Does God Belong in the Bedroom?

Drawing on Jewish biblical and rabbinic sources for guidance, Gold, a Florida rabbi, outlines a Jewish sexual ethic, steering a middle course in this opinionated, lively discourse. He maintains that consensual sex outside of marriage can be caring and ethical, yet he maintains that it falls short of the Jewish ideal of holiness. His ``ladder of holiness'' has sexual fidelity in marriage as its top rung. Arguing that abortion is not desirable except in the most extreme situations, Gold urges the creation of a comprehensive support and counseling service to assist young, pregnant women. While condemning discrimination based on sexual orientation and urging compassion toward people with AIDS, Gold opposes official recognition of gay marriages. He favors adoption for couples with severe infertility problems, yet argues in favor of a woman's right to become a surrogate mother. Emphasizing that sexuality, properly understood, can be a means to both happiness and holiness, Gold offers sensible advice on such issues as rape, incest, birth control and how to raise sexually responsible children. (Sept.)