A Marriage Manual for Jewish grooms

Our friend Anat Hoffman, the indefatigible rights campaigner, brings to our attention the instruction booklet for grooms-to-be from the Jerusalem Religious Council's compulsory marriage class.

The "how-to" manual says that a "woman is like clay. The husband can shape and mold her as he pleases." It also says the wise husband will avoid his in-laws because "mothers-in-law tend to meddle."

The booklet encourages the liberal application of compliments, presents and flowers to wives. "Don't let a day go by without complimenting your wife at least five times…say it even if it's a lie. A woman who hasn't been complimented is like a fish out of the water.

But, it warns, a husband must not become "spineless." If a wife is "disrespectful you must not give in," it says. "You can get angry and stop talking to her until she realizes she was wrong."