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Doesn't Anyone Blush Anymore: Love, Marriage and the Art of Intimacy
The central theme of this work is modesty. The author explains how modesty, often dismissed as irrelevant, can become a powerful tool for forming lasting relationships. This book attempts to redirect our thinking about sexuality and refocus our ideas about intimacy.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
39 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Manis Friedman
15Ìýbooks44ÌýfollowersWorld-renowned author, counselor, lecturer and philosopher, Rabbi Manis Friedman uses ancient wisdom and modern wit as he captivates audiences around the country and around the world. He hosts his own critically acclaimed cable television series, Torah Forum with Manis Friedman, syndicated throughout North America. Over 150,000 copies of his provocative yet entertaining tapes, both audio and video have been sold.
Rabbi Friedman’s first book, DOESN’T ANYONE BLUSH ANYMORE?, published by Harper San Francisco in 1990, was widely praised by the media. BLUSH is currently in its fourth printing. Following the publication of the book, he was featured internationally in over 200 print articles, and interviewed on more than 50 television and radio talk shows. He has appeared on CNN, A&E Reviews, PBS, and BBC Worldwide, and has been the subject of articles in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Guideposts, Insight, Publisher’s Weekly and others.
Rabbi Friedman is a noted Biblical scholar, recognized for his sagacious grasp of Jewish mysticism. In 1971, he founded Bais Chana Institute of Jewish Studies in Minnesota, the world’s first yeshiva exclusively for women, where he continues to serve as dean. From 1984-1990 he served as simultaneous translator for the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s televised talks.
Rabbi Friedman is a professionally ranked member of the National Speakers Association. His speaking tours take him to every part of this country as well as Israel, England, The Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Canada, and Hong Kong.
Rabbi Friedman was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1946 and immigrated with his family to the United States in 1950. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Rabbinical College of Canada in 1969.
Rabbi Manis Friedman enthuses each of his listeners and readers with a sense of purpose and definite direction.
Rabbi Friedman’s first book, DOESN’T ANYONE BLUSH ANYMORE?, published by Harper San Francisco in 1990, was widely praised by the media. BLUSH is currently in its fourth printing. Following the publication of the book, he was featured internationally in over 200 print articles, and interviewed on more than 50 television and radio talk shows. He has appeared on CNN, A&E Reviews, PBS, and BBC Worldwide, and has been the subject of articles in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Guideposts, Insight, Publisher’s Weekly and others.
Rabbi Friedman is a noted Biblical scholar, recognized for his sagacious grasp of Jewish mysticism. In 1971, he founded Bais Chana Institute of Jewish Studies in Minnesota, the world’s first yeshiva exclusively for women, where he continues to serve as dean. From 1984-1990 he served as simultaneous translator for the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s televised talks.
Rabbi Friedman is a professionally ranked member of the National Speakers Association. His speaking tours take him to every part of this country as well as Israel, England, The Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Canada, and Hong Kong.
Rabbi Friedman was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1946 and immigrated with his family to the United States in 1950. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Rabbinical College of Canada in 1969.
Rabbi Manis Friedman enthuses each of his listeners and readers with a sense of purpose and definite direction.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 6, 2018
You don't have to be Orthodox to appreciate the sound Torah-based wisdom here. Friedman explains the traditional Jewish ways of intimacy and sexuality that are meant to deepen love and trust between partners. He does this through telling stories that cover the spectrum of life experience, from teenagers who are trying to figure out how far to go .... to married couples who want to bring back the spark of intimacy to their lives. Friedman assures us that commitment to a spiritual life means that we work hard to understand the spiritual needs of our partners--high on the list being respect for privacy as a way of kindling excitement for when couples do come together.
This book bridges gaps by introducing Torah-entrenched rules about modesty that are still very much part of Japanese ways of thinking. Living in Japan and being married to a Japanese, I was excited to read how Torah's universal wisdom is found right here in the Tanabata holiday (July 7th) when two celestial lovers cross the sky, come together, and for just one night each year, they rekindle their love. It's a time in Japan when colorful streamers decorate the streets to welcome them.
In trying to explain, love and falling in love to my Jewish-Japanese teenage daughter, I found Friedman's "Blush" book a must-read.
This book bridges gaps by introducing Torah-entrenched rules about modesty that are still very much part of Japanese ways of thinking. Living in Japan and being married to a Japanese, I was excited to read how Torah's universal wisdom is found right here in the Tanabata holiday (July 7th) when two celestial lovers cross the sky, come together, and for just one night each year, they rekindle their love. It's a time in Japan when colorful streamers decorate the streets to welcome them.
In trying to explain, love and falling in love to my Jewish-Japanese teenage daughter, I found Friedman's "Blush" book a must-read.
April 5, 2016
I had to remind myself as I was reading it that this book is written by a very traditional Jewish Rabbi, because it's a gender nightmare. He talks for chapters upon chapters about the importance of respect in relationships and then insists that only men need respect; that women only need love. I am a feminist so I'm sure as you read this you're hearing me scream "WTF?" His message was respect is pivotal but is only for men. A woman's job is to accept love and give love, nothing more.
On the flip side, though, if you can get past the massive patriarchy and sexism, there's a lot here to learn. He has amazing ideas on attitude, emotion, loyalty, and love. Despite my feelings about his approach, I found this book to be real gem and one that I learned from and truly am glad I read. I loved, love, loved how he defined loyalty and his examples were spot on. Some of what he wrote immediately caused me to reflect on my behavior and make some changes right away. That's powerful stuff.
On the flip side, though, if you can get past the massive patriarchy and sexism, there's a lot here to learn. He has amazing ideas on attitude, emotion, loyalty, and love. Despite my feelings about his approach, I found this book to be real gem and one that I learned from and truly am glad I read. I loved, love, loved how he defined loyalty and his examples were spot on. Some of what he wrote immediately caused me to reflect on my behavior and make some changes right away. That's powerful stuff.
June 29, 2019
I’m definitely glad I read this book. I borrowed it from my Chassidic friend nearly 18 months ago and finally got around to finishing it. A good book that talks about the importance of modesty in multiple facets of life. Some of it seemed old fashioned and patriarchal, but a lot of it was poignant and timeless. As a noahide this book helped me understand my Jewish friends and the orthodox way of thinking/living.
A quote from page 109, “Sometimes the lack of intimacy in our lives manifests itself as a lack of depth in our relationship. We have friendships, marriages, children —and, on the surface, those relationships are fine. All the necessary details are there. We know what’s right and what’s wrong, and we go about our relationship with good intention. Yet they lack passion, commitment, the deep sense of shared lives that characterized past generations. Everything seems a little flat. That flatness is the absence of the capacity for intimacy.�
A quote from page 109, “Sometimes the lack of intimacy in our lives manifests itself as a lack of depth in our relationship. We have friendships, marriages, children —and, on the surface, those relationships are fine. All the necessary details are there. We know what’s right and what’s wrong, and we go about our relationship with good intention. Yet they lack passion, commitment, the deep sense of shared lives that characterized past generations. Everything seems a little flat. That flatness is the absence of the capacity for intimacy.�
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October 9, 2009"A wonderful book about accepting and valuing one's spouse. If nothing else, the reader can come away realizing that not only can one not change others, but that it is a violation of the spouse's identity and dignity for us to try to change them, as opposed to simply accepting them as they are and supporting their personal growth. Any marriage within any faith could be strengthened by reading this brief, insightful book."
December 11, 2024
Excellent book, ignore all the Feminists that oppose the traditional gender values below in the comments. A man's responsibility is to provide and protect the family whereas a woman's responsibility is having children and preparing them for the future, not being subjected to the slave labor by soul-sucking corpos for just 30.000$/yr.
Rabbi Friedman makes great points explaining the traditional roles in marriage and although I am not Jewish, I am happy to have received great advices and benefited from this Rabbi's wisdom.
Rabbi Friedman makes great points explaining the traditional roles in marriage and although I am not Jewish, I am happy to have received great advices and benefited from this Rabbi's wisdom.
November 22, 2022
A Must Read For EVERYONE!!!
Whether you are currently married, contemplating a marriage, or just wanting to learn God's meaning of marriage, life, intimacy, soulmates, etc., this book is a must-read for you! His unique approach to these and his wit and wisdom, make his books a real pleasure to read! Don't miss the sequel "Creating A Life That
Matters" another must-read for knowing what to do to make your life worthy for not only yourself but all of mankind!!!
Whether you are currently married, contemplating a marriage, or just wanting to learn God's meaning of marriage, life, intimacy, soulmates, etc., this book is a must-read for you! His unique approach to these and his wit and wisdom, make his books a real pleasure to read! Don't miss the sequel "Creating A Life That
Matters" another must-read for knowing what to do to make your life worthy for not only yourself but all of mankind!!!
April 16, 2023
Whoa. Mad props to Friedman explicating fundamental concepts in a way that equally enlightens me and other Orthodox Jews as well as those without Torah knowledge. This is a book that I’ll keep returning to, I’m sure.
Favorite parts: the analogy of a hypodermic needle, three types of shame, three types of modesty, educating children about sexual abuse, the claim that frequent (platonic) interactions between men and women is that it trains people to deny their innate sexuality.
Favorite parts: the analogy of a hypodermic needle, three types of shame, three types of modesty, educating children about sexual abuse, the claim that frequent (platonic) interactions between men and women is that it trains people to deny their innate sexuality.
April 11, 2025
I listened to this as an audio book then bought a paper copy so I could highlight and share Friedman's ideas. I shelved this in the Christian catergory even though Friedman is Jewish because he writes from a Biblical perspective even though we don't always agree on doctrine or theology. I appreciate how he describes modesty and marriages.
January 4, 2025
Wow I really loved this one, lots to learn about the value of modesty in intimacy and relationships. Really let me understand how to conduct myself and how to approach my own relationship in the context of Judaic Law and modern society.
July 12, 2018
I found out about this book from another believer (she’s Catholic and I’m Messianic). This book is from the Jewish point of view on modesty. What I really like about this book is it doesn’t just focus on modesty in dress, which is what we often first think of regarding this subject. It talks about modesty in all things. If you’re married or planning on getting married I highly recommend this book.
November 26, 2018
Fundamental relationship advise.
Started watching Mannis videos online and his way of expressing about many topics invited me to read his books. Loved it
Started watching Mannis videos online and his way of expressing about many topics invited me to read his books. Loved it
February 11, 2023
Very brief info
July 8, 2023
On the importance of boundaries and modesty.
July 20, 2023
great book
Great book for those who are single, couples and those who are married or looking to get married. Highly recommend! Let’s bring sanctity back in our marriages!
Great book for those who are single, couples and those who are married or looking to get married. Highly recommend! Let’s bring sanctity back in our marriages!
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August 18, 2023A Lubavitcher Hasidim rabbi's prescription for modesty. The section on personal borders is illuminating but some parts show a lack of understanding of basic psychological premises.
December 26, 2023
I love him. So much.
August 16, 2024
This book is so much more than I expected. It talks about modest from more than just the physical perspective. I learned so much and recommend it to anyone looking for a more meaningful life.
April 21, 2025
important marriage info, some crazy takes tho
February 9, 2025
Could gain a little from that book but there were also some statements that were a bit questionable.
June 23, 2013
I give this book five stars for originality. The thinking of Mr. Friedman is so traditional and old that it becomes new and radical in his hands. Not that the book doesn't have problems, I would love to edit it and make it better than it is, but still, it contains many nuggets of wisdom that you are not going to hear on Oprah, or even from Dear Sugar. Not just nuggets, whole piles of wisdom nuggets. I read this book because Bob Dylan recommended it. I can see why Dylan, with his vast amount of experience in the realm of human love and intimacy, would appreciate this book after all he has been through. I wish more people would read it because it will help them experience less pain in their marriages and intimate relationships.
March 11, 2022
Very short, but leaves the reader questioning the standards of relationships that led us to the present 50 percent (or so) divorce rates.
This is something that we as a society needs to address, but will likely avoid addressing. Manis Friedman addresses ideas and relationships succinctly, and with surprising lucidity.
You'll run to the end and realize you could read it again and learn just as much, perhaps more, the second or third time around.
This is something that we as a society needs to address, but will likely avoid addressing. Manis Friedman addresses ideas and relationships succinctly, and with surprising lucidity.
You'll run to the end and realize you could read it again and learn just as much, perhaps more, the second or third time around.
May 10, 2015
I enjoyed and and learnt a lot from this book. I was able to appreciate the values and lessons this book contains even though I am not a believer myself. A worthwhile read and helpful in understanding, with the purpose of regaining, modesty and intimacy in sexuality.
October 11, 2011
Manis Friedman is excellent. This book is getting old but it's message is timeless and relevant.
November 12, 2015
A book about treating your spouse with civility, and the dualistic concepts of modesty and intimacy from an Orthodox Jewish perspective.
September 16, 2013
For me, the book is not limited to applying in marriage but all relationships. The book has solid values. It's an easy read and interesting.
October 9, 2014
Okay book, but still a gender nightmare.
October 12, 2013
Fresh, challenging, and free from common-sense that damages so many.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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