Modern menstrual taboos

From: RobStoll@aol.com
Date: Wed 21 Aug 1996 - 18:43:59 EEST


Sandy wrote (Digest V3 #135):

<< It is very common in the modern world, at least in the U.S.A., to
 refrain from intercourse during menstruation. (This repulsion always
 puzzled me; especially earlier in our marriage, when we looked
 forward to my wife's period, as the best time for sex, since there
 was no chance of pregnancy.) But I've heard many a husband complain
 of frustration because his wife's "on the rag". >>

There are cultural taboos in Judiasm against having sex during menstruation.
If I can remember my old Hebrew school years correctly, I believe the
specific word used is "unclean." (As in, don't have relations with your wife
while she's unclean.) I can't recall if they ever explained exactly why, she
just supposedly is. (Well, there's a Biblical quote, but I can't find it
offhand - I need an Old Testament with an index.) Not many Jewish friends
I've discussed this with seem to have taken this guideline very seriously.

On that note: welcome back, Sandy. :)

robert

"Ph-nglui mglw'nafh Tattulhu Fantasy Island wagh'nagl fhtagn."
"In his house at Fantasy Island dead Tattoo waits dreaming." (trans.)

Ia! Ia! Tattulhu fhtagn! The guest stars are right!

------------------------------


This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.7 : Fri 13 Jun 2003 - 16:52:20 EEST