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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Israel /Culture & Society

Parashat Ki Tetze: Creating a deep bond and the secret of marriage

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • The article explores the challenges of maintaining marital connection and the reasons why couples can grow distant over time.
  • It references the Torah portion of Ki Tetze, which addresses divorce, and questions how initial profound closeness can lead to separation.
  • The piece reflects on the emotional needs for safety, stability, and belonging within a family unit.

The enduring human need for a safe, stable, and familiar place that fosters continuity, belonging, and creation is deeply explored in this article, drawing parallels to the concept of family. A spouse and children are presented as central to this need, creating a warm environment through shared experiences and the continuation of life.

This fundamental need is traced back to the biblical narrative of creation, where the Torah states, "It is not good for man to be alone; I will make for him a fitting helper." This sentiment, the article suggests, resonates with the human experience of encountering a complementary soul, leading to the desire to build a home and create new life together.

It is not good for man to be alone; I will make for him a fitting helper

โ€” Genesis 2:18Quoted to illustrate the biblical basis for the need for companionship and family.

However, a profound question arises: why do individuals who once felt an extraordinary sense of completeness sometimes become strangers to each other? The article probes the fading magic and dimming sparkle in relationships, questioning the certainty of initial decisions. This phenomenon is further highlighted by the Torah portion of Ki Tetze, which addresses the painful subject of divorce and the reasons behind a spouse no longer finding favor in another's eyes.

Referencing the Sages' lament that "Whoever divorces his first wife โ€“ even the altar sheds tears over him," the article seeks a genuine answer to why such painful separations occur. It questions how dreams can turn into disappointment and how good qualities can seemingly disappear, leading to distance and conflict. The piece sets the stage for a deeper examination of this complex issue within the context of relationships and personal commitment.

Whoever divorces his first wife โ€“ even the altar sheds tears over him

โ€” Gittin 90bCited to emphasize the profound sorrow associated with marital dissolution.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.