Did Jews marry vowed virgins?

[Immacolata]

…] If it was a documented practice of the Jews, I would embrace it more. As it is, I simply don’t deny it. To believe Mary, Joseph, and her parents chose this completely unOrthodox practice is not impossible, but “the teaching” makes it sound common practice for consecrated virgins to still be wed to a husband as a caretaker, and thus both husband and wife living in chastity.

I searched further into the subject, and I was wondering if this may have any value for you? I found it an interesting read.

I don’t think Mary (nor Joseph, for that matter) ever intended to consummate the marriage. Being a young, unmarried Jewish woman in the first century was likely “hard” (for lack of a better term), and Joseph could have been selected as Our Lady’s caretaker? I’ve read of theories supporting the latter position, but I cannot remember them clearly at the moment. In that link I shared, I read of Blessed (soon Saint) John Paul II’s opinion on the matter:

We can wonder why she would accept betrothal, since she had the intention of remaining a virgin forever …] It may be presumed that at the time of their betrothal there was an understanding between Joseph and Mary about the plan to live as a virgin. Moreover, the Holy Spirit, who had inspired Mary to choose virginity in view of the mystery of the Incarnation and who wanted the latter to come about in a family setting suited to the child’s growth, was quite able to instill in Joseph the ideal of virginity as well.

I’ve often come to the conclusion that Mary was one of the many (it was not a widespread practice, but it apparently was practiced) women (and men) that dedicated their lives to God with their virginity, and for “protection” (for lack of a better term), she married St. Joseph (I also wanted to add; despite the seeming “arranged” feeling of this marriage, I imagine Mary and Joseph loved each other very much), and thereafter bore Our Lord.

 

[Warandpeace]

youtube.com/watch?v=Ezp9jaYjn5E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Michael Voris explanation that it was not a common practice.

 

[rcwitness]

I searched further into the subject, and I was wondering if this may have any value for you? I found it an interesting read…

Thanks alot! That is a very interesting view. It was funny how when I immediately read it, I had a vague memory of thinking a similar thought after reading the scripture. Also, because when the angel told Zachariah they would have a son, he questioned in the same manner. He was punished very humiliatingly! But not Mary.

Michael