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by Rabbi Mendy Hecht
CRAIG: Is masturbation a sin?
Rabbi: Kabbalah is very explicit about the negative spiritual side-effects of masturbation. The idea is as follows: Your seed is the material by which you procreate; it is the genetic material within you that allows you the opportunity to partner with G-d.
When we let human seed go to waste, we squander G-d’s sacred and divine potential
CRAIG: How’s that?
Rabbi: When we use it constructively, we channel the Divine sparks and energy within it correctly, and it comes to good use within the world via children who in turn will produce more children, in this way continuing the path of humanity. When we let it go to waste, however, we squander G-d’s sacred and divine potential. (This allows for what Kabbalah calls “Chitzonim,” negative forces loosely translated as “outsiders,” to snatch the energy and convert it for negative purposes.) COMMENTS: Masturbation
Not without flaw in this regard myself, I think that masturbation also takes you away from honoring your responsibility to your spouse through this blessed way of intimate communication and allows you to grow apart beyond simply the procreation issue.
Your Mistaken and Injurious Opinion on Masturbation
The view of masturbation expressed on your web site, whether it is faithful to a Talmudic or Kaballistic view or not, is deeply mistaken. We know the joy God takes in our acts through the purity of our own joy in them--there is no other way. To appeal to the authority of texts, Biblical or otherwise, opens the door to the lowest kind of error and authoritarianism, a kind of error and authoritarianism that, in fact, has caused us Jews terrible suffering over the past centuries--I do not think I need to detail this for you. It is possible to misuse masturbation, to make of it something dark and sinful in one's own life. It is just as possible to enjoy it in a thoroughly Godly way, just as one enjoys marital sex. It is the heart that sins or does not sin. The hands and genitalia are also made by our God and act to glorify him. To deny something so utterly natural and so universally practiced is to hate God, hate life and hate us Jews as well: nearly all of us do & love to do it.
Editor's Comment
You claim to know what gladdens G-d and what upsets Him. Pray tell me, has He personally told you this information? To my knowledge, the only information G-d has transmitted to the human race is contained in the Torah -- which discourages masturbation.
masturbation
So by this explanation, masturbation is only restricted to men and not women. Seems fair....
Pre marriage
I don't get what's wrong with it before marriage, and what is the reasoning in kabalah. It seems harmless.
Editor's Comment
As indicated by the rabbi, and science concurs with this theory, energy is never wasted. If not used constructively, the forces of Kelipah (anti-Divinity) tap into this energy.
Masturbation
Everything I read in the science and health journals state that masturbation is good for you physically and mentally.
The religious viewpoint seems to contradict this, but offers no evidence except a general observation on energy and assumes the theory is applicable to the production of sperm.
In the same logic I could argue that jogging is a waste of energy, since the act is running is meant to get you somewhere. One could argue that the effects of joggin are good for you physically, but the same medical journals that state jogging is good for your health also state masturbation is good for your health.
I really think people need to rely more on verifyable evidence nowadays than the naive application of scientific ideas to our everyday lives.
Editor's Comment
The difference is that the energy which exists in sperm is much greater than any other energy which is expended -- sperm contains within itself the very essence of human life. Emitting sperm for pleasure is akin to Einstein devoting his brains to mastering the art of building Legos. I think we could all agree that would be a phenomenal waste of energy and talent.
Muscles are intended to be used in order that the person remain fit. Semen is also meant to be used -- to create human life.
Masturbation
Besides all that is discussed in kabbalah, Maimonides writes that semen (Zerah) is man's "chayos nafsho" (all his life and strength.) The more that goes out, the more the man weakens. "His hairs turn white, his teeth fall out, he looses his eyesite, a bad stench comes from his mouth and he get's thousands of sicknesses", (maimonides continues..) "Doctors say: one out of 1000 sicknesses come from other problems and 999 come from emmision of semen".
Maimonides, besides being one of the greatest Torah-scholar's that ever lived, also happened to be one of the greatest doctors of all-time. He wrote all this in his famous "Yad Hachazaka", in a section dedicated to health related issues. (Hilchos Deyos)
P.S. The Alter Rebbe writes in Tanya chapter 7 that masturbation (emmision of semen in vain) is worse [ed. note: in one aspect] than all the other illegal relationships mentioned in the Torah. [See http://www.chabad.org/library/archive/LibraryArchive2.asp?AID=7886].
Masturbation
From what I have learned masturbation is forbidden as it is as if you are idolising your equipment. BUT contrary to that fact G-d also says the we cannot deny any pleasures from ourselves or else we are not living a full life. BUT to raise another arguement into the matter it is as if you are killing potential children when you masterbate because the semen has now been destroyed/wasted.
Wasted energy
I think there is a difference between energy and potential. Sperm have incredible potential, but in terms of raw energe, they have just as much as anything else of a similar size.
I think in this sort of discussion, it is very important to understand this disticion.
What about females?
What about females? Unlike males females will "Waste" an egg every month if we do not have intercourse and concieve a child, likewise, we are only alotted a certain amount of eggs where as men will always produce sperm. Is masturbation forbidden for a female as well, according to scripture?
Editor's Comment
1. The "waste" of the woman's egg is part of nature, not her own doing.
2. Female masturbation is not expressly forbidden by Jewish Law. Masturbation
Masturbation by men is harmful as explained by Rambam and Chinese medicine. I recommend the perusal of Taoism to learn how the sexual energies be healthfully recycled. Taoism is not a religion but a guide to healthful practice and longevity
Masturbation restrictions don't make sense
OK, Torah forbids masturbation. Torah also contains many restrictions that are not valid anymore. Torah once allowed slavery, the very one we ran away from in Egypt. But beyond wether or not Torah restirctions on masturbation are valid today, there is are two major biological facts that make the restriction silly. Mainly, it is pointed out by multiple rabbis that sperm is annointed with some supernatural potential that is so holy that it cannot be wasted. Now, why would G-d specifically design women to perform that exact same waste. With their monthly period they throw away a "holy" egg into the oblivion of unused potential. Secondly, the testicles produce millions of sperm, and through a man's lifetime I might estimate than fewer than 0.000000000001% of those sperm grow into life. Now if G-d was so concerned with the holy swimmers, why would he design the tesitcles to waste life? Masturbation is a healthy part of any person's sexuality.
Editor's Comment
1. The Torah is eternal, and all its laws are too. The laws of humane slavery -- what others might call stewardship -- which the Torah permits under certain circumstances, would be permitted to day as well, if the conditions which the Torah sets are met. 2. While the Menstrual cycle is a natural occurrence, masturbation is not. The desire to masturbate is natural, but not the act itself. WE are commanded not to be wasteful, but G-d has His own reasons for what He does. With your logic, you should ask: if G-d wants us to keep ourselves healthy and fit, why does He make illness? 3. As long as the sperm remain within the testicles, they do no harm or good. Once they leave, then either they serve a holy function -- creating another human being, or at the very least a kosher union creates holy souls -- or their spiritual powers are intercepted by the spiritual forces of kelipah (anti-divinity) to bolster and vitalize their cause.
Masturbation
I think perhaps there is a more comprehensive explanation for this than has been offered. It was God's plan that man and woman should be united - indeed it is clear from the Torah that it was "not good for man to be alone." That they two, together should become "one flesh".
Substitutions for that unity, whether alone or in a same sex relationship, are both inferior and counter to, God's stated purpose in creating man and woman. Would it not be better to direct one's efforts and "energy" towards developing a mutually fulfilling relationship with a member of the opposite sex?
Masturbation
Is masturbation before marriage as serious a sin as masturbation after marriage? Please could the editor provide some useful advice in how to quit masturbation, after a person has been addicted for many years?
Please keep this comment strictly Anonymous
Editor's Comment
1. There is no difference between a married person and a bachelor with regards to masturbation.
2. There is no trick. "Man is born to toil," and this toil specifically involves battling unhealthy and spiritually detrimental impulses and desires. A battle which is grueling and difficult. However, G-d guarantees everyone the right of Free Choice. This means that no matter how strong the temptation may be, G-d has given you the strength to overcome this challenge and do that which is right. And the greater the battle, the greater the reward for the person who is victorious.
I would advise you to study chapters 18-25 of Tanya.
Masturbation
I used to masturbate 10 years ago and I can say that it is true that it gives you bad spiritual side effects. I suffered afterwards and I believe that the suffering was G-d's punishment and the way to atone for it. I was suffering but it was hard to stop but I was able to stop in the end.
Masturbation opinions
This site is for people who wish to have answers Halachically. If you don't agree with Halacha, then you don't seek the same answers; therefore, don't rain on the observant person's parade knowing that you never really wanted the answers you claim to be seeking. And for the coward who decided to subject everyone to his opinion without leaving his name... nice hit and run, anonymous.
Masturbation
What of married men whose wives are past child bearing age and who may have health issues that preclude normal marital relations?
Editor's Comment
What about people with diabetes who can't have sugar? G-d gives everyone their unique challenges in life. Life is about obligations, not rights.
Health vs. Halacha
Men have an obligation to their wives and to themselves to unify flesh and whatnot. This can, most certainly, be an extension of the Divine. Thus, masterbation after marriage is definitely immoral, and I feel it should be forbidden for Men as scripture implies.
However, I have a problem with telling young men who are "coming of age" that they cannot masterbate. In my experiece, young men need masterbation as a part of growth (especially mental growth!)
The weak will continue on and into their lives. The strong will overcome physical desire and animalistic instinct in order to grow stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Let the weak do as the weak will. The strong, regardless of faith and degree of observance, will overcome.
If you can overcome your urges, you're closer to G-d and higher consciousness.
But, I would dare not tell my future sons that masterbation is wrong, let alone a sin, I'll allow them privacy and freedom. They will come to cease by choice over time. :)
Masturbation
I'm a bit confused. Since masturbation is considered a waste of semen and since semen should only be used to procreate, does this mean Jews should not use contraception and only have sex when they want to have children? Sounds more like Catholisism to me. Please help me understand befeore I stop having sex for the rest of my life...
Editor's Comment
See "What is the Torah position on birth control?" (http://www.askmoses.com/qa_detail.html?h=236&o=81372).
wet dreams
What about wet dreams? I understand that one can have control of masturbation, but what about nocturnal emissions? It's not like masturbation where you are fully conscious and forcing it on yourself. When you are asleep, you loose control, and sometimes wet dreams happen. Even if one controls ones thoughts during the day, it can still happen during sleep. How can one really control this?
Editor's Comment
You must do that which is in your control. More than that, G-d doesn't ask of you... Re: masturbation
I understand and with agree with the editor's point of view on masturbation, however, i believe one should help people on ways to quit things like masturbation, instead of just saying "you must suffer". Indeed, the talmud, and various rabinnic books deal on "tricks" to overcome even the most terrible yetzer hara. Studying Torah provides a pleasurable way of life.
True Judaism is about joy and good life... here and in the afterlife. (as it is stated all over).
I am no authority on this subject... can anyone point out any authrorative texts/passages on this subject.
thanks
Masturbartion
Hi, happened along to the discussion on masturbation, and thought I might add my two cents. Halachic opinions asided, dont you think if you are married that its very much like cheating on your wife (what do you think about when your masturbating, NOT your wife Im sure). How about this as well, if you masturbate at will, somewhat like an animal which copulates when it feels a need, how much better are we to animals. Surely when you have a desire, you should try and harness it for the right circumstances. The idea of sex is to uplift the souls of your and your spouse, not denegrade your spirit.
Masturbation
I am debating the subject myself. I rarely if ever masturbated whilst in my teenage years, but now in my 20s for some reason am finding it challenging to overcome. My rational follows:
In my opinion it is akin to lust/covetousness--a sin.
Onan's sin had nothing to do with masturbation, but the Levirate, which he refused to uphold.
Masturbation could be termed as "uncleanness" as the Bible stipulates that having nocturnal emissions leads to a man being "unclean" (Leviticus 15:16-17; Deuteronomy 23:10-11)--evidence that masturbation ie spilling seed is not that disgusting a sin in God's eyes since "wet dreams" occur to a man on a cyclical basis as menstruation to a woman.
However, the most damning proof to me that God disapproves it is Ezekiel 16:17 wherein He condemns women masturbating with dildoes--hence if it's bad for women it's bad for men too.
However, I'd hesitate to judge one who feels he can't break the habit. We all sin and need God's forgiveness and help.
Rav Nachman and Sexual Immorality
Rav Nachman of Bratslav, a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov said that the greatest force we have to combat today is sexual immorality. I'm guessing this includes Masturbation since the majority of us don't do things so immoral as adultery or homosexuality.
Masturbation
It's very unnatural and in the end, counterproductive to stop your sexual urges, especially in this case, when it's harmless. It's a well known fact that not masturbing, or lack of sexual activity altogether can create mental and emotional complications, since the body wants to do something that the mind is trying to stop due to strict moralistic laws that seem to go against human nature itself. Too much masturbation can probably have adverse spiritual effects, but then so does any other activity when taken to the extreme. We are made of spiritual, mental, emotional and PHYSICAL needs. To neglect one of them, or over indulge in any of them only creates voids. God has made us in an act of love, that means that everything we've been given (physically too) is a reflection of this devine will that surrounds us. To deny your own needs means to deny God's nature too. The problem isn't masturbation, but disrespecting your fellow humans.
Masturbation
Joe: Maimonides writes, "It is forbidden to expel seed in vain...It is also forbidden for a man to intentionally cause himself an erection or immoral thoughts. Rather, if an immoral thought comes to him, he should remove his thoughts from nonsense to the Torah, which is [deserving of love]." (Laws of forbidden relationships, 21:18-19) A Talmudic rabbi named Amram once had the opportunity to cohabit with a captive woman on the second floor of his house. As he was climbing the ladder, he stopped himself and yelled, "There is a fire in Amram's house!" The neighbors came. Amram explained to them, "It is better for Amram to be embarrassed in this world than to be embarrassed in the next world." (Kiddushin 81a) Lessons: (1) Think about God and the Torah. (2) Try to imagine that other people are watching what you do. That said, no strategy guarantees success. I struggle with this problem.
In response to Mycke (Above)
Mycke:
First I want to assure you that you should not feel guilty at all about having wet dreams when you were younger because almost ever man has a wet dream one time or another in their life, myself and my son included and I will tell you the same thing I told my son it's not a bad thing nor does not violate Jewish law primarily because when a man is sleeping and they have a Nocturnal Emission (wet dream) this action is beyond the man's control so yes you are spilling your seed but you are not violating your duty of Mitzvah to procreate with your wife. Now if you take your manhood and manipulate it by hand (i.e. Masturbation) then yes you are violating Jewish law and your duty of faithfulness to your spouse and the duty of procreation.
masturbation / wet dreams
When i started having wet dreams i thought it was very wrong and i tried to suppress myself, don't ask what or how.
- "the stronger a spring is pushed down the higher it will springs up" -
Now i am STILL going through a rough struggle! i think a child should be explaind too, what goes on at that age. Al ot of children go through the same thing and need to be made aware (in a proper way) to avoid extra struggles later on i.e. masturbation.
It comes to this
Fundamentalists believe we are Godlike creatures with animal impulses that must constantly be repressed.
Humanists believe we are animals with Godlike impulses that must constantly be encouraged. Masturbation
So, if masturbation is wasting seed. Once a woman is past her child-bearing years, and there is no chance of creating new life via intercourse, does marital sex stop? No new life is being created, seed is essentially wasted....seems kind of frustrating to me. Help me on this.
Editor's Comment
No, it is not considered wasted seed: a) sacred intimacy between husband and wife is hardly a waste. b) According to the teachings of kabbalah, every holy union between husband and wife creates holy souls. Some occupy physical bodies, and others remain in the spiritual realms.
Re: masturbation
It is a much greater waste and more serious wrong to waste mental energy battling your sexuality when that energy is needed to concentrate on doing good in the world and helping people. This is what Torah asks of us. Battling unclean forces that try to snatch the divine energy of the semen is not something that Torah asks and I suspect this should be left to G-d to deal with.
status of sex
i have been told by several rabbis that sex is seen as a physical need, like food - a little is okay, but too much is not good. according to this, menopausal women who are no longer able to have kids are still allowed to have sex. i don't understand why masturbation would not have the same status. does this mean premarital sex is preferable to masturbaution? or should we all just get married when puberty starts?
Editor's Comment
1. There is no comparing a holy union between husband and wife and the wanton waste of seed: a) sacred intimacy between husband and wife is hardly a waste. b) According to the teachings of kabbalah, every holy union between husband and wife creates holy souls. Some occupy physical bodies, and others remain in the spiritual realms. 2. Puberty is a bit young, but Jewish teachings certainly encourage marriage at a young age.
Its a package deal
The reason people have such a hard time not masturbating is because they aren't paying attention to some other key laws in the torah, first the torah commands a man not to look at improperly dressed women, which is quite a problem today since you can't walk down the street without seeing some disgusting ad, now all these pictures a man sees all day long be it on Television (and I'm not talking about x rated movies just normal programming) have posioned our souls to the point where peoples sexual urges and fantasies are completley out of control (and they think its normal and healthy haha), I was once a part of the secular world (a guitar player in a punk band) and when I became a yeshiva student I had a year and a half (till I got married) in which I had to deal with this issue. After a few months of learning and keeping my eyes and mind clean of today's "pop culture" I can honestly say the urges simply dissappear, but without censoring what your eyes take in you have no chance.
Masturbation: Against Torah are you sure?
There is one mention to "so called masturabation" in the written Torah and this is questionable as to wether it was really masturabtion.
The other references to masturbation come from Rabbinical sources. Many people say that the Rabbi's were divinely inspired and you are supposed to believe that all Rabbinical texts are 100% true. This reeks of Christianity to me. Yes there is much wisdom to Rabbinical writings but to say they are 100% true is raising the Rabbi's and their writings up to a level which makes the Rabbi's infalliable like the pope.
When you go to "Discovery" and they use as proof, "No other religion started with 600,000 people standing at the foot of the mountain hearing the word of G-d" and there is a reason for this, because other religious are started with 1-3 witnesses & they go back to the people and bring people to their relgion. This amount of wintnesses for Judaism they use to prove the truth of the birth of Judaism. Rabbinical Prophecy - how many witnesses?
Editor's Comment
See "What exactly is the Oral Torah?" (http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=417&o=2807).
Female Masturbation
Female Masturbation separates our connection with Him, with others, with our endeavors and with our divine path. I repeatedly find this out the hard way, and I'm looking to not deviate from His good will.
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