Perspectives on sexuality in Jewish culture

Why do we have sex? For intimacy, pleasure, or just for making babies? Is sexual desire more than physical attraction? Do we have the right to sexual freedom? Throughout history, humanity has wrestled with questions like these.

In Jewish culture the meanings of sex are diverse, surprising and often contradictory. Judaism can be seen as ‘sex positive’ or sexually repressed, and everything in between. It all depends on the position you take.

Sex: Jewish Positions presents a range of perspectives on sex and sexuality – from religion and rite to art and popular culture. Come, watch and listen to the diverse points of view of medieval rabbis, contemporary artists, philosophers, sex therapists, Talmudic sages and Influencers.

The exhibition shows in exciting combinations of traditional Jewish objects and contemporary art and photography that Judaism is not one uniform and exclusively religious culture. Contemporary Judaism consists of many subgroups and individuals, both religious and secular, with ever-changing ways of thinking and living – including about sex.

Reflection
The exhibition is spread over several rooms and organized around four themes: Duty & Pleasure, Desire & Control, Sexuality & Society and Eroticism & the Divine. Each theme shows a range of Jewish perspectives on sex and sexuality – from religion and rite to art and popular culture. There is room for reflection in a central space: visitors can listen to contemporary voices about sex in Jewish culture and share their own views.

Sex: Jewish Positions, until May 24, 2025, Jewish Museum, Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1