Celebrated sex expert and bestselling author Dr. Ruth Westheimer bridges the gap between sex and religion in this provocative exploration of intimacy in the Jewish faith
In this light-hearted, lively tour of Jewish sexuality, Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer and Jonathan Mark team up to reveal how the Jewish tradition is much more progressive than popular wisdom might lead one to believe.
Applying Dr. Ruth's acclaimed brand of couples therapy to such Biblical relationships as Abraham and Sarah, and Joseph and Potiphar's wife, the authors enlist Biblical lore to explore such topics as surrogacy, incest, and arranged marriages. They offer a clearer understanding of the intertwining relationships between sexuality and spirituality through incisive investigations of the Song of Songs, Ruth, Proverbs, Psalms, and some of the bawdier tales of the Prophets. One chapter provides a provocative new perspective on the Sabbath as a weekly revival, highlighting not only its spiritual nature, but also its marital and sexual aspects.
Focusing specifically on Orthodox forms of Judaism and offering Dr. Ruth's singular interpretations, the book answers such questions as: What night of the week is best for making love? How often should couples have sex? Can traditional Jewish notions of sex and sexuality be reconciled with contemporary beliefs? What roles can and do dreams and fantasy play?
In Heavenly Sex, America's favorite sex therapist takes readers on a frank and fascinating journey to the heart of Jewish sexuality as she fits twenty-first century sexual mores into an ancient-and lusty-spiritual tradition.

About the Author

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer, an orphan of the Holocaust, is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia's Teachers College. Widely known as Dr. Ruth, the host of a variety of television and radio shows, she is the author of 46 books. She continues to lecture worldwide.
Jonathan Mark is Associate Editor of Jewish Week.

Reviews
"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 roles of sexuality in Judaica." * Booklist *



Book Information
ISBN 9781479805525
Author Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint New York University Press
Publisher New York University Press
Weight(grams) 308g