BS"D
Shalom Alechem: I have a question relating to a statement in Nedarim, Page 20B, where a women told Rav that her husband had "overturned the table." Where Rav replied that the Torah permits it. We also find this statement in Masechet Yevamos, Daf 34 where the Gemara says this is not permitted. I have two questions:
1) What does the statement "overturned the table" mean? and how do the
various commentaries to the Gemara and other Rishonim and Achronim interpret
this statement.
2) What is the halacha regarding this statement.
Thank you very much.
Isaac
The statement "overturned the table" refers to marital relations performed in an abnormal manner, as the phrase itself implies. The Gemara in Yevamos that you mention does not use this phrase, but rather a different phrase, and it is referring to the prohibition of Shichvas Zera l'Vatalah (which almost all authorities say is an Isur d'Oraisa).
The Halachah is that a person is required to make himself holy by acting in a modest way in all of his activities, especially in the area of marital relations. While some forms of immodest behavior might not technically be forbidden by the Torah, a person who seeks to do the will of Hash-m will certainly control his passions and conduct himself in the proper manner (in accordance with the positive Mitzvah of "Kedoshim Tiheyu").
Y. Shaw
D.A.F.