[Since] it is all but impossible to begin the sexual act with only holiness in mind, accordingly, the Rabbis didn’t not ordain a blessing before the sexual act as they did before other mitzvot (commandments). (Rabbi Michael Gold, Does G-d Belong in the Bedroom?)
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But is there a blessing *after* sex? ;-)
Nice try, James:) The only time one says a blessing AFTER a mitzva is after eating (although I can definitely see how this particular blessing can be adopted for sex). This is based on the commandment in the Bible found in Deuteronomy 8:10:
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, bless the L-RD your G-d for the good land he has given you.”
I’m aware of that blessing. I could take this further, but it would probably exceed the limits of propriety.
James, LOL!
BTW, there are Christians who pray together before sex (and claim better sex as a result). I don’t know, just sounds weird to me – it does take away from romance and spontaneity (in my humble opinion). Doesn’t sound like an ideal time for a prayer meeting. Some pagan religions do combine prayers, ritual and sex – so, not sure if it’s such a good idea (may be that’s why our sages nixed this).
Yeah, does seem weird, especially since so many cultures participated in fertility rituals to their gods.
Praying before sex (to presumably have “better sex”) seems…I don’t know…wrong, somehow. Something like, “Dear God, please let my wife have an orgasm during the holy union we are about to undertake…”
I agree, the relationship between sex and pagan religious practices makes Christian prayer before sex a little creepy.
really? you picked this as a topic? i have to admit you had me rollin
heres the bracha hatov v’hamaytiv …….who is good and DOES GOOD.
“heres the bracha hatov v’hamaytiv …….who is good and DOES GOOD.”
Ruben, is it for before, during, or after, and does it depend on any actual results?
Well I’d say before and after cause its a good idea (who is good) and who gave us good stamina(and who does good). or you could also say shechianu (who has enabled us to reach this occasion)
“shechianu …who has enabled us to reach this occasion”
Now, that’s funny!
I am not concerned….In my age sensuality means a good pastrame sandwitch……
Didn’t find a blessing before sex, but newlywed men are exempt from saying the Shema because they are busy performing a mitzvah. Just thought I’d pass that along. ;-)
“newlywed men are exempt from saying the Shema because they are busy performing a mitzvah. Just thought I’d pass that along. ;-)”
Thanks James… that may very well be true! On the other hand, I also read somewhere in Halacha that one is not allowed to pray / or say a blessing when one has certain parts uncovered.
ive a question Gene, doesn’t really pertain to any of this, but id like your take on it anyhow.
“ive a question Gene, doesn’t really pertain to any of this, but id like your take on it anyhow.”
Benicho… what is the question?
Been reading Ezekiel, particularly chapters 40-46. I believe most of us would agree the references of the Prince are the Mashiac, although there are Christians who say that can’t be true. What is your take on the sons of the prince in chapter 46? I’ve read a lot of Jewish commentary, most of which only seems to aim at disproving Christian claims so it doesn’t seem to help a whole lot. I’m particularly interested in the sons of the Messiah, whether that be a literal reference to sons or to the sons of Israel as it seems to suggest in Leviticus 25. I don’t know Hebrew so this gets a bit sketchy for me. What would be the point of the messiah having a wife and children? Does that even make sense if Israel is the bride? Anyways just wondering your thoughts.
A rabbi in yeshiva once taught me that the seven blessings at a wedding ceremony are considered to sanctify the sex betweeen the husband and wife from that point onward. Which means that when Demi Moore says “Boreh p’ri ha blowjob” over in Woody Allen’s “Regarding Henry”, it’s taking the Lord’s name in vain on several levels, but it’s still pretty funny. :-)
“seven blessings at a wedding ceremony are considered to sanctify the sex betweeen the husband and wife from that point onward”
Those must be some powerful blessings indeed if they are meant to last a lifetime! Thanks for the info, David.
Really? I thought there WAS one! I must have dreamed it but sadly, I don’t recall who I was dreaming about. I thought it was “Baruch ata…who made us male and female.”
Oral-genital contact is not allowed according to the Shuchan Oruch. A man must be careful not to do what Onan did, to “waste his seed” and whether it’s the oral-genital contact, a noturnal emission or touching (including self-pleasuring, these are considerations. The nocturnal emission isn’t something that can always be controlled. It’s desirable to have “proper thoughts” during the act. The act is considered a highly sanctified act, unliek Christianity which considers sex to be dirty but necessary. If a man is thinking of another woman, for example, during his process then this can cause spiritual harm and can have consequences. Sex is a gift from God to Mankind and it’s not an insignificant thing. Done with “kavanah” (intention) it’s a holy act. Done otherwise, it’s nothing different than fulfilling an animal need. As for making a beracha, if you’re serious in your question, what’s the beracha for? What if you start and don’t complete the act? There’s no beracha, it needs none.
Its mostly in appreciation of that gift G-d has given to all of us. The satisfaction and great pleasure you feel before, during, and after sex within a loving relationship.. I always think how great it is and wondered as well if there is an actual blessing.
“I always think how great it is and wondered as well if there is an actual blessing.”
And this probably means that there’s indeed a blessing for sex – it’s a blessing you experience and give back, even if it’s not a blessing you say.