Three Special Laws

The Alshich commented on the Midrash that described the candle that was extinguished when Sara died, and was rekindled when Yitzchak married Rivka.

Based on this story, he pointed out the uniqueness of the three special Mitzvot given to women. They were the lighting of candles on Shabbat and holidays, the separation of Challa, the dough used for baking bread, and Nidda, the laws pertaining to a woman during menstruation.

These three Mitzvot were also meant to bring some kind of atonement for Eve’s sin, that brought death to the world.

The Shabbat candles represented bringing a spiritual light to the world. Shabbat observers feel a different mood that envelops the Jewish home, when these candles are lit every Friday night.

The separation of Challa represented the ability to transform raw materials into a product that gives live. A Jewish woman painstakingly goes through numerous loving steps until her delicious Challa comes out of the oven.

The Nidda laws describe a certain rejuvenation. It is a kind of replacement of a life force. After her separation from her husband and her immersion in a Mikva, the couple feels this rejuvenation. They experience a monthly “honeymoon” when they are reunited.

The combination of these three laws given to women, brings a great spiritual charge to the world. They elevate to a level that is even higher than the level of Eve before her sin.

This is a deep Kabbalistic concept and difficult to understand. But we must trust that there is something magical about these special Mitzvot.