Our Gemara on Amud Beis expressed a belief about physiology which was prevalent in the ancient world. It is not simply a coincidence that menstruation stops in pregnancy and then remains in abeyance during the period of nursing. Rather, in some fundamental way, the physiological elements of blood are transformed into breastmilk.
The Mystics see the hand of God in everything and can interpret nature the same way a verse can be interpreted. Therefore the idea that blood somehow transforms into milk is meaningful in spiritual dimensions as well. Be’er Mayim Chaim (Bereishis 12:1) explains how everything in this world, even something that appears to be evil, obviously has godly sparks in it. This is the idea that the blood can be converted to milk. The blood, which represents lustful, physical, more earthy things, can be converted into loving, nurturing, and creative potential, which is breast milk. As one powerful example he explains that Terach, Avraham’s father, was a charismatic man of influence and kindness—though for the dark side. He encouraged and sold paganism. That spark of social influence and power was a valuable trait, but misdirected. It finally emerged in a wholesome way in Avraham’s personality, but was latent within the collective unconscious of his people.
The Gemara Sanhedrin (96a) discusses the merit that Nebuchadnezzar earned for showing honor to Hashem, eventually becoming an emperor and conquering much of the world, including the Jewish Temple: Nebuchadnezzar was the scribe of Baladan, and at that time he was not present. When he arrived, he asked the other scribes: “How did you write the king’s message?” They replied, “We wrote this: ‘Greetings to King Hezekiah, greetings to the city of Jerusalem, and greetings to the great God, as we were commanded.’” Nebuchadnezzar said to them: “You called Him ‘the great God’ and placed Him last in the list of greetings? No, write this instead: ‘Greetings to the great God, greetings to the city of Jerusalem, and greetings to King Hezekiah.’”
There is a similar teaching about another Gentile king, Eglon, who stood up when Ehud announced he had a “gift” from God (which turned out to be a sword that would later impale him) in Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 14:7): When Ehud entered, he said, “I have a message from God for you.” Eglon rose from his seat (Judg. 3:20). The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: “You honored Me by rising from your throne; be assured, I will cause your daughter to bear a son who will sit on My throne.” This refers to Ruth the Moabitess, from whom Solomon descended. Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king (I Chron. 29:23).
Aggadic teachings such as these can be interpreted simply as actual rewards granted by a cosmic scorekeeper. However, I believe these stories illustrate unconscious attitudes and actions that convey deeply held values, often transmitted across generations. The instinct to rise and honor a recognized deity reflects an ethos of dignity and humility, imparting these qualities to those who observe, particularly children and mentees. Upon reflection, we may recall the way a parent or grandparent prayed, held a lulav, responded to someone in distress, or interacted with an authority figure, as well as how they handled frustration. These everyday actions convey a treasure trove of non-verbal values—empathy, humility, respect, candor, and more. It is important to remember that much of what our children, and even generations to come, learn from us comes not from our words, but from these silent teachings.
sponsored by https://empowermentaftertrauma.com/
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
Free resource for couples/families:
The Chosson and Kallah Shmooze You Wish You Had But Never Got
Over 80 lectures on heathy communication, marriage and sexuality from a Torah perspective Click here
If you liked this, you might enjoy my Relationship Communications Guide. Click on the link above.
Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com