Why the Religious Law About Pure Sex is Beneficial for Jewish Orthodox Women?

Most religions of the world address moral issues that arise from people's sexuality within the human interactions. “Sex and religion- two of the most powerful, passionate, and poetic aspects of human existence”( “Manning and Zuckerman pg. 1“). There are many distinct religious beliefs about the complexion of sexuality and the appropriateness of various sexual behaviors. “Some religious (or aspects within them) can be described as comparatively “sex positive”. By “sex positive“, we mean that sensual, erotic activity involving the consensual pursuit and / or actualization of gratifying bodily pleasure is understood as natural and acceptable , even holy. Conversely, some religions (or aspects within them) can be described as “sex negative”, that is, sensual, erotic activity involving the consensual pursuit and / or actualization of gratifying bodily pleasure is understood as unnatural and unacceptable, even sinful” ( “Manning and Zuckerman pg. 2“).

In Judaism, sex is not considered shameful or sinful. “Judaism blesses sex, but Only sex between a man and a woman who are married and are touching one another during appropriate times of the months, careful to avoid the impurity of menstruation” ( “Manning and Zuckerman pg. 8“). In many religions and cultures menstrual blood considered as ritually unclean or impure. Judaism views menstruating women as a potential source of both life and death. “Female sexuality could lead to new life (the Birth of a child) or to bleeding and death (menstruation)”. ( “Manning and Zuckerman pg. 8“). Reminds me the film “Divine Women: When God was a Girl”, introduced by the historian Bettany Hughes, that had an interesting thesis, emphasized the role that women played in the social li...

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...al and traditional beliefs. Women make their decision about whether to have sex during menstrual cycle by finding and comparing information from various sources. The decisions women make are closely related to their cultural, social and religious backgrounds. Uniquely to Judaism,the laws regarding menstruation are made to intensify the arousal, attractiveness and desire at the very emotional level in husbands and wives to promote emotional and not only physical closeness during sexual intimacy. The law of family purity is not intended to humiliate women or make them feel unclean, but rather it is clear that monthly period is a powerful gift from God ,that serves to preserve the close and healthy relationship between husbands and wives, and progress to the different stages of growth in a marriage.