Niddah
Here you’ll find content about Niddah (Jewish menstrual law): Halakhic articles, guidance, publications, and poems exploring these sensitive and meaningful days: from the separation in physical touch, through immersion in the Mikveh, to preparing as a couple for renewed intimacy.
Presentation delivered at the Association for Israel Studies conference. The presentation examined the intersection between rabbinic authority and women's bodily experience in the "law of sensation" (din hargashah) in niddah laws.
Transitioning from the state of niddah to purity requires immersion in the mikveh. At the same time, some women wish to immerse for reasons not required by halakhah, such as personal moments or unique events. This article presents a variety of voluntary immersion occasions and offers an invitation to transform one’s immersion into a personal celebration.
The timing of mikveh night is considered fixed and, seemingly, should not be postponed. However, various situations can make it difficult to immerse at the appointed time, such as time management, planning, transportation, social and professional commitments, and so on. During the COVID-19 pandemic, immersion also entailed additional concerns, among them special guidelines, mandatory isolation, and a general lockdown. In this article, I explore the issue of immersing at the appointed time versus the possibility of postponing immersion and offer practical suggestions.
Just as we place great importance on words of intimacy and affection between spouses, we should also value the words that are meant to signify the separation between them during the days of niddah. Here are some suggestions for reflection on our choice of words that may assist in communicating the distancing message.
When a woman turns to a female halakhic teacher (morat halakha) or advisor (yoetzet halakha), the responder fulfills two “roles” that were, in the past, separate from one another: she serves as both a halakhic authority and a woman. The combination of these roles in one figure brings to our world a new reality that did not exist in the distant past. In this article we will discuss the unique contributions, challenges and opportunities of women who respond to questions in the realm of niddah.
A Makor Rishon panel explored the tension between COVID-19 safety rules and the halakhic obligation of mikveh immersion, with diverse rabbinic voices.
Why has studying the laws of niddah become the most urgent task for an engaged couple? Is that subject truly the sole significant statement that Jewish halakhic thought has to offer regarding the physical connection between a couple? It would be better for premarital guidance to begin with what is permitted—the mitzvah of marital relations—and only then take up the subject of what is prohibited.
A critical analysis of the government’s decision to exempt mikvaot from COVID-19 regulations. The article explores the tension between halakhic observance and public health, highlighting how responsibility was placed on women’s shoulders.
The decision of what Mikve means to each woman, is no less important than the actual tevilla itself.
Getting used to the laws of niddah is a lengthy process that unfolds differently for each couple. The intersection of halakhah, the body, and shared life presents a significant challenge for many couples and should therefore be addressed.
The desire to remain in a state of purity leads women to impose unnecessary restrictions on themselves and, at the same time, to neglect their bodies. How can one strike a balance between different needs and desires without being overly stringent on the one hand and without denying the body on the other?
The laws of niddah are taught by women and stem from the woman’s body, but they directly impact the lives of both partners.
Her hand is choice where his should be uprootedSo often checking, according to seasonFor the sense that evades any reason. Her weariness is constantly between her lipsAt the hour time traps the sunsetsThat pass from one crown to anotherFrom scarlet to white hot, from turmeric to swearing by some object. Her own indications give herA […]
You advise me that we are going Wandering. I organise a demonstration in protest But go as you command.