The reason behind forbidden sexual relations

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1. Forbidden Unions (Arayot) – Vayikra 18

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   Hazal and medieval commentators debate the reason behind prohibited sexual relations, and question whether this is a reasoned edict, or an unexplained law. This article discusses the positions that define the prohibition as a logical law, and offers various reasons for forbidding certain types of relationships.

2. Morality in Sexual Relations and the Land, Impurity and Sanctity

   Rabbanit Sharon Rimon

   The prohibited sexual relations listed in Parshat Achrei-Mot are extremely grave offenses. By closely examining the text, we can understand that they lead to both the defilement of man and the defilement of the land, therefore the Torah emphasizes the severity of the sins several times throughout the parsha. 

3. The Prohibition of Marrying Sisters

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   The prohibition against marrying sisters is among the long list of forbidden relations included in Vayikra chapter 18. What is the nature of this prohibition? How can we explain Yaakov’s marriage to two sisters? An analysis of the text leads to a discussion of this prohibition and the various ways of understanding its applicability. 

4. The Holy Constitution

   Rabbi Ezra Bick

   Through a close examination of the text of Parshiot Achrei-Mot and Kedoshim, we can notice that the structure of the social constitution outlined in the parshiot is twofold, divided between the two parshiot.  Acharei Mot contains the negative prohibitions of arayot (sexual transgressions), and Kedoshim contains the positive social practices which are meant to characterize Jewish society.