Seder 84: Lev 12---Ritual Impurity after Childbirth

After an Israelite mother gave birth, she went through a short time of ritual impurity, similar to that associated with menstruation (Lev 15:19-24).  During that time those who touched her would pick up a minor ritual impurity.  After that there was a longer time (33 days after the birth of a son, 66 after the birth of a daughter) when the mother could not go to the tabernacle or temple but faced no other restrictions.

At the conclusion of her ritual impurity, the mother would give a burnt offering---expressing gratitude, dedication to God, and prayer for the child's protection---followed by a purification offering that restored her to  fellowship with the congregation.  

I have mentioned previously that all of the sources of ritual impurity are connected in some way with death.  How is the birth of a baby related to death?

One connection to death was the loss of blood.  Also, in the ancient world the time of birth was a dangerous time for the mother and child, with both of their lives hanging in the balance.  

The period of impurity was a quiet time for the mother and baby, a time for them to recover and be free from public responsibilities. 

Why was the length of time of ritual impurity different for daughters than for sons?  Several ideas have been proposed, including:  

• There was a widespread belief in the past that a mother tended to lose more blood at the birth of a girl.  There is no proof, however, that such a thing is true. 
• The book of Jubilees (2nd century BC) says that the reason for the different lengths of time goes back to creation (3:8-14).  Jubilees claims that Adam was created during the first week and was allowed in the Garden of Eden after a total of 40 days, while Eve was created in the second week and was allowed in the Garden of Eden after a total of 80 days.  
• Some claim that a female baby might also bleed, and the time is doubled for that reason.
• Some say that with a female baby, there is more potential future life at stake, calling for extra care and protection for the mother and baby.

Whatever the reason, the time of ritual impurity was not some kind of punishment.