Marriage & Relationships

Central to Jewish life, and the Jewish nation as a whole, are the laws of taharat hamishpacha, family sanctity. Kitzur Dinei Taharah presents a general overview of the laws of niddah, mikveh, etc., following the rulings of the Rebbes of Chabad-Lubavitch. Bi-lingual, Hebrew/English edition. Learn More

This manual combines the best wisdom available today in the world of marriage counseling with the timeless wisdom of our holy Sages. In a world where marriages are suffering and need the most support possible, this book offers understandable and practical methods for bolstering and strengthening a Jewish marriage. If you wish to enhance your relationship, achieve real intimacy and create a safe space for your marriage to flourish, this book will help you succeed.

“Rabbi Avraham Peretz Friedman’s book Marital Intimacy belongs on every Jewish bookshelf. If it were read by every Jewish couple, the divorce rate would plunge and the couple’s happiness index would skyrocket. Similarly, Setting a Table for Two is a basic operating manual for the most complex of all “machines”—marriage. It is an indispensable guide for newly-weds and those who have been married for decades. I’m amazed that Rabbi Friedman could cram so much Jewish wisdom into one small book.”
— Sara Yoheved Rigler Author

“Setting a Table for Two contains the formula and perspective to achieve a truly successful marriage. Unlike so many manuals and self-help books, this volume is based on the wisdom of the Torah. The concepts presented are sourced from the teachings of Talmud and our great Rabbis. Avraham Peretz Friedman eloquently conveys these principles and values. This greater spiritual purpose and framework is combined with down-to-earth, practical strategies for implementation....

If you are willing to commit to the values and ethics described in this book, and to practice their implementation with dedication and determination, you will have the tools to create a truly fulfilling marriage.... The rewards will be great — true satisfaction and profound moments of intimacy, joy, and exhilaration in your marriage.” — Rifka Twerski Ganz
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Learn More

Being mevater is a beautiful ideal, one for which every Jew can and should strive. Marriage would be a non-stop battle if we insisted on always getting our way. Indeed, couples who can graciously and sincerely concede to the other’s needs possess a master key to harmony.

However, vatranus — or more accurately, a superficial simulation of this trait — can also mask and sometimes trigger deep and profound problems in a marriage.

Is your go-to strategy of giving in producing negative or dangerous side-effects in your marriage? Ask yourself some questions:

• Do you feel controlled by your spouse?
• Are there many things you refrain from saying to your spouse for fear of his/her reaction?
• Do you feel that you give and give and get very little in return?
• Would your spouse be surprised to find out what you really feel and think?
• Are you unable to enjoy life and feel good about yourself when your spouse is down on you?
• Are you unable to enjoy life and feel good about yourself when your spouse is down on you

For most couples, and virtually all couples that are unhappy, giving in simply does not cover every area of conflict.

Only an angel can constantly acquiesce without feeling defeated.

Fortunately, tools exist that can enable you to establish yourself as a separate individual whose hands are on the controls of your own emotional life. You can exist and thrive as a couple, even in a state of disagreement, even in a state of conflict, even when one of you is occasionally unhappy with the other. You and Me Equals We is about those tools and how to use them.

To have a happy, healthy marriage, you don’t have to be an angel. But you do have to be you.

"Approbations:"

It is clear that this book is the fruit of much labor, effort, and profound thought. The author understands and knows how to plumb the depths of people’s traits, and recognizes the powers and properties of the soul. For years he has helped many people with sage advice, and with Hashem’s help, he has been successful.

Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, ROSH YESHIVA, TALMUDICAL YESHIVA OF PHILADELPHIA Learn More

Inside Marriage, the sixth book in the Inner Torah series, takes you to the heart of this most remarkable joint undertaking. Both inspiring and practical, it connects you to your highest aspirations while grounding you in skills needed to navigate everyday challenges.

The book is purposely written as a series of short pieces to accommodate the busyness of life today and to make it easy for you and your spouse to read together if you’d like. There is no end to the learning and growth that marriage offers. Whatever your circumstances, you’ll benefit from the insightful, kind, elevated, and realistic perspective you’ll discover in Inside Marriage. Learn More