Admin Support General

Polygamy in Judaism

Polygamy was legal and practiced in Judaism in ancient times. Here’s a brief overview of its history and what changed:

Polygamy in Ancient Judaism
The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) contains numerous examples of polygamy:

  • Abraham had Sarah and Hagar.
  • Jacob had two wives (Leah and Rachel) and their maidservants.
  • King David had multiple wives.
  • King Solomon famously had 700 wives and 300 concubines.

The Torah does not forbid polygamy, but it does regulate it:

  • Deuteronomy 21:15–17 gives instructions about inheritance rights for children of different wives.
  • Exodus 21:10 commands that if a man takes a second wife, he must not deprive the first of food, clothing, or marital rights.

What Changed?
1. Rabbeinu Gershom’s Ban (~1000 CE)
In Ashkenazi Judaism, polygamy was banned by Rabbeinu Gershom ben Judah, a prominent rabbi in Germany. His decree is called “Herem de-Rabbeinu Gershom” and included:

  • A prohibition on polygamy.
  • A ban on divorcing a wife against her will.

This was not based on Torah law, but a rabbinic decree made for ethical and social reasons, possibly influenced by Christian European norms. The ban was meant to last 1,000 years, but became customary and binding even after that period.

2. Sephardi and Mizrahi Communities
Polygamy continued in non-European Jewish communities, especially in Muslim lands (e.g., Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Morocco), where polygamy was culturally and legally accepted. It was less common than among ancient Hebrews but still existed up until the modern era.

Modern Jewish Law and Israel
When the State of Israel was established in 1948:

  • Polygamy was banned under Israeli civil law.
  • However, exceptions were made for Jews immigrating from places where it was still practiced.
  • Today, polygamy is illegal for all citizens in Israel, though enforcement varies.

Summary: Polygamy in Judaism

  • Ancient Israelites: Allowed and practiced
  • Talmudic period: Allowed but regulated
  • Ashkenazi Jews (post-1000 CE): Banned by Rabbeinu Gershom
  • Sephardi/Mizrahi Jews: Continued in Muslim lands
  • Modern Israel: Illegal under civil law