In the Bene Israel community, marriage is considered a sacred institution that brings together two individuals for life. Marriage is seen as a union of two souls who have found their perfect match in each other, and it is believed that the couple will grow old together and share all joys and sorrows of life. This belief has given rise to unique marriage traditions and customs, which are deeply embedded in the culture and religion of this Jewish community.
One such tradition is the dowry system, where the groom's family offers financial compensation to the bride's family for her hand in marriage. The dowry amount varies from region to region but typically ranges between 250,0000 to 5 lakh Indian rupees. In addition, gifts like jewelry, clothing, household items, etc., are also exchanged during the wedding ceremony.
Another traditional aspect of a Bene Israel wedding is the exchange of garlands. The couple exchanges seven or nine garlands, symbolizing the seven rounds of the moon and the nine planets. The garland is tied around the neck of both partners, and the groom ties a knot on his bride's hair, indicating his love and commitment towards her.
The engagement ceremony, known as Rishtee, is an important event in the Bene Israel community. It marks the beginning of the relationship between the bride and groom and involves several rituals that help establish a strong emotional bond between them. The most notable of these rituals is the 'Kalavali', where the couple exchanges rings made out of gold and silver. The Kalavali symbolizes the union between the two families and represents their commitment to each other.
During the actual marriage ceremony, the couple takes seven vows, promising to honor each other, stay faithful, be kind, respectful, and loyal throughout their life together. They also exchange garlands and promise to be responsible parents who will bring up their children with love and care.
After the wedding, the newlyweds return to the groom's house, where they spend time with family and friends for seven days. On the seventh day, the couple performs a special puja, where they pray to God for happiness, prosperity, and a long life. This ritual helps strengthen the bond between the couple and prepares them for married life.
In terms of sexual expression and intimacy, there are no strict rules in the Bene Israel community regarding premarital sex or how often couples should have sex after marriage.
It is believed that sex should happen only within the bounds of marriage and not outside it. Premarital sex is considered a sin and is frowned upon by society.
The cultural traditions and religious practices of the Bene Israel community play an essential role in shaping the sexual expression and emotional bonding between spouses. These customs create a sense of security, comfort, and trust between the partners, which leads to a healthy, fulfilling, and meaningful relationship.
In Bene Israel marriages, how do cultural rituals and religious practices shape sexual expression and emotional bonding between spouses?
In Bene Israel marriages, cultural rituals play an important role in shaping sexual expression and emotional bonding between spouses. The tradition of arranged marriage is still prevalent among this community, where parents or family members arrange marriages based on various factors such as social status, financial stability, and compatibility.