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Section - Question 11.2.2: Sex and Purity: Can a Jewish man only
uncover his wife a hands-breadth?  ( Single Page )  Previous
Document: Question 11.2.1: Sex and Purity: What's this I've
heard about a hole in a sheet? Next Document: Question 11.2.3:
Sex and Purity: What is a "mikveh"?     This "legend" is derived
from a one of several conflicting    interpretations of what was
said about Rabbi Eliezer ben Horkanos in    Nedarim 20a,b. It
runs as follws:      "Ima Shalom [R. Eliezer's wife] was asked
why her children were so      very good-looking. She told them "
` ... and when he speaks to      [Rashi: copulates with] me, he
uncovers a handsbreadth and covers a      handsbreadth and he
seems to be coerced by a demon."    The conflicting
interpretations are as follows:      * Rashi (ad loc.).
Handsbreadth: of her clothing. Seems to be        coerced by a
demon: Comes upon her powerfully, as if a demon were
coercing him. However, some say that he