This week my wife and I celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary.
I won’t claim everything has always been perfect. “And they lived happily ever after” only happens in fairy tales.
However, since we’ve reached this milestone, I think I’ve got some license to share a wedding idea with you.
Some years ago I came across a small piece of paper with the title The Rambam’s Seven Principles of Matrimonial Law.
(I should point out I don’t know how they came up with “seven” because I count 12 bullet points. It could be they count the guys 6 points and then add 1 for the wife’s side.)
I don’t remember where I found it.
I keep it in my November tickler file and make sure to read it at least once a year.
Here they are
The husband is requested to:
- Treat her with more honor than he treats himself.
- Love her as much as he loves himself.
- Increase benefits to her according to his finances.
- Avoid imposing excessive fear upon her.
- Speak to her in a gentle and kind manner.
- Avoid moodiness and anger.
The wife is required to:
- Honor him greatly.
- Hold him in esteem.
- Follow his instructions.
- Think of him as a dignitary and as a king.
- Conduct herself according to his heart’s desire.
- Avoid doing all that he dislikes.
That’s it. Straight and to the point.
Annual Review
I figure the Rambam ideas are worth review at least once a year.
There are many lessons in what the Rambam writes.
I can only speak from the standpoint of a guy. Having said that, I think the more I live up to my side of the Rambam’s principles, the easier it is for my wife to fulfill her side.
Also, if I want my wife to honor me and hold me in esteem, then I need to act in ways that are worthy of honor and esteem.