Heavenly Sex (Paperback)

~ (Author), Jonathan Mark (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Arousing. Sexy. Seductive. You're talking about Judaism? Yup, or so says world-renowned sex educator Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Though many might find the statement above hard to believe, Westheimer contends that the religion celebrates human sexuality. Even the holiest of men are required to marry and, as Dr. Ruth so skillfully reminds us, "Celibacy is not a virtue. Orgasms are." The authors interpret various stories and help readers understand the significance of each. The book concludes with a handy biblical glossary and an annotated listing of legal codifications in Jewish law. Mark is associate editor of Jewish Week. Rotenberg's offering, which reads partly like a scholarly lecture and partly like a doctoral thesis, covers many of the subjects discussed in Heavenly Sex), only in greater depth. This shouldn't come as a surprise because Rotenberg has spent many years researching the impact of religion on the psychology of everyday life. The Dr. Ruth book is an enjoyable read that is essential for all libraries or certainly those serving a Jewish readership. Rotenberg should be considered only if a more scholarly work is required on the subject.
Marty Dean Evensvold, Magnolia Branch Lib., Tex.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

America's favorite sex therapist, probably best known for making the word orgasm a TV talk show favorite, collaborates with Jewish Week editor Mark in a more significant accomplishment--a thoughtful study of the role of sexuality in Judaica. The two use an array of sources for their inquiries and discussions: interpretations of the Talmud, such customs as the ritual bath, and the Bible's commandments are the principal ones. Particularly interesting is the reading of the Book of Ruth as a primer for sex therapy, but then, a Dr. Ruth book can be expected to conclude that healthy sexual activity between consenting adults is a bracha (blessing). This positive reading of Jewish erotic traditions does not prevent the frank discussion of troubling issues, such as, especially, the Hebrew Bible's condemnation of homosexuality. A topical glossary collocates biblical quotations on such matters as kissing, modesty, and lewd behavior. Public libraries should add this book to ensure that yeshiva students not be the only ones to discover how fascinating Torah study can be. Aaron Cohen --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group (May 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826409040
• ISBN-13: 978-0826409041
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #686,660 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not a good book if you are ORTHODOX., November 15, 1998

By A Customer

I read this book and was appalled by the Orthodox bashing and the inordinate amount of time spent on Orthodoxy and how it handles closet homosexuality. She said nothing about appropriate sexual behavior according to halacha. Furthermore, although she spent some time on the Laws of Niddah, most of that time was spent exaggerating the problem of impotence or premature ejaculation as a possible problem of Orhtodox observance of sexual practice. I was so glad that I purchased "heavenly sex" in a used book store and paid a fraction of what the cover price because the book itself was a TREMEMDOUS DISAPOINTMENT. All I can say is Dr. Ruth is tremendously ignorant about Orthodox Judaism.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A scholarly review of Jewish texts that define sexuality., January 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Heavenly Sex: Sex and the Jewish Tradition (Hardcover)

Dr. Westheimer uses texts as diverse as Torah to Sephardic midrash from all ages to explain Jewish views and practices. In particular, she draws on biblical stories to illustrate laws and their contradictions. When appropriate she compares modern views from non-Orthodox rabbis to show in what ways Talmud practice has or has not adjusted over the years. As usual written from an utterly non-judgemental perspective, and as blunt in her stories and descriptions. A nice read to your partner on a Shabbat evening.

9 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great analysis of the relationship between sex and Judaism, July 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Heavenly Sex: Sex and the Jewish Tradition (Hardcover)

This is a beautifully written and researched book. I would suggest it to anyone who is interested in Judaism, and especially its attitude toward sex. Dr. Ruth's main argument is that sex is a very integral part of Judaism. Although sometimes she seems to take that point too far, the book is nevertheless very interesting and educational. I especially loved the chapter on Sabbath. In a totally gorgeous language, the Jewish Sabbath is described as a great ceremony of seduction and sex. An enthusiastic two thumbs up!