עברית
Halachot and Customs
Laws of Avoiding Physical Contact and Niddah
Question
Hello, Rabbi. I am 19, and not long ago I started dating a girl, and it is very difficult for us to be careful about avoiding physical contact (a problem in itself, and we are trying to exert effort). Our physical contact consists of no more than hugs, but recently it occurred to me that on the days when she is menstruating, we are committing a double transgression, and in fact are also violating the laws of niddah (which, to the best of my knowledge, apply only to a married couple). I would be glad to know whether we need to behave in any special way on these days, beyond our usual efforts.
Thank you very much
Answer
Greetings and blessings,
First, one must know that the laws of niddah also apply to an unmarried couple. The prohibition for an unmarried couple is double. In addition to the very prohibition of physical contact between an unmarried couple, there is also the prohibition of niddah. The prohibition is not only during the period of menstruation, but from the first menstrual period until the woman becomes purified through the mikveh and marriage, she remains a niddah.
With blessings, Benjamin Shmuali
