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10
Commandments for a Happy Marriage
MAKING 'I
DO' LAST FOREVER News Journal, Mansfield, Ohio, 13 June 2004, 1989
words, English
...
KEYS TO HAPPY MARRIAGE
For those preparing for marriage, as well as those already wed,
Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, director of the National Jewish Outreach
Program who has officiated at hundreds of weddings, offers 10 tips
-- "10 commandments," if you will -- for a successful
marriage.
The advice, based on the 3,300-year-old Jewish tradition, is timeless
and applicable to modern couples of all backgrounds.
1. Marriage unplugged -- From sundown Friday to sundown Saturday,
observant Jewish families turn off the TV, shut down the computer,
ignore the phone and spend time together without the distractions
of daily life. Set aside a night each week to tune out the world,
tune into each other and focus on the reality of your own lives.
2. United we stand -- The chuppah, or canopy, that a couple stands
under during a Jewish wedding ceremony signifies the home they will
build together -- symbolically reminding all present that the couple
is becoming a unit. It's okay, even healthy, to have differing opinions
from your spouse, but when dealing with outside challenges, remember
that you're a team.
3. Marriage ain't all wine and roses -- During a Jewish wedding
ceremony, wine is sipped to symbolize joy; later, the ceremony concludes
with the breaking of a glass calling attention to the fact that
life is not always joyful. Yes, your wedding day should be one of
the happiest of your life, but keep in mind that you're sure to
face tough times, both big and small, too -- from lost jobs to clogged
toilets. The good news is that when the proverbial glasses break,
you can pick up the pieces together.
4. Save it for your spouse -- Ever notice that religious Jewish
men and women dress very modestly? It's not because they're ashamed
of their bodies, but rather because they save their sensual side
for their spouses. Keep that in mind the next time you dress for
a night out with your pals. Yes, you should look your best, but
reserve the seductive stuff for those nights you stay at home alone
with your spouse.
5. Thou shalt not embarrass thy spouse -- OK, so it's not one of
the original commandments, but Jewish law does forbid people from
embarrassing others. It's equated with theft, since embarrassing
someone is like "stealing" his or her dignity. Jewish
tradition teaches, "Let your fellow's honor be as dear to you
as your own." In other words, treat your spouse with respect
and admiration in public, as well as in private, and you can expect
the same in return.
6. Don't carry a grudge -- A marriage's foundation can crumble under
the weight of too many grudges. You've heard it a zillion times
-- "don't go to bed angry." Jewish tradition builds this
age-old -- and excellent -- piece of advice into prayers said before
going to sleep at night. But even more than that, in Judaism, Yom
Kippur -- the Day of Atonement -- is the holiest day of the year.
The catch is, however, that Jews can't ask God for forgiveness until
they've asked for forgiveness from the people they may have wronged.
Take note -- offer and accept apologies often.
7. Meaningful conversations encourage meaningful marriages -- Remember
when you were dating and you had in-depth conversations about current
events, art, literature and other interesting issues? Keep that
in mind the next time you notice that all you and your spouse seem
to talk about is what to add to the grocery list, whose turn it
is to wash the dishes, and how much the neighbors spent on their
new sofa. Jewish tradition reminds people to respect their spouse's
intellect, because when your conversations become too trivialized,
your marriage does too.
8. Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder -- According to Jewish
law, a husband and wife should refrain from sexual relations during
a specific part of each month. The time apart forces a couple to
relate to each other in other, non-physical ways. Pick a few days
each month to stay apart, and you'll find it brings you closer together.
9. Thanks are welcome -- Sure, we always say thanks for a great
birthday present or an effusive compliment. But what about for the
day-to-day things like a freshly-prepared meal, cleaning the bathroom,
taking out the trash and sharing the last serving of ice cream?
Jewish tradition reminds people to appreciate the small stuff. There
are blessings to be said before and after eating a small snack,
upon wearing new clothes for the first time, upon smelling beautiful
fragrances and upon seeing fruit trees in bloom for the first time
each spring, among others. Remember to thank your spouse for the
small things they do each day, and you'll avoid the pitfalls of
taking each other for granted.
10. Get to higher (spiritual) ground -- Yes, marriage is about two
people, but you can't focus on yourselves to the exclusion of everything
and everyone else. Jewish tradition encourages couples to bring
spirituality and godliness into their homes and lives.
Whatever your religious beliefs, if your marriage has a higher purpose
-- whether it's to transmit your religious heritage to your children,
help the homeless or save the environment -- you're sure to develop
a stronger, long-lasting connection to each other.
For
more information, members of the press can contact
Ilya Welfeld
Welfeld Public Relations Consulting, L.L.C.
201.439.1010
ilya@welfeldpr.com
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