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During the days of menstrual impurity, a husband and wife are required to separate, as it says, “Do not come near a woman during her period of impurity to uncover her nakedness” (Leviticus 18:19). The Torah prohibition includes any hugging or touching, even with clothes on. In order to prevent couples from transgressing, the Sages added additional safeguards: the couple may not sleep in one bed; they must separate the beds to avoid touching each other even in their sleep; they may not hand anything to one another, lest they touch each other; and they may not eat alone without leaving something on the table to serve as a reminder she is a nidda. Additionally, a husband may not look at the parts of the body his wife usually keeps covered. The couple should make a point of avoiding anything likely to arouse either of them.
