A scholarly article based on the results of a survey of 380 observant women to determine the relationship between the observance of family purity laws and sexual satisfaction in intimate marital life, taking into consideration religious observance and background, as well as current marital status.  The analysis highlights the need to encourage healthy sexual attitudes and communication skills in the observant Jewish community. At the time of the research, it was found that observant Jewish women who have serious religious questions about sexual matters currently do not turn to religious personnel (rabbis or kallah teachers) for advice or counsel.  The research concludes that yoatsot halakha, women religious teachers/advisors  in taharat haMishpahah could have a positive impact on observant women in the area of marital sexual life.

A conservative responsum based on a thorough analysis of the historical development of the laws of taharat mispacha.   It upholds many of the stringencies of the rabbinic system (such as the 7 clean days), while offering various leniencies to the standard Orthodox line with respect to context (woman in labour; assumption of dam betulah on the wedding night), harhakot (extra strictures in separation), and problems that arise from “halachic infertility.”  Innovation is based on three criteria: 1) dignity of women, 2) distinction between ritual purity and conjugal sanctity, and 3) the progress in biological and medical knowledge.

Based on interviews with 70 religious women, this article explores the subjective responses of women to their sexuality and their marital relationships, through their observance of the laws of family purity [taharat mishpacha], and shows how women can be empowered by the halakhic autonomy granted to them by the system or may feel oppressed by the  Niddah laws.

An examination of traditional Jewish concepts and practices of reproduction, and problems that arise among Orthodox couples that observe the halachah.

Abigail Radoszkowicz reviews the controversy raised at the 2007 Kolech conference over the call to return to the "original seven clean days" in the halachic observance of Niddah -- based on the studies and experience of Dr. Daniel Rosenak and veteran bridal counselor, Rivka Shimon.

Responses to Daniel Rosenak's article.

This article is based on a study of Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) couples who experienced a delay for more than several weeks in consummating a marriage.  It examines traditional Jewish sources on marital sexuality, defines the problem of unconsummated marriages, discusses issues pertinent to evaluation, and suggests appropriate treatment strategies.

Dr. Daniel Rosenak, a senior gynaecologist in Jerusalem, suggests that up to 25% of Orthodox couples may be affected by “halachic infertility” imposed by the stringency of counting 7 clean days in the Niddah cycle before resuming sexual relations.  For women who have short menstrual cycles, this can cause the couple to miss the opportunity of conception.  Rosenak is highly critical of the often-prescribed hormone therapy, and (along with bridal counsellor Rivka Shimon), calls upon modern Orthodox women to re-examine the need for the 7-clean-day stringency, suggesting a return the original biblical prohibition of seven days.

A Lifetime Companion to the Laws of Jewish Family Life by Deena R. Zimmerman presents the laws of niddah in a comprehensive and serious manner, enabling one to learn the halakhot from the original sources. The companion is well structured and written in a clear and empathetic style. It discusses practical medical issues typically not discussed in popular manuals. While the book is a great contribution to the field of family purity laws (hilkhot niddah)—specifically to the genre of theoretical books teaching the basic issues involved with keeping these laws.  According to the reviewer, however, “it suffers from the tendency, seen in many other such manuals, to direct the reader to a rabbi rather than resolving issues directly.”

 In this modern approach to Mikvah, Berkowiz outlines the use of ritual immersion in the observance of the laws of family purity, conversion, utensils, and holidays, as well as creative uses, as in healing from trauma, or marking other life transitions.    Her analysis of the legal development of the laws of taharat mispacha is very thorough.   Berkowitz, as a conservative rabbi, upholds many of the stringencies of the rabbinic system, while offering various leniencies to the standard Orthodox line with respect to context (wedding night, childbirth), harhakot (separations), and problems that arise from “halachic infertility.”