(קשה זיווגם כקריעת ים סוף" (מדרש כי תצא"
Even though the connection between a husband and a wife is a spiritual one and was made by God Himself, the onus of maintaining it is on the couple itself. (Rabbi Michael Segan-Kohanim)
The Torah is replete with wisdom, and there are many excellent books and lectures by illustrious rabbis, for couples to draw on to strengthen and enhance their marriages.
Unfortunatley, through teaching shlom bayit for the past 17 years, Rabbi Nir & Mrs. Atrian Yacoby, discovered that many couples do not access this wellspring of wisdom, do not see its relevance, or do not know how to implement in their home.
Rabbi Simcha Cohen - The Jewish Home
Rabbi Simcha Cohen, a student of the famed Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe, has become a leading authority on Shlom Bayit in Israel and abroad. A prolific writer, he has published many articles on this subject which were translated into multiple languages. He is the Dean of Machon Yanar, the institution that certifies madrichim (marital counselors) in Israel.
The Jewish Home
The Jewish Home (הבית היהודי) is a 2 volume encyclopedic work Rabbi Simcha Cohen authored that thoroughly examines issues of marital harmony through the wealth of the sages who distilled Torah wisdom over the generations. The lessons and structure of this book was chosen to be the framework of the Game of Marriage.
For example, the book's chapters on the art of compliments was turned into the game of Windows of Opportunity, a lively bingo game; the chapter on the art of conversation into the game of Reflecting, a fun drawing game; and his guidance on the pitfalls of criticizing formed the basis for our animated Tetris. Finally marital issues addressed throughout the book were the basis for Knowing is Loving, a powerful card game.
For example, the book's chapters on the art of compliments was turned into the game of Windows of Opportunity, a lively bingo game; the chapter on the art of conversation into the game of Reflecting, a fun drawing game; and his guidance on the pitfalls of criticizing formed the basis for our animated Tetris. Finally marital issues addressed throughout the book were the basis for Knowing is Loving, a powerful card game.
The Game of Marriage
The Game of Marriage is a series of games that were developed to drive Torah's age old wisdom as it appears in Rabbi Simcha Cohen's The Jewish Home in a fun engaging manner. Each game is designed to enhance a certain aspect of the player's marital skills while having FUN! Lectures can be patronizing and flat out boring - here couples cherish their own conclusions. Who falls asleep playing games?! Card games, board games, drawing games, role playing games - so exciting!
Why Games? Marriage is sacred & serious.
Marriage is sacred and serious. Please don't let the משל (form) overshadow the נמשל (substance). The games are just the vehicle; the substance is pure Torah.
All strictures of our tradition are being observed. The games are not played in groups - each couple plays a game privately out of ear shot of other couples. A husband and his wife are only allowed to play each other. A couple can play these games even during the period of time of נידה as there is no object transferring and needless to say no physical contact. Some games are Shabbat friendly, but most are not.
Those couples who are not connected to the wellspring of Torah will find the Game of Marriage clear alternative to secular sources who dispense the "guidance de jours" by often time bankrupt "experts". Those couples who are plugged in will find the Game of Marriage an engaging way to implement והשבות, a methodical way of implementing knowledge through practice. Don't take our word for it - see the video testimonials!
All strictures of our tradition are being observed. The games are not played in groups - each couple plays a game privately out of ear shot of other couples. A husband and his wife are only allowed to play each other. A couple can play these games even during the period of time of נידה as there is no object transferring and needless to say no physical contact. Some games are Shabbat friendly, but most are not.
Those couples who are not connected to the wellspring of Torah will find the Game of Marriage clear alternative to secular sources who dispense the "guidance de jours" by often time bankrupt "experts". Those couples who are plugged in will find the Game of Marriage an engaging way to implement והשבות, a methodical way of implementing knowledge through practice. Don't take our word for it - see the video testimonials!
Rabbinic Guidance and Approbation
In 2016 Rabbi Nir met with Rabbi Simcha Cohen at his B'nai Brak home. Rabbi Cohen reviewed each game and gave his הסכמה נפעמת wholehearted endorsement. Locally in Los Angeles Rabbi Michael Segan-Kohanim has mentored Rabbi Nir's progress and several rabbis, such as Rabbi Cohen of AISH, Rabbi Israeli of RCC, and Rabbi Lebhar of LINK have reviewed it and given their own endorsements.
"לא טוב היות האדם לבדו. אעשה לו עזר כנגדו"
"Man is not good by himself. I shall make him a helpmate against him"
Let The Games Begin