The term Niddah means separation. During her menstrual flow and for several days thereafter, a Jewish woman is considered Niddah -- separate from her husband and unable to practice the sacred rituals of Judaism. Purification in a miqveh (a ritual bath) following her period restores full status as a wife and member of the Jewish community. In the contemporary world, debates about Niddah focus less on the literal exclusion of menstruating women from the synagogue, instead emphasizing relations between husband and wife and the general role of Jewish women in Judaism. Although this has been the law since ancient times, the meaning and practice of Niddah has been widely contested. Women and Water explores how these purity rituals have affected Jewish women across time and place, and shows how their own interpretation of Niddah often conflicted with rabbinic views. These essays also speak to contemporary feminist issues such as shaping women's identity, power relations between women and men, and the role of women in the sacred.

Rabbi Forst's previous works have established him as a halachic expositor of the first order. Now he turns to a topic that is at the very basis of the Jewish family and nation. Exhaustive yet clear, detailed yet easy to follow, this book belongs in every Jewish home. In addition to the vital and basic halachos, this volume deals with modern medical procedures and how they affect the halachic status of the patient.

A compact and useful guide for Jewish brides and grooms about to embark on the building of a new home.

Knowledge of the laws of niddah is absolutely essential for every married woman, and in this new book, Rabbi Forst performs an invaluable service. Unlike his previous works, this book is not geared for someone studying the subject in depth. Instead, it is tailored to the specific needs of women and contains several chapters that are particularly important for kallos. It is complete, yet not too technical, so that one will not be overwhelmed by the material. It is authoritative, but does not claim to replace the competent Rav. It will remove unnecessary doubt and insecurity from countless delicate family situations, and let conscientious people know what to do and when and how to ask.

Halachic authority Rabbi Binyomin Forst continues his comprehensive treatment of the laws of niddah with the publication of the second volume of his outstanding legal compendium. Not only are the underlying concepts of the laws explained, their logical halachic process is demonstrated and the various opinions regarding their applications are discussed with thoroughness and expertise. From everday practices to current medical procedures, from chapters on setting a wedding date through later life concerns, every statement is backed by significant research and abundant citation of sources. Expansive indices and a full bibliography facilitate further research. Clearly written, yet extensive in detail, the copmlete set of The Laws of Niddah is a reference vital to every Jewish home and library.

The ArtScroll Series. Title at head of page.