Sara Morozow and Rivky Slonim are first cousins and good friends. Just before Covid what began as just another conversation turned into an earnest resolution to jointly write a book addressing the many questions they fielded on matters pertaining to marriage and intimacy.
The result is Holy Intimacy; The Heart and Soul of Jewish Marriage (Shikey Press) available at https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Intimacy-Heart-Jewish-Marriage as well as at Crown Heights Judaica and book stores.
“It’s our generation’s version of the Purple Cookbook (a reference to the Lubavitch Women’s Cookbook – an all in one cookbook and guide to kosher cooking that became a staple in Chabad homes); everyone needs at least one copy,” is how one shlucha put it.
“I am being introduced to deep chassidic ideas for the first time in my life and loving it,” is how a Chassidishe woman (not Lubavitch) described the book.
“The book is like giving every young woman, Kallah, newlywed and really every woman an amazing “aunt” who can be blunt and kind, and talk about anything, in a safe and healthy way,” opined one reviewer on Amazon.
“Although I am modern orthodox and don’t live a chassidic lifestyle, nowhere could I find this wealth of deep, inspiring and practical ideas on this most important subject in one place; thank you!,” wrote a young woman to the authors.
“I am completely secular and obviously live a different lifestyle but this book has made me understand so much about observant Judaism and has opened my eyes to profound truths and wisdom that I think I will be incorporating in my life going forward,” wrote another.
Here is what world renowned author, lecturer and social philosopher, Rabbi Manis Friedman, inarguably the person who holds the world record on insight into intimacy and marriage, has to say about the book:
“Would you accept a ride with someone who can’t distinguish between the gas pedal and brake?
Would you hop in a car with someone who ignores signs- doesn’t know when to stop or slow down?
Would you enjoy a fellow traveler who will never yield?
Could you relax with someone whose intentions are never signaled?
Can you trust someone who will take you to the party but will not be there to take you home?
“But what happened to spontaneity?” Must intimacy be choreographed?
To be truly spontaneous, one must feel sage. Without the sagacity, one is being reckless. Spontaneity involves no risk and is thereof pure pleasure. Hence, to enjoy the journey to your destination, all the signs must be observed so that you know you are not being “taken for a ride”.
In their book, Rivkah Slonim and Sara Morozow hold high these cautionary road signs in bold style, making them readily visible and eminently understandable.
Bravo! Bravo to you! This is a book which will indubitably be a blessing to so many, married or thinking of marriage.
Friends don’t let friends get married without reading this book!”
The summer is the time we relax and reboot. We might also do home remodel projects and other things we had no time for during the year. It’s probably also a good time for us to think about what we can do to strengthen our marriages and homes. Holy Intimacy is an ideal summer read and can be used for a book club style discussion in summer home communities and the like.
“Rivky and I have been gratified and quite frankly, overwhelmed, by the positive feedback from all sectors. This is an important subject, perhaps the most important of all, and we hope and pray that more and more people find it helpful.”
