קבלה על אבות 1:1
Reshit Chokhmah
Regarding conversation with a Niddah woman, it is explained in Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:8): Why did the Torah prohibit grape extract and all that comes from grapes if one cannot get drunk from them? From here we learn that one must distance himself from anything repulsive and anything similar, and we also learn that the Torah made a safeguard/fence for its words. We also learned (Pirkei Avot chapter 1) “Be cautious in judgement, establish many pupils, and make a safety fence around the Torah.” How? Make a safety fence for your words just like the Torah did for its words, as it says “you may not come close to a woman during her Niddah period to reveal her nakedness” (Leviticus 18:19); I would think it would be permitted to hug and kiss her and speak to her about mundane things; we thus learn “you may not come close”. I would think it would be permitted to sleep next to her with her clothes on; we thus learn “you may not come close”. I would think it would be permitted if she washes her face and color her eyes blue and I would take a cup to drink from her hands; we thus learn, “and of her that is sick with her impurity” (Leviticus 15:33), all the days that she is impure she is “banned” (Nidui) from her husband. From here they say that one who makes herself look unattractive during her period pleases the spirit of the Sages, and one who puts ornaments and make-up during her period displeases the spirit of the Sages.
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