Jpmedia: The Joy Of Text

In this episode, we discuss how parents should talk with their young children around issues that relate to sex, body parts, physical touch, and more – what language and tone one should use, at what age should certain topics be raised, and how do we balance these conversations with our values and with concerns for […] The post Sex Education, Part 1 – Early Childhood appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

In this bonus episode, our hosts reflect on wrapping up their fifth season of the Joy of Text, reminisce about some of their favorite episodes, and look forward to next season. Thank you to all of our longtime listeners for sticking with us, and thank you to all of our new listeners for joining us […] The post BONUS EPISODE: Reflections on Five Years with the Joy of Text appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

In this episode, we look at various opinions in the Gemara about limitations on learning Torah after having sex and explore the potential spiritual and psychological effects sex can have on the way we engage with Torah. The post Learning Torah after Sex (Berachot 22A) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

We now have the potential to control the sizes of our families more than ever before. In this episode, we discuss family planning and ask what exercising this control says about our approaches to family life and sex, and how this freedom can be balanced with our halachic obligations to have children and raise a […] The post The Family Planning Episode appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

In this episode, we examine a passage in Tractate Berachot regarding reciting the Shema while lying unclothed next to family members and others, and grapple with perspectives and social norms different than our own.  The post Shema and Strange Bedfellows (Berachot 24A) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning producer, filmmaker and actor, Michal Birnbaum, who most recently played the Kallah teacher on the Netflix hit series, Unorthodox. We talk about her portrayal of the character, how she prepared for the role of a Kallah teacher in an Ultra-Orthodox community, and much more! The post BONUS EPISODE: Interview with an “Unorthodox” Kallah teacher appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of changes in our sex lives through different life stages. We look at how couples can spice up their private life when youthful signals like Mikveh night fade away, and when different aspects of life might get in the way of intimacy. Then, we sit down with Bracha Bard-Wigder, […] The post Sexuality Throughout the Lifespan appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

In this episode we look at a passage from the Zohar which seems to put the woman in charge of the sexual relationship, and we ask the question: what does sleeping on rocks, flattery and apes have to do with all this? The post Whispering Sweet Nothings? (Zohar I:49a-b) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

One of the defining characteristics of an Orthodox synagogue is the mechitzah.  But where does it come from and what is it about? On this episode, we discuss the ins-and-outs of mechitza. Is the goal to make women invisible, to create a gender-separate space, or something else?  And does mechitza truly make for a better […] The post Mechitzah, Gender, and Transgender Activism appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

In this mini text episode, we look at a passage in the Gemara (Niddah 16b-17a) which forbids or discourages sex during the daytime and try to parse the different reasons given for this ruling.  In the end we discuss how some of this plays out practically and to what degree this is applicable nowadays.  The post Sex During the Day (Niddah 16b-17a) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

This episode is a re-release, and was originally recorded at Limmud NY in 2016. In this episode, Dr. Marcus and Rabbi Linzer tackle female masturbation and interview Miryam Kabakov about Eshel, a group for LGBT Orthodox Jews. In the Q&A: is it permissible to talk “dirty”? The post (Re-Release) Does Sexting Lead to Mixed Dancing? appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

Kissing as a spiritual experience? In this episode, we explore a cryptic text of the Zohar about the deeper meaning of a kiss. If you would like to learn it yourself, check out Zohar 2:124B. The post Kissing as a Spiritual Experience (Zohar 2:124B) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

What are the halakhic and emotional issues associated with infertility and the Jewish community?  In this episode, we explore the question of fertility treatments and the mitzvah to procreate, and what allowances halakha makes for undergoing such treatments on Shabbat and the halakhic category that applies in this case (is the person sick? Are they […] The post The Infertility Episode appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

Meeting your Bashert (Soulmate) on Yom Kipper? We are kicking off the first mini-text episode of the season with a Mishnah in Taanit, which sheds some light on the nature of Yom Kipper with an interesting ancient custom that young, single, Jewish women performed in the times of the Gemara. To learn the text yourself, […] The post Meeting Your Bashert(Soulmate) on Yom Kipper? (Mishnah Taanit 4:8) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

With the High Holidays quickly approaching it is time for us to take stock of our year. How should we approach teshuva, repentance, when the misdeeds are complicated and we cannot be confident we will change our future behavior? Is Teshuvah out of the question? Is there a more nuanced way for us to approach […] The post The Teshuvah and Guilt Episode appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

Is it true that Jewish law forbids a couple from having sex when sleeping over in someone else’s home? Is a woman not supposed to initiate sex when she’s in the mood? What does the Talmud say about having sex in front of pets? On the Season 4 finale, we clear up more potential myths […] The post Season Finale: The Fact or Fiction Episode, Part 2 appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

Is abstinence before marriage the secret to a great married sex life, or a recipe for sexual difficulties later on? We discuss the value and impact of “saving oneself” for marriage and of other sex and relationship norms of the Orthodox community. Then, the acclaimed author of “I Am Not a Slut: Slut-Shaming in the […] The post The “S Word” Episode appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

A text about what can be eaten on the Eve of Passover leads to an interesting analogy: we discuss why the rabbis compare eating matzah before the seder to having premarital sex with one’s betrothed in her father’s house. The post On Matzah and Sex (Yerushalmi Pesachim 10:1) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

According to Jewish law, cross-dressing is considered a Biblical prohibition. So why is it permitted on Purim? We discuss some of the relevant sources and their implications for trans Jews on this mini text episode. The post Why Cross-Dressing on Purim is Kosher (Shulchan Aruch 6:96) appeared first on Jewish Public Media.

Yikes! What’s a parent to do if your kid walks in on you naked? How old is too old for parents to see their kids unclothed? On this episode, we discuss what psychology and halacha have to say about these sensitive issues and how to help your kids develop a healthy body image. The answers […] The post The What If My Kids See Me Naked Episode appeared first on Jewish Public Media.