יום ג Date: 3 Kislev, 5774 (11/25/14) – Yevamos#52 {Eliezer}

REFOCUSING RELATIONSHIPS

[52a middle] Rav would give Malkus Mardus (lashes) to a man for marrying a woman through having relations [even though it is technically Biblically permissible].
Tosephos: It is better not to start a relationship through having physical relations.
R’ Rosner: This may be why brides and grooms fast on their wedding days. It is an understanding of moving away from physicality to show that there are many more important levels to their future relationship other than just physicality.

D-E-ep Thoughts: Even the concept of Niddah each month (when husbands and wives separate physically from each other) is so powerful to remind us that we must connect emotionally and spiritually with our partners as well. We must never get lost in physicality (ie: food or relations) but still remember to enjoy the pleasures that G-d makes available to us in this world (with higher knowledge and intention).