In general, I would say that Judaism in this area seeks to lessen one’s thoughts and pre-occuaption with sex, but I find it backfires, that as one has to make arrangments with less potential days available, ther is more disappointments built-into the system, of course this is all Judaism not just Charedi.

I prefer a Judaism that accepts that one does good, and one should be happy for this good.

I don;t beleive that most men can control this inclination however they think that they can.

Regular, *strenuous* physical exercise goes a long way to absorbing the energy of this drive in a healthy way – even for us married guys. Are you working up a sweat for at least 30 minutes, 2-3 times a week? It is SOOOOO unfortunate that many Yeshivos neglect this, or look down on it.

Another very important thing is stretching and relaxation. A lot of men carry life’s stresses and worries around in their hips and spine, as nervous tension (also in the neck and jaw area). Regularly stretching and relaxing these areas – after exercise or before bed – can prevent the release of these tensions by other means. Put together a routine of stretches for the (lower) back, hips, and legs, and do it every night, yoga-style – hold the positions and breathe deeply until the area relaxes.

These approaches work!

Here’s one way to bring phsyical and spiritual together: when you bow forward in Shemoneh Esrei – breathe in and wait until your neck and spine relax. This is the point of the kneeling and bowing movements – relinquishing and subjecting your will to G-d’s kingship and His desires.

(FYI in pre-war Europe the Breslovers were collectively known as the “Toita Chasidim”= the Dead Chasidim. This was not a pejorative. It merely meant that in spite of some very highly respected madrichim and group leaders there central Rebbe had not been among the living for well over a century.)

ah, but is this one of them?

The Shulkhan Oruch, and even the Mishna Brura lists a number of halakhos that are L’halakha but not L’Ma’aseh (SB and anony-sources, please help me on this one!)

And what is that supposed to mean? That they’re optional, unless you’re a tzaddik? Sounds very dangerous to me, to relegate select halachos as beyond the reach of most people.

The sexual attraction thing I equated to the attraction of magnets, and also communicated that unfortunately some people’s “magnets” are mixed up and attracted to the wrong gender!

As for the spilling of seed, it was much easier and more direct. Everything has its time and place. Within the time & place Judaism promotes (before 24 yrs of age and within marriage) everything is a blessing. Wasted outside that scope, it has tremendous destructive potential.

It seems to have worked so far! Two out of six married in first year after the army/hesder experience and at least one more this year. Now I’ve got other problems to contemplate!

http://www.briskodesh.org/

More like “chicken is parve.” ;)

Cooking, baking, washing, sustaining,

Knowing and loving all that can be known,

Such is love that’s harnessed, focused by refraining and containing,

Unleashed it burns free, destroying and consuming,

All within it and those that dared to stand in loves path,

And in the stillness that follows storming, to dissipation dooming,

Loves arsonists, dejected in self-directed wrath,

For hell hath no fury like love to hatred turned,

And love of self is no love at all,

Play at matchless and be burned,

By spurning the prayer shawl,

“I am pretty open about where I stand on my own site. I would describe myself as secular-Orthodox.”

Maybe like one of those meato-vegetarians?