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From: rib@edsel.UUCP (RI Block)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: BenDavid on Polygamy in Judaism
Message-ID: <274@edsel.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 22-Oct-84 13:57:46 EDT
Article-I.D.: edsel.274
Posted: Mon Oct 22 13:57:46 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 23-Oct-84 02:09:33 EDT
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Jews of European origin (e.g. Ashkenazim) follow a post-talmudic decision
know as the Takana of Rabenu Gershom which forbade polygamy for the next
1000 years. This decision was never accepted among Sefardim and technically
has expired although it is now followed because it is accepted custom.

My understanding has alway been that Rabenu Gershom
(light of the exile) promolgated this decision because
he decided it was a necessary condition for the continued existence
of Jews in Christian countries.

There are several examples of accepted polygamy in Tanakh (Torah, Prophets,
Writings) including some that drew negative rabbinic comment. The extant
prohibitions include marrying two sisters and favoring the son (as far
as the birthright) of the more-beloved wife.