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From: teitz@aecom.UUCP (Eliyahu Teitz)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: Re: BenDavid on Polygamy in Judaism
Message-ID: <907@aecom.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 6-Nov-84 10:23:07 EST
Article-I.D.: aecom.907
Posted: Tue Nov  6 10:23:07 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 8-Nov-84 06:45:24 EST
References: <1045@akgua.UUCP> <274@edsel.UUCP>
Organization: Albert Einstein Coll. of Med., NY
Lines: 20

> 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.

   The takana was for only 500 years and has therefore expired. R. Gershom
lived in the 11th century as I recall ( or later ).


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