Difficulty in Abstinence After Childbirth
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
We have been abstaining for a long time after childbirth, and it leads to the evil inclination. I don't have nocturnal emissions, so it's more difficult. What is permitted to do to have nocturnal emissions and make it less difficult? Also, is it allowed, in order not to fail in the laws of niddah, to at least look at her in covered places? Thank you.
Answer
Hello,
A. Indeed, it is not easy to abstain for a long period.
However, it is important to remember that besides being a simple prohibition, it has a purpose. For example: restoring freshness after a pregnancy that was permitted for a long time, the woman's recovery from the trauma of childbirth, the woman's focus on the newborn, which takes all the body's and soul's strength, and many more. When you understand that it has a purpose, it is much easier to accept it and calm down.
B. Thank God you do not have nocturnal emissions. The emission of seed not in a permitted way defiles the soul and brings only harm.
C. It is, of course, forbidden to look at covered places during days of impurity.
Besides the inherent prohibition of looking, looking at covered places to calm desire is like a thirsty person drinking salty water. The satisfaction lasts for one second, and then the thirst increases immeasurably.
'Lefum tsa'ara agra' - the reward for overcoming during difficult times is immense, and a person who accepts the difficulty with submission to the will of God atones for all those times he failed in similar prohibitions.
Source
Avot, Chapter 5, Mishnah 23.