| INTRODUCTION The commandments concerning marital purity are based on a lofty concept that seeks to elevate man to his highest spiritual and idealistic potential. "Sanctify yourself so that you may be holy, for I am your G-d" (Leviticus 20:7). This is the goal of Jewish morality and the basis for marital laws. Make yourself holy; rise above the morass of animal instincts; discipline your desires by setting boundaries that may not be trespassed. Then you will ascend from the lowly level of the animal to the exalted standard of man, as he was truly meant to be. Sanctify yourself! Strive for summits of idealism so that your married life may be a holy harmony of earthly purity and heavenly blessing.
The world acknowledges the truth, however reluctantly. It is universally recognized that there is a special, unique relationship in a Jewish family. The closeness and devotion of the members of a Jewish family to one another are proverbial, its high standard of morality and fidelity are accepted as a matter of course, the mutual loyalty and self-sacrifice of its members are regarded as natural.
Could such an exemplary family life be a sheer coincidence? Certainly not! Without a doubt, this ideal has been attained solely as the result of our unique G-d-given laws on marriage and family purity. It is our practice of these laws that makes us different from other cultures that pay lip service to the same high goals of truly moral behavior and pure faithful marriage. They do not have our Torah guidelines, however, and consequently have never succeeded in making these ideals the norm of people's lives.
If we need further proof that our marriage, laws are the foundation of our unusual record in the area of man-woman relationships, just consider the hapless condition of the present generation of Jews who have abandoned their heritage and flout the marriage laws. Is the percentage of happy, creative, meaningful marriages greater among them than among the rest of the population? Are they immune to the decadence and confusion, high rate of infidelity, divorce, and promiscuity that afflicts most of the world? Do they not suffer from the common problems of open or concealed distrust between husband and wife, and hopeless acceptance of unchaste conduct in their children?
Objective consideration of large numbers of observant couples, on the other hand, serves only to prove our contention. We are not blind and unrealistic. It is true that religious families have their share of problems and troubles. Not every marriage is as it should be; children do not always follow the wishes of even the best of parents. But the percentage of contented, faithful couples, of people who normally maintain the highest standards of personal morality, is so high compared to others, that it definitely represents something basically different in their lives. That something is of course, the gracious gift our Creator, in His kindness, has bestowed upon us; the gift of the Jewish marriage laws.
The tremendous importance of the religious laws governing marital life can best be appreciated by an understanding of the severe punishment assigned to their violators "Kores" (Leviticus 20:18). This punishment is reserved for such cardinal sins as incest and the violation of the Yom Kippur fast. This awesome, frightening punishment cuts off the sinner's soul from the immortality enjoyed by other souls and cuts off from life the generations conceived in sin.
The soul is a pure ray of spiritual light emanating from G-d, a Divine spark which gives life to the human form. The soul is a spark of the Al-mighty, an immortal heavenly breath which the Creator Himself breathed into man. Its mission on earth is to ennoble the body, control its animal instincts, and uplift man morally and spiritually. The soul is a holy, heavenly flame with but one desire to return, at the conclusion of its earthly mission, to its Creator, the source of its life, and to take its deserved place in the glorious kingdom of immortality. What would parents not do to provide, their children with physical, mental, and spiritual health? What sacrifices would they not be willing to endure to assure their child the physical and moral fiber that will enable him to fight impurity and evil; that will help him find happiness in an ideal religious life?
The slight sacrifice and discomfort which may possibly be experienced through adherence to these Divine laws fade away into absolute insignificance when we consider what is attained the well-being, purity and peace of mind for ourselves and our children. Such an exalted purpose demands strict adherence to every detail of the law. With our understanding of the Nidah laws as Divine commandments guiding us to spiritual fulfillment rather than laws of hygiene, we realize that no excuse for their neglect is valid. There are many who still retain a spark of commitment to Judaism, who would refuse to violate the Yom Kippur fast for all the riches in the world. Yet they are lax in their observance of the Jewish marital laws and they rationalize their laxity by claiming loyalty to what they mistakenly 'consider the only goal of these rules. "In the olden days," they say, "that was the only way to keep clean, but today we can keep clean without all the bother of a ritual bath and 'clean days'." This is a ridiculous argument denoting, if not willful denial of the Divine nature of the Torah and its laws, at least abject ignorance of the true meaning of this wonderful program for a happy marriage. Should a woman observe the prescribed period of separation and even count the. required number of clean days, but fail to immerse herself in a ritual bath, she is still impure. A hundred baths anywhere but in a Mikvoh cannot wash away her menstrual uncleanliness; she is still a Nidah and invites upon herself the gravest of all punishments.
In their error, however, such misguided people have touched upon one important truth. The health aspect of these laws has long been recognized by leading medical authorities, who have hailed the precise observance of these laws as physically beneficial to both parents and children. "The Nidah laws of the Holy Scripture are in perfect harmony with hygiene. Strict observance .of these rules prevents the very frequent female sicknesses, makes the children of religious parents immune to certain diseases and accounts for their inherent intelligence and spiritual superiority." (Social-hygiene der Juden, von Dr. Nossig). Such health benefits are to be expected from the commandments of a "Perfect Torah" whose every law improves man’s body as well as his soul. But these are only fringe benefits and by no means the principal purpose of the laws. It is a fatal error to think of our Holy Torah as nothing more than a medical book.
Dear husbands and wives, you who have as yet failed to observe our holy marital laws properly must probe the depths of your hearts and return to the life-giving spring of our Divine Law. Do not hesitate because of fear that all is lost, your efforts in vain, your sins beyond forgiveness. Nothing is further from the truth! Our merciful Creator welcomes any repentant soul and graciously grants His children an opportunity to atone for their past sins and to conduct a life of refined deeds so that they become worthy of His forgiveness. Let no one hesitate because of timidity or fear of his neighbor's mockery. With a proudly raised head, let them enter, with joy, the eternally redeeming and encouraging way of faith and observance of the Holy Torah.
Jewish husbands and wives! Never forget this basic Divine commandment. If there is a spark of religion in your heart, resolve to observe the laws of marital purity conscientiously. We must observe these laws because they have been ordained by G-d, because they are His will, not only because of their medical or emotional benefits. Although adherence to them may sometimes be difficult and frustrating, we must bear present sacrifices for future benefit. No matter what, it is our sacred obligation to serve Him by obeying His laws. Who can measure ' the rewards He can shower on His faithful children? May we, by our strict observance of the laws on these pages, merit one of the greatest of human blessings; building the kind of Jewish home our Sages call "an everlasting edifice," "a miniature house of worship." Our merciful Father, Who gave us His magnificent Torah will reward you with His blessing for your prosperity, happiness, and long life. He will bless you, your children, your children's children, and all future generations. |