Can a man marry his niece in Judaism?

Yes, in Judaism, a man is generally permitted to marry his niece. This specific type of familial marriage is allowed under Jewish law (Halakha), distinguishing it from other close relationships that are forbidden.

Jewish law outlines clear prohibitions regarding marriage between close relatives, detailed in the Torah. These forbidden relationships are known as arayot. While many consanguineous unions are prohibited, the relationship between an uncle and his niece is an exception.

Key Distinctions in Jewish Law

It is crucial to understand the asymmetry in this allowance within Jewish tradition:

• Uncle to Niece: A man can marry his brother's daughter or his sister's daughter (his niece).
• Aunt to Nephew: Conversely, a woman is forbidden from marrying her brother's son or her sister's son (her nephew).

This distinction is rooted in interpretations of biblical commandments concerning marital prohibitions. Historically, marriages between an uncle and his niece were not uncommon and were sometimes even viewed favorably in rabbinic literature, occasionally seen as a means to consolidate wealth or maintain a lineage of piety within a family.

For clarity, here's a summary of the common scenarios:

While legally permitted under Jewish law, it is worth noting that cultural norms and individual family customs can vary. Modern considerations, such as genetic implications, though not part of traditional Halakha, may also be a factor for contemporary couples.