161

Not to have sexual relations with a menstrually impure woman

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
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)

Applying this Mitzvah Today

Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals

This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

Information Icon

Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

View Badge →

Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

Information Icon

Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.

View Badge →

Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

Information Icon

Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — acts rooted in divine connection rather than human interaction.

View Badge →
Mitzvah Minute
Mitzvah Minute Logo

Learn more.

Dive into mitzvot, prayer, and Torah study—each section curated to help you learn, reflect, and live with intention. New insights are added regularly, creating an evolving space for spiritual growth.

Luchos
Live a commandment-driven life

Mitzvah

Explore the 613 mitzvot and uncover the meaning behind each one. Discover practical ways to integrate them into your daily life with insights, sources, and guided reflection.

Learn more

Mitzvah #

413

A permanent or temporary [non-Jewish] hired worker must not eat from it
The Luchos - Ten Commandments
Learn this Mitzvah

Mitzvah Highlight

Siddur
Connection through Davening

Tefillah

Learn the structure, depth, and spiritual intent behind Jewish prayer. Dive into morning blessings, Shema, Amidah, and more—with tools to enrich your daily connection.

Learn more

Tefillah

Tefillah sub-header
A Siddur
Learn this Tefillah

Tefillah Focus

A Sefer Torah
Study the weekly Torah portion

Parsha

Each week’s parsha offers timeless wisdom and modern relevance. Explore summaries, key themes, and mitzvah connections to deepen your understanding of the Torah cycle.

Learn more

וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה - V'Zot HaBerachah

Haftarah: Joshua, 1:1–18
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha