Menstruation is the normal process that all biological women go through. It is an interesting topic to learn about in general and very intriguing. This process for many women could either painful, embarrassing, annoying or all for most, all of the above. The menstrual cycle becomes more of a hassle for women most of the time when you add cultural or religious views and traditions. The Orthodox Jews for instance, are particularly interesting. The community of Orthodox Jews call this time Niddah and with this time many rituals and traditions are associated with this practice within their religion.
Littered throughout the Hebrew Bible is the word Niddah. This simply refers to times or objects of uncleanliness. It has been viewed in even the Book of Zechariah as a reference to the washing of Jerusalem. However in today’s tradition, Niddah refers to the time that a woman is considered unclean. Most of the rules set aside for women during these days are discussed in the Book of Leviticus. One of the biggest rules is no physical contact of affection or lust in any such way during the time a woman is in Niddah. This is regardless of husband and wife affiliation and it is actually stricter for married Jews. Married couples must separate their beds and are not permitted any physical contact whatsoever regardless of whether it is lustful or of affection. One example of this is in the video we watched during class with the passing of cups by having one set the cup down and then the other partner picking it up.
The final events of Niddah include the purification process. Women check to see if the end of menstruation has come by using a “checking cloth” called a bedikah. This is a piece of white cloth that is used to check the end menstrual flow. The woman will then begin counting the seven days after, checking each day in the morning and before sunset for blood. After nightfall on the eighth evening, the woman may go to the mikveh, or pool for spiritual purification (see picture.) The woman will go to the mikveh 
already showered and properly groomed. While at the mikveh an attendant will help check that the woman has been properly immersed and has followed proper protocol. As observed in the video, men usually take over household duties and children duties in order to help the woman as she is at the mikveh. When the woman has returned she is considered pure and may touch and engage in intercourse with her husband.
This process seems lengthy and a whole time of around 14 days is required for the separation process. This seems not only a hassle for the woman but even the man. However, like the video stated, it helps keep things special and cherish those small touches as very intimate. I would agree with this statement and believe that it also helps keep the wedded in line with the religious laws of no sex during a woman’s “uncleanliness.” It is because of their religious beliefs that they practice this way. It has been stated that there are more lenient rules regarding Niddah however the standard practice has become a little stricter, in particular the time required for women to use the bedikah has increased over time. This has had a negative impact on fertility given the time for ovulation and many sages will grant exceptions to this seven day period in order to help with conception. Although this practice seems very repressive I think many woman see it as part of the religious duty as a woman and don’t see it as being repressive but more empowering and helping keep a strong relationship with their husbands.
Help Received: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niddah (Main source of Resources), Video shown in class, Image pulled from Google images,