Episode 24: When men have difficulty with sexual functioning

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

August 6th, 2020

The Netflix series “Unorthodox” inspired two Intimate Judaism ZOOM panels on female and male sexuality respectively. Our panel on male sexuality included discussion of the expectations on observant men to live up to contemporary societal definitions of masculinity. Men are expected to exercise full restraint over forbidden thoughts and actions, yet be obligated to perform sexually with one’s wife. This may contribute to feelings …

Episode 34: Men Are Pigs and Women Are Distractions: What Messages About Sex Are Taught in Yeshiva, Seminary, and College?

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

August 31st, 2021

During the month of Elul, hundreds of high school graduates flock to Israel for their gap year programs, yeshivot, and seminaries. This year offers experiences of high level learning, spiritual growth, increased maturity, new friendships, and fun. But many students experience confusion, particularly around their developing sexuality. The legendary “Night of Tears” refers to the night that some yeshiva boys and seminary girls are encou …

Episode 4: Shomer Negiah: Navigating Premarital Sexual Activity and Jewish Law and Values

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

August 28th, 2018

As human beings, we are wired for connection. When we connect emotionally with a member of the opposite sex, and experience attraction, and/or affection, the desire for intimate touch is a natural instinct. In society at large, this desire is understood to be moderated by social rules that include determining availability, and mutual consent and should include communication about boundaries and prevention of pregnancy when applicable. According t …

Beyond boundaries: Rethinking Jewish sex education

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

August 20th, 2026

First published in Times of IsraelParents throughout the spectrum of Jewish practice share a common hope: that their children will grow into adults capable of building loving relationships, healthy marriages, and lives guided by Jewish values.Intimacy – the capacity to know another person and to be known, to balance autonomy with connection, to communicate honestly, and to tolerate vulnerability – is central to that hope. Sexuality is on …

Episode 71: Divorce with Dignity

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

August 20th, 2026

As we observe the days of mourning before Tisha B’Av, we reflect on another profound experience of grief: the ending of a marriage. Divorce has its own mourning process, yet even when a marriage must end, it can end with dignity, compassion, and integrity. Talli Rosenbaum and Rabbi Scott Kahn speak here with mediator and to’enet rabbanit Shoshie Goldstein about healthy co-parenting, navigating divorce in the Orthodox community, and finding a …

Episode 70: Intimacy in an Age of Anxiety and Uncertainty: How Chronic Stress Changes Relationships

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

August 20th, 2026

October 7 changed countless lives. But for many Jewish people across the world, the deeper challenge has been what came afterward: months and years of ongoing stress, uncertainty, grief, and vigilance. In this episode, Talli Rosenbaum and Rabbi Scott Kahn explore how chronic stress affects relationships, intimacy, and sexuality, and why connection remains one of our most important sources of resilience and healing.


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Episode 69:Between Halacha and Reality: Addressing Masturbation and Pornography with Orthodox Teenage Boys

Author:

August 20th, 2026

How should Orthodox educators address masturbation with teenage boys—and what happens when the message is only about prohibition?Dr. Dan Jacobson offers a thoughtful, experience-based approach that balances halacha, mental health, and the lived reality of adolescents, focusing on reducing shame, fostering responsibility, and speaking about sexuality in a healthier, more honest way.To download a free copy of Dr. Jacobson’s booklet, Light in th …

Should We Sympathize with Sex Abusers

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

August 20th, 2023

Originally published in Times of Israel.   Warning: this article contains material regarding sexual abuse that some readers may find disturbing.   A few weeks ago, podcaster and comedian Mendy Pellin featured an interview with convicted sex offender Gershon Selinger, who recounted his struggle with pedophilia and sexual offending.  Almost immediately, segments of Jewish social media were flooded with reactions. Although the podcast …

Ancient Love in Modern Times: Tu B'Av Bonus Episode

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

August 20th, 2023

The 15th of Av , also known as Tu B’Av, is a minor Jewish festival which in modern day Israel is celebrated as a holiday of romantic love, not unlike Valentine’s Day. In this mini bonus episode, Rabbi Scott Kahn and Talli Rosenbaum discuss the Mishnaic origins of this day, and compare ancient and modern day beliefs about love.Listen here.   …

Date 'Em Till You Hate 'Em: Bonus episode

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

August 20th, 2023

Not since Yenta from Fiddler on the Roof has there been a matchmaker as famous as Aleeza Ben Shalom! Join Rabbi Scott Kahn and Talli Rosenbaum for a rollicking discussion with the colorful, engaging and entertaining host of “Jewish Matchmaking.”Listen here. …

Episode 41: Is there a Jewish Principle of Pleasure

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

April 8th, 2022

The Jewish “Pleasure Principle” Sexual pleasure.  Does religion seek to minimize pleasure?  This message was communicated in the recent Netflix documentary “The Principles of Pleasure”  And to be honest, you don’t have to look hard to find Jewish sources, some in the Talmud, that do just that.  Then again, there are also sources, some mystical, that glorify (marital) sexual pleasure and satisfacti …

Episode 32: Intimacy Enhancement Products

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

April 25th, 2021

Modesty, lack of information, and embarrassment are just some factors that inhibit observant couples from using products designed to enhance sexual intimacy. In this episode, Rabbi Scott Kahn and Talli Rosenbaum host Beverly Damelin, who shares her expertise in the field of sexual enhancement products and explains how they can help improve the sexual experience. Listen here. …

Episode 31: Consent and Coercion: What Does Forced Marriage and Obligatory Sex Look Like in the Jewish Community?

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

April 25th, 2021

“Forced marriage” and coercive sex are terms that most believe have no relevance to Judaism. Nevertheless, in communities where marriages are typically arranged by parents and matchmakers, does the couple truly have the freedom to reject the match? And even in modern Orthodox circles, do young men and women sometimes feel pressured to marry when they aren’t sure about the partner, aren’t ready for marriage, or are uncertai …

Episode 55: Loving Again After Loss: Dating and Remarriage After Widowhood

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

April 12th, 2024

Losing one’s spouse is one of life’s most difficult and painful experiences. The process of grieving includes feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and isolation. While grieving the loss of a spouse, one also mourns the loss of identity as a member of an intimate partnership and acceptance of a new identity as a widow/er. Well-intentioned friends and family members may urge those who have lost a spouse to “move on,” while o …

Episode 12: Monogamy and Exclusivity: Defining, Preventing and Dealing with Betrayal

Author: Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum

April 10th, 2019

Sexual exclusivity is a core value of Jewish marriage. Extramarital sexual contact – infidelity – represents not only a breach of Jewish law, but also a rupture of the couple’s loyalty and trust. While sexual intercourse with another person is almost universally considered adultrous behavior, how do couples define what they consider to be a betrayal? Is texting, having lunch with a member of the opposite sex, or flirting conside …

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