Family Purity

The source for the laws of Family Purity come from a description of a state of female impurity, known as זבה, “Zava.” The word itself means “flowing.” This is the same word used in ארץ זבת חלב ודבש, “A land flowing with milk and honey.” In our case, it refers to a lengthy menstrual flow.

Specifically, the Torah speaks of a woman who has a flow for many days. Some say it means that the regular monthly cycle continued three days beyond the usual seven days.

In such a case, the woman is declared a “Zava Gedola,” and she must count seven clean days when the bleeding has stopped.

The Rabbis decided to treat all menstrual blood as Zava blood. This created a minimum monthly separation of twelve days. They believed that a separation of this length would create greater תשוקה, or passion, between husband and wife.

The reunion of husband and wife each month, would create a kind of “honeymoon” because of the added anticipation. These are not easy laws to follow. It is important to know their source in the Torah. It is also important to recognize the brilliance and beauty in strictly observing the laws of the Torah.