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PARASHAT METZORA
This week's parsha like the previous one deals with spiritual purification
so pertinent to the general mode of cleansing prior to Pessach.
"And if a woman has a discharge of blood, where blood flows
from her body, she shall be Niddah for seven days..." (Vayikra
15:19) The concept of Niddah is related to the word Naddad, meaning
to wander, separate or remove. The Torah tells us that from the
time a woman has her period, until she immerses in the Mikvah, she
has the status of a Niddah. During this period, she separates herself
from any sexual activity and physical contact with the opposite
sex. What is the underlying reason for Niddah? Why does a woman
have to separate from her husband every month? The laws of Niddah
and menstruation are difficult to understand. They are statutes
(Chukim) for which no reasons are given. Nevertheless, we may attempt
to explore and uncover some of the reasons concerning the concept
of Niddah. Some people may think that the Torah laws regarding the menstruating
woman are similar to the taboos of many primitive cultures that
attribute to her some "evil force". It is therefore important
to highlight that according to Jewish law, ritual impurity is not
exclusively connected with the menstruating woman. Earlier in parshat
Metzora, the Torah mentions the laws dealing with a man who has
a discharge. He needs to purify himself not only in a Mikvah, but
in spring water. Furthermore, upon purification, he must bring a
sin offering, as recognition for being healed from sickness. Rambam
points out that this is not the case in regards to the menstruating
woman since her period is a natural occurrence, and not a sickness.
The definition of ritual impurity in the Torah is contact with death.
The menstrual period is included in this category since it in fact
is the expulsion of potential life. However the male semen, for
the same reason likewise brings about ritual impurity. (See Rashi,
shemot 19:15)
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