What does clean/unclean refer to?
The issue of “clean” and “unclean” usually refers to a discussion of the Jewish Laws relating to sexual relations. These laws are known collectively as toharat ha’mishpacha, family purity. These rules inform us that a women enters the state of “tameh” when she is “niddah” (menstruating). During this time the couple must refrain from all physical contact, especially sexual relations. After the cessation of her menstrual flow, the women counts seven days before immersing herself in a mikva, at which time sexual relations between man and wife can then continue. This brings us to the subject of “tahor” and “tameh”. Translating them as “clean” and “unclean” (or “pure” and “impure”) is erroneous. These terms actually have nothing to do with physical cleanliness. Rather, they describe a state of ritual applicability in regards to fulfilling certain mitzvot, such as those associated with the Temple in Jerusalem, the cultic function of Kohanim (priests), or sexual relations within in a Jewish m
