161

Not to have sexual relations with a menstrually impure woman

The Luchos - Ten Commandments

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וְאֶל־אִשָּׁ֖ה בְּנִדַּ֣ת טֻמְאָתָ֑הּ לֹ֣א תִקְרַ֔ב לְגַלּ֖וֹת עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת אַחֲרֵי מוֹת
Leviticus 18:19 - "And to a woman during the uncleanness of her separation, you shall not come near to uncover her nakedness."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment

Forbidden to have sexual relations with a woman during her menstrual period (niddah).

This mitzvah prohibits a man from engaging in sexual relations with a woman while she is in a state of menstrual impurity (niddah). The Torah commands separation during this time to preserve holiness and purity within marriage. This prohibition is one of the foundations of taharat hamishpachah (family purity) and is punishable with karet (spiritual excision). Observance of this mitzvah elevates intimacy, ensuring it is guided by sanctity and self-discipline.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi’ah 4:1): Establishes relations with a niddah as a Torah prohibition carrying karet.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 166): The root is to sanctify Israel by restraining desires and elevating family life through periods of separation and reunion.
  • Talmud (Shabbat 13a): Teaches that the laws of niddah were given to distinguish Israel and uplift their conduct in family life.
(Source: Chabad.org)

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