Heavenly Sex: Sexuality in the Jewish Tradition

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Summary: A scholarly review of Jewish texts that define sexuality.
Review: 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.

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Summary: Not a good book if you are ORTHODOX.
Review: 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.

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Summary: A great analysis of the relationship between sex and Judaism
Review: 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!