Judaism is an Abrahamic religion that places a strong emphasis on maintaining ritual purity and abstaining from certain behaviors deemed immoral or sinful. One such behavior is masturbation, which has been regarded by some traditional Jewish thinkers as morally reprehensible because it involves wasting semen - a precious bodily fluid associated with procreation. While modern Jewish rabbinic authorities have largely discounted this view, there are still several religious teachings concerning masturbation that can be found in traditional texts. These teachings address both spiritual and psychological issues related to masturbation, often referring to it as an act that leads to weakness, shame, and even death. In this essay, I will explore these teachings and their implications for contemporary Jews who may struggle with masturbatory urges.
Theological perspectives on masturbation
In the Talmud, a collection of Jewish law and commentary dating back to the early Middle Ages, there are several passages that discuss masturbation. One passage states that "he who spills his seed outside the womb brings upon himself evil spirits" (Babylonian Talmud, Ketubot 62b). This teaching suggests that masturbation can lead to negative spiritual consequences, potentially opening one up to demonic influences or harmful energies. Another passage warns against self-pleasure, saying that it causes "diminution of strength, feebleness, pallor, decreased wisdom and other afflictions" (Talmud Bavli, Sanhedrin 71a). Similarly, Maimonides, a renowned medieval Jewish philosopher, wrote that masturbation is a sin because it involves wasteful expenditure of semen without the potential for producing offspring. He also cautions against excessive sexual pleasure, stating that it can cause physical damage to the body and mental imbalance.
Psychological impacts of masturbation
While theology provides some insight into why masturbation might be viewed as immoral, it does not address the psychological effects of the behavior.
Traditional Judaism offers some teachings on this subject as well. According to Rabbi Yosef Caro, author of the Shulchan Aruch, masturbation can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety. He writes:
"Therefore, he should flee from it like fire lest he become weak in spirit and fall victim to despair, and he should exert every effort to remove such thoughts from his heart."
This statement emphasizes the potential psychological dangers of masturbating, suggesting that it can lead to emotional distress and even depression.
Rabbis have long believed that masturbation can cause physical harm, particularly if done frequently or at length. This belief stems from the idea that excessive ejaculation leads to "loss of strength," which was seen as detrimental to one's health and vitality. Some modern-day authorities have reinterpreted this teaching to suggest that the real danger lies in masturbating too often rather than simply engaging in self-pleasure.
Contemporary perspectives on masturbation
Despite these warnings, many contemporary Jews no longer view masturbation as a serious moral issue. In fact, some rabbinical authorities argue that masturbation is acceptable for men who cannot find a sexual partner due to social circumstances or religious prohibitions (such as those who are married but unable to consummate their union). Others point out that masturbation has practical benefits, such as providing relief from stress and anxiety.
There are still those who believe that masturbation is morally problematic because it involves wasteful expenditure of semen and may be addictive. For them, abstinence from masturbation is preferable, though not always possible or desirable.
Traditional Jewish teachings offer both spiritual and psychological reasons for avoiding masturbation. While many modern-day rabbis have discounted these views, they remain relevant for those who hold fast to traditional beliefs about sexuality. As with any issue related to sexual behavior, individuals should consult their personal rabbi or other trusted authority figures before making decisions about whether or not to engage in masturbation.
The decision to masturbate - or not - must be made based on one's own values and beliefs, taking into account all factors involved.
What spiritual, moral, and psychological challenges arise from masturbation in Jewish religious thought, and how are they addressed?
Judaism has historically seen masturbation as a sin and forbidden it for its followers. The Torah (the central text of Judaism) specifically prohibits male masturbation through the concept of tzniut (modesty), which stresses respect for one's body and dignity. From this perspective, self-pleasure is considered a wasteful act that goes against God's design for human sexuality and procreation.