Marriage and Dating

When it's stormy outside, or under fire when the bombs are falling, in other words, when life is a rocky road, a person learns very quickly who his or her true friends are. That's not the case when you're on top of the world. Then, all the fair-weather friends pop up like mushrooms after the rain...

After learning the general concept of Divine Direction in our three previous lessons, we're now ready to examine how it influences various areas of our lives, especially shidduchim (marital matchmaking).

Here's a poignant parable about relationships, when unthinking husbands starve their wives emotionally and wake up when it's too late...

Looking for a soul mate and have trouble either finding him/her or gaining clarity if it's the right one, your bashert, intended match for life? Today's podcast is just what you need, whether you're looking for yourself or trying to find the right match for your son or daughter.

The Miser wanted to rid himself of his wife in the worst way. He couldn't divorce her, because then, he'd have to pay her a large sum of money. He asked the local rabbi what to do...

The body is responsible for natural functions whereas the soul is responsible for spiritual functions. Both fight for control of the emotions as we'll soon see. When the soul prevails, emotions gravitate to the right side of the heart but when the body prevails, the soul gravitates to the left. Wholeheartedness is perfect harmony between body and soul. The special day of Shmini Atzeret is conducive for just that.

A lack of responsibility leads to a breakdown of any relationship or society. The backbone of responsibility is accountability. With that in mind, here are the "10 Commandments of Accountability," all firmly grounded in Torah sources. Fulfilling them is crucial for a healthy relationship. 

Many people don't understand why "You shall not covet" became one of the Ten Commandments. The Torah specifically says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife… nor anything that is your neighbor's" (Exodus 20:13). A person shrugs his shoulders in innocence and protests, "What did I do wrong? Did I steal? Did I kill? Did I commit adultery? So what if I found that other woman attractive? I didn't touch her! I didn't even speak to her!" That's where the evil inclination, dressed up as the covet culprit, gets gullible people to jump in a boiling pot of troubled waters...

To understand the severity of adultery, look at liberal American law. To this day, treason remains the highest crime, punishable by the highest penalty. Even in the state of Michigan, where capital punishment is outlawed, a person who commits treason may be put to death. Is not adultery domestic treason?

In today's false world of shidduchim (matchmaking) with these ridiculous resumes that people demand, an Avraham Avinu or a Rebbe Akiva wouldn't have a chance. How many people today would refuse a shidduch with King David, because his great-grandmother was a convert? How many people today would refuse a shidduch with King Solomon, because his mother his mother was a divorcee? If you're looking for a soulmate for yourself or for your children, here is some vital food for thought.

Rabbi Lazer Brody's new book is a guide to marital bliss line none other. Based on emuna, two soulmates are more than mates; they are two inseparable halves of one soul. This knowledge is vital in building a loving and lasting relationship. The Bond of Emuna is available online here.

Imagine the tragedy of throwing away a rare vintage acoustical guitar simply because it's out of tune. Even more tragic is disposing of a soulmate because the relationship is out of tune. Here's a time-tested way to return the harmony to a marriage. And, if there never was a harmonious relationship, we learn here how to build one.