In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Keeping days 30 & 31 as onah beinonit
June 10, 2005

Question

Since I got married, I have always observed the days 30 and 31 as the onah beinonit, but recently heard that this is not halachically required. Could you advise me on this question?

Answer

There are a variety of customs with respect to the Onah Beinonit.
Most authorities hold that the onah beinonit falls on the thirtieth day from the beginning of a woman's last menstrual period. The first day of her period is day one, and the onah beinonit is day thirty. Some authorities maintain that the onah beinonit falls on the thirty-first day from the beginning of a woman's last period. Therefore, some women have the custom to observe both the thirtieth and thirty-first days as onot perishah. Additionally, some women observe onah beinonit for a full 24 hours, from sunset to sunset, of whatever Hebrew date the onah beinonit falls on.
Since this is a matter of custom, we recommend that you or your husband contact your rabbi for his position on this issue. Generally, a hatarat nedarim would be required for such a change, as changing this custom is not automatically permitted.

Yoatzot Halacha: Answering Women’s Halachic Questions

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