A number of years ago, as a newly minted graduate of Yeshivat Maharat, I received my first official niddah (family purity) query.

I spent an entire year learning the intricate details of the halakhot (laws) themselves and their methods influence on Jewish marriage, sex and relationships.

I was ready to dazzle the questioner with my erudite Halakhic reasoning coupled with my values of sex positivity. I would be able to finally practically use my knowledge and strong held belief that any gynecological procedure resulted in an injury (makka)  did not impart a niddah status. But before launching into my schpiel— I paused and asked her the first pertinent question –

‘What was the date of your last period?’

(a question by the way I think my doctors will keep asking all women until the age of 99!)

She answered that she really didn’t know but that she was indeed post menopausal. So all my excitement to share my knowledge and pastoral skill abruptly came to an end. And any strictly halakhic response most certainly was not needed. I wished her well with the procedure and a Refu’ah Sh’leimah – a complete and speedy recovery.

Menopause is definitely having a moment in our culture. From Oprah’s ‘Menopause Summit’ to the very popular ‘We Do Not Care Club’ and its many offshoots........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)