The Newlywed Guide to Physical Intimacy

"The Newlywed's Guide to Physical Intimacy is a model of how to speak about sex respectfully, openly and joyfully within a religious worldview."
Lilith Magazine

Preparing for marriage means preparing for every aspect of married life, including physical intimacy.

For many observant Jewish couples, the transition from engagement to marriage can feel exciting, meaningful, and at times uncertain. Questions about physical intimacy are often difficult to ask, and reliable guidance can be hard to find.

Written by internationally recognized sex therapist Dr. David Ribner and researcher Dr. Jennie Rosenfeld, The Newlywed's Guide to Physical Intimacy provides clear, practical, and sensitive guidance for couples beginning their married lives together.

Combining professional expertise with a Torah-observant perspective, this trusted guide helps readers understand the physical, emotional, and relational dimensions of intimacy while emphasizing communication, mutual respect, trust, and connection.

Inside, readers will find:

• Clear explanations of anatomy and sexual intimacy
• Guidance for navigating common concerns and questions
• Practical advice for building a healthy intimate relationship
• Discussion of emotional and relational aspects of intimacy
• Answers to frequently asked questions from newly married couples

Accessible, respectful, and reassuring, this pioneering resource has helped countless couples approach intimacy with greater confidence, understanding, and joy.

An invaluable guide for chassanim, kallot, educators, rabbis, counselors, and anyone seeking a thoughtful Torah-informed approach to marital intimacy.

Jennie Rosenfeld holds a PhD in English from the City University of New York Graduate Center, and has done groundbreaking research on contemporary Modern Orthodox sexual ethics. Previously, she served as the cofounder and director of Tzelem, a Special Project of Yeshiva University, whose goal was to bring more sexual education resources to different constituents within the Orthodox community. David S. Ribner earned his Smicha (Ordination) and MSW degree from Yeshiva University and his doctorate from Columbia University. He is the founder and director of the Sex Therapy Training Program, School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University and is certified as a sex therapist in Israel and the United States. He is in private practice as a sex and marital therapist in Jerusalem and writes and lectures extensively on Judaism and sexuality.