> >Leviticus 12 shows the Biblical origins of churching, and refers clearly to >the purification of women after childbirth. Here's the Revised Standard >Version. > "Say to the people of Israel, If a woman conceives, and bears a male >child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as at the time of her >menstruation, she shall be unclean. > 3 > And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. > 4 > Then she shall continue for thirty-three days in the blood of her >purifying; she shall not touch any hallowed thing, nor come into the >sanctuary, until the days of her purifying are completed. > 5 > But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as >in her menstruation; and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying >for sixty-six days. > 6 > "And when the days of her purifying are completed, whether for a son or >for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the door of the tent of >meeting a lamb a year old for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a >turtledove for a sin offering , I know we shouldn't judge the past with the eyes of the present, and I knew the thrust of this 'law' (and the Mikvah) but seeing it set out in detail does bring you up short. I wonder if there was a similar ceremony for the man? Doubt it, somehow. > 7 > and he shall offer it before the LORD, and make atonement for her; -- Eve McLaughlin Author of the McLaughlin Guides for family historians Secretary Bucks Genealogical Society
<<I know we shouldn't judge the past with the eyes of the present, and I knew the thrust of this 'law' (and the Mikvah) but seeing it set out in detail does bring you up short. I wonder if there was a similar ceremony for the man? Doubt it, somehow>> Still observed by the strictly orthodox observant who derive spiritual uplift and personal integrity from following unbroken ancient tradition (not the sacrificing of course, because that ceased with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, but the keeping apart and ritual immersion). And no, it does not apply to men: they do not menstruate or give birth. SANDRA LOVEGROVE Researching LOVEGROVEs in all places and at all times. Please do visit the LOVEGROVE Information Centre on http://www.lovegrove.org.uk