The Holy Home - Milknhoney Judaica

The Holy Home

Laws of Nidah

Introduction

Sexuality, the atomic energy of human emotions, can be destructive if not
controlled. However, when channeled or directed, sexuality is a virtually
inexhaustible source of powerful energy available to a relationship
between wife and husband–sparking intimacy and adding zest to a loving
marital relationship.

The wisdom of the Torah and the insight of its rabbinic expositors has
limited the powerful energy of sexuality to marriage. Marriage is a
public declaration and ceremony when the bride and groom express to each
other and to the members of their community that they are ready to be
responsibly committed to one another. In short, the wisdom of the Jewish
People has determined that sexuality may only be expressed between
husband and wife, and even then only privately.

There are many other insights about the marital relationship, including
sexuality, that are contained in the repository of wisdom that is Jewish
law and tradition. The way these principles and insights are translated
into behavior is through the halacha. This pamphlet is intended to make
the halacha, as expounded by one of its leading, contemporary
authorities, Rabbi Ovadia Yossef accessible to all–allowing the wise,
balanced ways of the halacha to benefit the Jewish family–to help create
the “holy home.”

Forward
Haskamah of Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef
Introduction
Why keep the Halacha of Sexual Relations?
How a Woman Becomes Niddah
Colors of Emissions and Stains
Stains
Behavior During Niddah
Hefsek Betahara (The conclusion in purity)
When Immersion is to be Performed
Cleansing before Immersion
Hasisa: Intervening Objects
Blessing Before Immersion
Immersion
Abstaining in Anticipation of Menstruation
What is Considered a Fixed Period
To Whom the Rules of Fixed Periods Apply
Physical Periods
Giving Birth
Women Are Entrusted With The Laws of Niddah
Bleeding due to Sexual Relations
Onset of Menstruation; “Engagement;” Choosing the Wedding Date
Getting Married
Footnotes