Sex, Lies, No Videotape: Gender & Sexuality in Rabbinic Texts

"It is Torah, and I must study!" With these famous words, Rabbi Kahana justified hiding under his teacher’s bed to observe him having sex. In this series, author Rachel Biale leads an exploration of The Torah of Sex. By diving into the Mishnah and Talmud, we will uncover how the ancient rabbis conceptualized sexual ethics and practices, contraception and abortion, and the place of sex in marriage. From the "proper intention" of the bedroom to laws regarding procreation and infertility, we will see how the rabbis navigated the tension between individual desires and privacy, and the need for communal legal frameworks for regulating sexual expression and activity.

• Students of Jewish Law and Ethics interested in the historical development of Jewish views of sexuality.
• Anyone fascinated by Gender Studies and the construction of masculinity and femininity in Late Antiquity.
• Curious learners who enjoy Talmudic storytelling (Aggadah) embedded in real-world situations.
• Readers of Rachel Biale’s foundational work on women and Jewish law who want to engage in a conversation with her.

• A taste of how to navigate complex Talmudic passages concerning marriage, desire, and views of the female and male body.
• A historical perspective on how Rabbinic Judaism balanced the values of "Study of Torah” with the requirements of family life and sexuality
• A nuanced understanding of ancient legal definitions of sexual conduct and marital rights (Onah).
• Insight into comparing ancient Rabbinic views on sexuality with modern views.