Even those with an extensive Jewish education have much to learn before marrying if they wish to keep the practice of family purity. The guidelines to the practices are covered by a number of books. Yet it is considered important to get a live teacher to present, explain, and elucidate the behaviors associated with intimacy in Jewish law.
The pertinent material is covered in usually covered in sessions that span several weeks of "kallah [bridal] classes." Grooms also have much to learn on the subject, though they are usually instructed by men while the brides are instructed by women and are given more details about what they have to do with respect to charting their own cycles. Kallah classes may take place in groups or one-on-one. While the latter offers more individualized attention, some of the more well-known teachers do teach in groups. I cannot say I believe that one-on-one is always better, though I’m sure that some women would feel less inhibited by the tête-à-tête than by a roomful of peers. Consider what situation you would prefer, and then look for a teacher who matches your needs and can accommodate your schedule. Do bear in mind that group classes may be more economical than one-on-one sessions. But that is not an absolute rule. Wthat is key is finding a kallah teacher that one feels completely comfortable with.
There are two distinct organizations to draw on when selecting a kallah instructor. JME (Jewish Marriage Education) is the organization of Rabbi Yirmiyahu and Tehilla Abramov that has trained numerous kallah teachers in its standardized approach. The JME website offers a listing of teachers by area at http://www.eisheschayil.com/private/jme/index.htm. Women who prefer an approach that offers less hashakafa [perspective] and more clinical substance have another option. The yoatzot are women who have been trained by Nishmat’s program, overseen by Rabbi Yehuda Herzl Henkin. Their information tends to be more biologically precise and thorough, touching on issues that are usually skipped over by others. Visit their website www.yoetzet.org to learn more about what they offer and to see various questions and answers online. You can also submit your own question.
Be sure to also check out part-2,-part-3 part-4and part-5
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