Hi Kathryn,
I have to pipe up over here.  I live in an Ultra Orthodox culture in Israel,
and I guess I would be labeled that myself in that we strictly follow Jewish
Law, ie learn the Talmud, etc.
First of all, it is strongly encouraged to BF for at least 24 months, and
for all this time a woman is considered a nursing mother, ie- special
leniency in Jewish law with fasting, certain religious issues, and in
general, how she is looked at in society.  This was/is considered by Jewish
law as the normal bonding time for her and her baby.   If she gets pregnant
before that, she does not have to stop, but does have a requirement to guard
her physical and emotional health- as a pregnant mother.  So if the Rabbi
felt it was taking too much out of her, or she was not managing- then he may
have advised her to stop.  But there is no law that she must.  I have nursed
through many a pregnancy without breaking any taboos.  The rabbi is there to
help her manage in her role as the best mother she can be, and feeling good,
being healthy, and being happy with her choices is important.  Bf is
definitely the norm and very important in Jewish law.  A woman even has
certain "rights" from her husband if she is BF- He must provide her with
better food, etc.
I believe that if a baby has weaned more than 48 hours and is over the age
of 24 months, then they cannot go back to it.  But I would have to check for
sure on that one.
The only other interesting tidbit is that it is not recommended  to BF
within half an hour of having sex with your husband.  Again, I don't think
this is  a law, just best recommendation- try to avoid it.

Jessica Billowitz, IBCLC
Israel

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