Yes.
AI Overview
Cousin marriage is permitted and historically common in Jewish law, but it is not widespread among most modern Jewish populations
. While it remains a practice in some traditional or Mizrahi (Middle Eastern) communities, data shows it occurs in low single digits (1-2% for Ashkenazi, up to 9% for some non-Ashkenazi groups) in Israel.
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Key Findings on Jewish Cousin Marriage:
- Historical Context: Historically, cousin marriage was more common due to close-knit communities, diaspora separation, and the desire to maintain family unity.
- Modern Trends: Today, it is largely rare, with trends showing a decline in consanguineous marriage in Israel as communities merge.
- Cultural Differences: Cousin marriage is generally higher among Mizrahi and Yemenite Jews compared to Ashkenazi Jews.
- Orthodox Practice: While permitted and in some contexts viewed favorably by tradition (e.g., marrying a niece is mentioned in the Talmud), it is not a widespread practice in modern Ashkenazi Orthodox communities, though it is not uncommon, notes this Reddit post.
- Genetic Factors: While consanguineous marriages (like first cousins) have higher risks of genetic diseases, studies on Israeli populations have often focused on tracking these trends due to distinct population genetics.
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In summary, while not prohibited and having historical precedent, it is not a common practice among most modern Jews, with usage rates varying significantly by community of origin,
say participants in this Facebook group discussion.