begins at the first sign of blood and...