I just picked this up. We've had this discussion before.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=113939562069...JPArticle%2FShowFull
Although we have already exhausted this subject on GY, it goes to show that there isn't that much agreement within the Torah world. I'm in disagreement with the Bar Illan University professor...but then, what do I know? I believe a Beit Din is required.

B"H

Moshe,

Without question, concubines were once taken by men of Israel long ago. We have the case of the Pilegesh begiva'ah, where a Levite took a concubine, etc., and we have the cases of King David and King Solomon who, both, took concubines. Maimonides says this law applies only to kings. Ramban (Nachmanides) says that it applies to all men.

At any rate, the practice was never seen among religious Jews of late - and not even in Yemen, where old customs die hard!

Are you advocating that the practice be reinstated?

David

David,
Oh no! I'm not advocating that it should reinstated. I was just pointing out that a professor at Bar Illan thinks a very watered down version of this practice should be tolerated. My thinking is that a Beit Din should at least be involved, otherwise it's simple promiscuity. Another thing I found curious is that I don't hear any dissent on halachic grounds. Perhaps GY could bring up those halachic grounds. You mentioned the Rambam poseked that only kings could participate in such a practice, but other gedolim (e.g. Ramban) disagreed with him.

Even then, I thought Pelagash was only for men who were already married? Is that correct?