Domination & submission _ the BDSM relationship handbook ( PDFDrive )

D/s and Judaism: Could Lead to Mixed Dancing
Judaism is the three-thousand-year-old Abrahamic faith which later became the
foundation of Christianity. For many, it is simultaneously a religion, a
philosophy, and a way of life. Interestingly, there are no universally held
beliefs or core doctrines that are considered essential to being a Jew. Some
historians have criticized Judaism for emphasizing the observance of customs,
rituals and observances over any specific dogma or core religious beliefs. In
fact, there are some who consider themselves Jews while simultaneously
considering themselves agnostics or atheists. There is no central authority over
Judaism, and doctrine is sourced primarily from the Torah, the Talmud, and
Maimonides’ (12 th century Torah scholar and Rabbi Mosheh Ben Maimon)
Thirteen Principles of Faith. Even so, there are an infinite number of
interpretations of each, which often makes it difficult if not impossible to know
what is - or isn’t - acceptable when it comes to sexual or BDSM practices.
Generally speaking, Judaism teaches that sex within the context of a committed
relationship is a good thing. The Torah commandment known as onah requires a
man to have regular sex with his wife. The Talmud even goes even further,
specifying how often a man should have sex with his wife: Wealthy men should
bed their wives every day. Common laborers are cut some slack, and are only
expected to do it twice a week. Donkey-drivers are commanded to have
relations with their mates once a week; camel-drivers once every thirty 30 days;
and sailors at least once every six months!
When it comes to how the Jewish faith views kinkier activities and fetishes,
things can get a little confusing, however. There is an old joke about a Jewish
woman who went to her rabbi for advice on whether or not it would be alright if
she and her husband tried a little BDSM. She asks, “Would it be alright if my
husband tied me to the bed?” The rabbi nods, and says, “Not a problem, my
dear.” The woman then asks, “How about if he puts me over his knee and
spanks my bare bottom?” The rabbi replies, “Nothing wrong with that. That
would be fine.” Somewhat emboldened, the woman asks, “Could we have sex
standing up in the middle of the living room?” The rabbi just shakes his head
and says, “I’m sorry, my dear, but that is forbidden. That could lead to mixed
dancing.”
In the Judaic tradition, the term isurei bi’ah refers to those with whom Jews are