Holiness in Child Bearing

The discussion of child bearing in the Parsha is a very complex subject. On the one hand, there is so much Kedusha in bringing a child into the world. Parents are considered partners with Hashem in creation. But, on the other hand, the new mother has created a state of impurity upon herself by giving birth.

Some say this טומאה is connected to certain negative declarations the woman might make. She might even swear that she will never want to have another child and have to endure such pain. Later she regrets having made such statements.

Others say that she needs to be separated for a time, because the act of childbirth is a very physical act where it is difficult to think of spirituality at a time of discomfort. She needs a time to get her bearings and get back on track.

As believing Jews, we are meant to try to elevate even the mundane act and bring Kedusha to everything we do. Even from the time of conception, the thoughts of the couple have a big effect on the child they bring into the world.

The אור החיים הקדוש says that this is how we explain that the great King חזקיהו fathered two evil sons. He was married to the daughter of a prophet. Yet, she is blamed for having improper children because of improper thoughts at the time of conception.

The lesson of the Parsha is that we should make a concerted effort to bring קדושה into every act that we do. Shabbat Shalom

Yesterday was sixteen with ספירת העומר