Eruvin 19

וְתוּ לֵיכָּא? וְהָאִיכָּא ״גֵּיהִנָּם״! — גֵּיא שֶׁעֲמוּקָּה (בְּגֵיהִנָּם), שֶׁהַכֹּל יוֹרֵד לָהּ עַל עִסְקֵי הִנָּם.

The Gemara poses a question: Are there no more names? Isn’t there the name Gehenna? The Gemara answers that this is not a name rather a description: A valley that is as deep as the valley [gei] of ben Hinnom. An alternative explanation is: Into which all descend for vain [hinnam] and wasteful acts, understanding the word hinnam as if it were written ḥinnam, meaning for naught.

for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Eruvin 19

Rashi: 

על עסקי הנם - עריות:

How does Rashi see Arayos here? Perhaps, “Hinam - them” a euphemism for others? That is, incestuous relationships that are necessarily in a state of “otherness”. Or, we can say that Rashi is also working with the play on words chinnam  - because arayos is sexuality without responsibility. 

If we use the second interpretation, the message is that “free sex” is immoral sex. Meaning, that the Torah wants to conserve the intense pleasures of sexuality to be used within the confines of commitment and devotion.  All pleasures are best enjoyed when moderated.  Too much food, too much vacation, too much of anything actually reduces satisfaction. Sexuallity within committment, consistency, love and emotional commitment offers the greatest chance of overall happiness and satisfaction.

for Video Shiur click here to listen:  Psychology of the DAF Eruvin 19

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria

Photo Abba Mari Rav Chaim Feuerman, Ed.D. ZT"L Leiyluy Nishmaso

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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