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A Phenomenological Study of How Orthodox Jews Experience Spirituality and Religiosity Within the Context of Marriage

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A Phenomenological Study of How Orthodox Jews Experience Spirituality and Religiosity Within the Context of Marriage A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF HOW ORTHODOX JEWS EXPERIENCE SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGIOSITY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF MARRIAGE A dissertation submitted to the Kent State University College of Education, Health, and Human Services in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Sholom D. Stern May 2018 © Copyright, 2018 by Sholom D. Stern All Rights Reserved ii A dissertation written by Sholom D. Stern B.A., Yeshiva University, 2003 M.A., John Carroll University, 2009 Approved by _________________________________, Co-director, Doctoral Dissertation Committee Martin Jencius _________________________________, Co-director, Doctoral Dissertation Committee Jason McGlothlin _________________________________, Member, Doctoral Dissertation Committee Lyle Barton Accepted by _________________________________, Director, School of Lifespan Development Mary Dellmann-Jenkins and Educational Sciences _________________________________, Dean, College of Education, Health and James Hannon Human Services iii STERN, SHOLOM D., Ph.D., May 2018 COUNSELING AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF HOW ORTHODOX JEWS EXPERIENCE SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGIOSITY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF MARRIAGE (212 pp.) Co-Directors of Dissertation: Martin Jencius, Ph.D. Jason McGlothlin, Ph.D. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the interaction between the constructs of spirituality and religiosity of Orthodox Judaism with marriage. Eight participants were selected to be interviewed for this study. All of the participants were from the Greater Cleveland area and considered themselves to be members of the Orthodox Jewish faith. The interviews were conducted using the responsive interviewing method, allowing for the participants to offer data in expected and unexpected areas of interest. From these interviews, the data was analyzed using a four step process and organized into four major themes: (a) the experience of Orthodox Judaism enhances marriage, (b) marriage enhances the experience of Orthodox Judaism, (c) the experience of Orthodox Judaism detracts from marriage, and (d) marriage detracts from the experience of Orthodox Judaism. These themes were each supported by two or more sub-themes that detailed specific ways each of the themes is substantiated from the interview data. Additionally, two minor themes were found: (a) the community’s role in the Orthodox Jewish experience of marriage, and (b) differing roles and foci of marriage partners in Orthodox Judaism. This study revealed that Orthodox Judaism interacts with marriage in a bidirectional manner, with these constructs enhancing each other in various ways and detracting from each other as well. Further research might look at how these constructs interact in those of various faiths, sampling from more specific populations within Orthodox Judaism, and use of a more anonymous methodology to gather data. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS There were moments during this process when I wondered if I had the time, energy, focus, and interest to complete this study. One thing I did not doubt, that I had the support of wonderful advisors who gave me encouragement when I needed it, challenged me to think another step or two, and allowed me the space to develop these ideas in my own way and at my own speed. Thank you Dr. McGlothlin and Dr. Jencius for always making this process seem doable. Dr. Barton, your feedback was always helpful and timely. The genuine interest you showed in my area of research was kind, encouraging me about the value of this study. I am fortunate, with parents that offered many opportunities to explore and learn in my own way, at my own pace, and about the subjects I chose. So much thanks to both of you for giving me this freedom and support always. And thank you for not asking me how the dissertation was going more than twice a year. Last, but not least, thank you Susie for finding the perfect balance between asking me how things are going during this process, showing your support and encouragement, and knowing when I would prefer to pretend I had nothing more to do than fix the struts on your car. You taught me to celebrate not only the success at the end, but the steps along the way. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...............................................................................................iv LIST OF FIGURES.......................................................................................................viii LIST OF TABLES...........................................................................................................ix CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE .........1 Purpose of the Study ...................................................................................................2 Relationship to Counseling .........................................................................................4 Literature Review........................................................................................................6 Spirituality and Religion .............................................................................................7 Definition of Spirituality .......................................................................................8 Spirituality and the Family of Origin ..................................................................11 Definition of Religion .........................................................................................12 Judaism .....................................................................................................................14 Definition of a Jew ..............................................................................................15 Jewish Identity ....................................................................................................16 Branches of Judaism ...........................................................................................20 Marriage ....................................................................................................................21 Distal Approaches to Studying Religion and Marriage ......................................22 Proximal Approaches to Studying Religion and Marriage .................................25 Religious Participation and Marriage .................................................................26 Religion, Sexuality, and Marriage ......................................................................27 Marital Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction .............................................................29 Summary ...................................................................................................................32 II. METHODOLOGY .....................................................................................................37 Research Design........................................................................................................38 Research Questions ...................................................................................................40 Sampling ...................................................................................................................41 Participants ................................................................................................................42 Description of the Researcher ...................................................................................43 Procedure ..................................................................................................................45 Instrumentation .........................................................................................................51 Confidentiality and Safety of Data ...........................................................................53 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................53 Personal Interest ........................................................................................................56 Credibility and Trustworthiness of the Data .............................................................57 v Bracketing ...........................................................................................................57 Trustworthiness ...................................................................................................58 Peer Review and Member Checks ......................................................................59 Transferability and Application to the Field of Counseling .....................................59 Summary ...................................................................................................................60 III. RESULTS .................................................................................................................62 Participants ................................................................................................................63 Chana ..................................................................................................................64 Rivka ...................................................................................................................65 Dinah ...................................................................................................................65 Leah.....................................................................................................................66 Levi .....................................................................................................................67
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