Most of the world's religions address moral issues that arise from people's sexuality within human interactions. “Sex and religion: two of the most powerful, passionate and poetic aspects of human existence” (“Manning and Zuckerman page 1“). There are many distinct religious beliefs about what sexuality looks like and the appropriateness of various sexual behaviors. “Some religions (or aspects within them) can be described as relatively “sex positive.” By “sex positive” we mean that sensual and erotic activity involving the consensual pursuit and/or realization of rewarding physical pleasure is understood as natural and acceptable, even holy. Conversely, some religions (or aspects within them) can be described as “sex negative,” meaning that sensual and erotic activity involving the consensual pursuit and/or actualization of rewarding physical pleasure is understood as unnatural and unacceptable. , even sinful” (“ Manning and Zuckerman page 2“). In Judaism, sex is not considered shameful or sinful. “Judaism blesses sex, but only sex between a man and a woman who are married and touch each other at appropriate times of the month, careful to avoid the impurity of menstruation” (“Manning and Zuckerman pg. 8“). In many religions and cultures menstrual blood is considered ritually impure or impure. Judaism views menstruating women as a potential source of both life and death. “Female sexuality can lead to new life (the birth of a child) or bleeding and death (menstruation).” (“Manning and Zuckerman page 8“). It reminds me of the film "Divine Women: When God was a Girl", introduced by the historian Bettany Hughes, who with an interesting thesis underlined the role that women played in social life...... middle of paper... ...traditional beliefs. Women make decisions about whether to have sex during their menstrual cycle by finding and comparing information from various sources. The decisions women make are closely linked to their cultural, social and religious background. Unique to Judaism, laws regarding menstruation are made to heighten arousal, attractiveness, and desire on an emotional level in husbands and wives to promote emotional and not just physical closeness during sexual intimacy. The law of family purity is not intended to humiliate women or make them feel dirty, but rather it is clear that the menstrual cycle is a powerful gift from God, which serves to preserve the close and healthy relationship between husbands and wives, and to progress into the different phases of growth of a marriage.