1's gh

ch Ary y it tic

14S e’s sed

vill ide

LOVE AND MARRIAGE

and groom might recite it together or it might be chanted after the rings have been exchanged.

A primary principle of Reform Judaism is the equal rights of men and women. It is rooted in our theological understanding of creation that“God created Adam in God ’s image, male and female God created them.” Man and woman were created at the same time, and both are equally created in the divine image.’ This metaprinciple governs the way in which we interpret halakhah.” Marriage takes place between two equals that choose to marry one another. Each individual has reached the age of majority and commits her/himself to the other person. This is a far cry from the traditional concept of kiddushin, whereby a woman moves from the authority of her father to the authority of her husband. Judith Plaskow , reflecting what is clearly the progressive Jewish ideal, writes:

Marriage will not be about the transfer of women or the sanctification of potential disorder through the firm establishment of women in the patriarchal family, but the decision of two adults to make their lives together, which includes sharing their sexuality.*

Rachel Adler sees the debate over women’s equality as reflected in the fourth blessing of the Sheva Berachot.> She translates,

Blessed are You, Adonai our, God , ruler of the universe, who has shaped humanity in your image(ahser yatzar et ha-adam b’talmo), patterned after your image and likeness(b’tzelem demut tavnito), and enabled them to perpetuate this image out of their own being(v’hitkin lo mimenu binyan adei-ad). Blessed are You, Adonai, shaper of humanity(yotzer ha-adam).

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