(4) Shomer Negiah: Navigating Premarital Sexual Activity and Jewish Law and Values

As human beings, we are wired for connection, and the desire for intimate touch is a natural instinct. However, Jewish Law is clear that premarital sexual activity, even when it doesn’t involve sexual intercourse, is forbidden. How do we manage that tension? Do we acknowledge that the halachot of refraining from touching the opposite gender are not universally observed, and discuss openly which prohibitions are Torah law and which are Rabbinic enactments so that individuals can choose to “lessen” the prohibition? Will that be understood as tacit sanctioning of premarital touching? How do we impart our values without creating feelings of guilt and conflict about sexuality? What are the keys to discussing premarital sexual activity with Orthodox Jews in an honest and healthy manner? Join Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum and Rabbi Scott Kahn for a fascinating and frank discussion of these important religious and educational issues.