Ethiopian Jews, known as Falashas, have specific beliefs about sex that are shaped by their religion and culture. According to tradition, marriage is a sacred union between a man and woman, and it is forbidden for them to engage in premarital or extramarital sexual relations. Once married, they must be faithful and loyal to each other, which means they cannot engage in adultery. In fact, some Falasha men believe that if their wives cheat on them, they will die soon after. Marriage also involves an exchange of property, including land, animals, and money, which further strengthens the bond between husband and wife.
In terms of sexual pleasure, Falashas believe that sexual intercourse should always occur within marriage and should be mutually satisfying for both partners. They also believe that women should experience orgasm during sex, but this can be difficult due to cultural expectations around female sexuality.
Many Falasha women view vaginal penetration as unclean and believe that it can lead to infertility. As a result, they may avoid sexual activity altogether or seek ways to delay ejaculation.
Falasha marriages are negotiated by the bride's family, who typically set up meetings with potential suitors. The groom-to-be brings gifts to the bride's family, and once he is accepted, the couple becomes engaged. The engagement period lasts several years, during which time the couple lives separately from one another. After the wedding, the husband moves into his new home with his parents, while the wife remains with her own parents until she has given birth to her first child. This arrangement allows the couple to adjust to married life without the added pressure of living together.
Once married, Falasha couples have limited privacy since extended families often live in close proximity.
They do have private spaces where they can retreat to enjoy intimate moments alone. Sexual positions that involve face-to-face contact are considered taboo because they are believed to be too risky and could lead to pregnancy complications.
Some Falasha men believe that certain positions are only appropriate for married couples.
In terms of contraception, Falashas generally rely on abstinence rather than modern methods. They believe that children are blessings from God, so they may not use birth control unless there are serious health concerns. If necessary, they may turn to natural methods such as withdrawal or rhythm method.
Ethiopian Jewish religious beliefs shape their attitudes toward sex, fidelity, and marital negotiation. These beliefs are unique but revealing about how different cultures approach sexuality and relationships.
In what ways does Ethiopian Jewish (Falasha) religious practice shape ethical attitudes toward sexual pleasure, fidelity, and marital negotiation?
The Falashas' religious beliefs hold that sex is a sacred act between a married couple only and not for enjoyment purposes. The emphasis on procreation and family building as a result of their religion means that they consider any kind of extramarital relationship unethical. They also believe that one should remain faithful to his/her spouse once he/she has chosen them.