Talking of mother-in-laws, bride grooms in Jerusalem are being urged to stay away from them because of their tendency to meddle in matrimonial affairs.

The advice comes in a pamphlet handed out by the Jerusalem Religious Council to men attending its classes on marriage. Other pearls include the insight that a “woman is like clay. The husband can shape and mould her as he pleases”, and the observation that “a woman who hasn’t been complimented is like a fish out of water”. “It makes you want to cry,” comments Knesset member Uri Orbach, who has received complaints.