The Jewish Orthodox religion views menstruation in a way that is unique specifically to them.  For an entire week, (what they consider to be the typical menstruation period) there is to be zero physical contact between the husband and the wife. Things like passing a plate to one another is considered to be forbidden. The woman is considered to be unclean during this time and touching her would bring misfortune to the family.

This act and mindset comes from their religious text, the Torah.  While both the woman and man in the video admitted to not fully seeing the significance of this practice in our modern times, they realize that it was the church’s way of protecting women who were unable to protect themselves hundreds of years ago. At the end of the menstruation period the woman will depart from home after the sunset and receive a ritual cleansing bath by another woman of the faith. As soon as this is ritual is complete she is considered to be “clean” and can once again engage in physical contact. During this time the husband is responsible for all duties in the house, including taking care of the children. Upon the wife’s  return the man will have cleaned the house and made her favorite found. They compare this night following to the night of their marriage. This is one part that I find to be romantic.

Overall I find this practice  to be excessive but, because of its past reasoning I understand the purpose. An entire week of zero physical contact seems very difficult, but I imagine it makes the moments when the couple can share physical contact that much more important and sweet. I also believe that this tradition does not shame woman to the excessive level that others do. Unlike certain other cultures, husbands in the Orthodox Jewish religion seem to still respect and love their wives. Their are multiple tribes throughout the world  where a  woman is told she is disgusting and is exiled to huts alone.