According to this Jerusalem Post article, a new online survey (which means, “a survey that blog readers knew about months ago”) “poses some 50 questions intended to gather quantitative and qualitative data on the practices of singles and married couples. Participants are asked to respond to statements that include: I am satisfied with my spouse as a sexual partner; After sex I feel relaxed, fulfilled; I have good communication with my spouse about sex.”

How does religious affiliation impact the answers? Glad you asked, because the survey asks too:

Respondents are also asked about their religious affiliations and beliefs, including whether: God intended sex to be only for procreation; within marriage, participation in sexual activities solely for pleasure is a sin; within marriage, participation in sexual activities other than penile vaginal intercourse, such as oral sex, would not be approved of by God; and within marriage, sexuality is a gift of God and as such should be enjoyed.

2000 responses have already been received, and the poll’s investigators are accepting responses until June, when they’ll start to analyze the data. Hopefully, it will yield some interesting data about the way observant (and non-observant) Jews view sex. (Mostly online. Just kidding.)

Of course it’s tempting to try to parody news like this, perhaps adding statements like “I am most satisfied with my partner after he has graduated from medical school,” or “I feel relaxed after my mother-in-law leaves.” But the reality is, a study like this one is seriously needed, because there are many observant Jews who don’t know how to integrate sexuality into a life view that places a premium on modesty. As the article puts it, “Part of the problem is that educators, physicians and rabbis are not sure how to address the subject and instead opt for silence.” And we all know that silence is never a good plan. (Unless you’re meditating. But who can stay quiet so long without giggling? It’s really not fair to ask. I mean, we’re only human, which is entirely the point of the survey.)

Anyway, the article reports only that the study is happening now. The moment of truth will be when the study has been completed, the results have been released, the community has reacted, and changes are in motion to create a community that’s more informed of current practices and aware of themselves. Maybe it will also help tomorrow’s religious singles to be less awkward in social situations. One can only hope.