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Preparing for the Mikveh: Difference between revisions
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# The practice is for the woman to take a hot bath to accomplish this cleaning, though if a women couldn't take a bath but could take a shower that is sufficient.<Ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:17</ref> | # The practice is for the woman to take a hot bath to accomplish this cleaning, though if a women couldn't take a bath but could take a shower that is sufficient.<Ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:17</ref> | ||
===Timing=== | ===Timing=== | ||
# Initially a woman should do her washing immediately prior to going to the mikveh. A proper minhag is that a woman start her washing for the mikveh at the end of the day and continue into the night until she goes to the mikveh. <ref>Shulchan Aruch YD 199:3. | # Initially a woman should do her washing immediately<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:38 writes that initially she should do the preparations at night right before tevilah as close as possible. However, after the fact if she couldn't go to the mikveh a few hours later that night she doesn't need to the preparations again. Taharat Habayit (v. 3 p. 246) quotes some who say that within 3 hours is sufficiently close. </ref> prior to going to the mikveh.<ref> A proper minhag is that a woman start her washing for the mikveh at the end of the day and continue into the night until she goes to the mikveh. <ref>Shulchan Aruch YD 199:3. | ||
* Rashi 68a s.v. vetamah and s.v. ha lo efshar (according to the Bach’s emendation) explains that it is always better to do the washing prior to the tevilah during the day so that the woman isn’t a rush to finish the washing to be able to return home quickly. When it is impossible to do the washing during the day prior to the tevilah such as if the tevilah night is Motzei Shabbat and it is forbidden to do the washing on Shabbat, then the washing is done on Friday afternoon. The Rosh (Mikvaot no. 37) favors Rashi’s explanation. | * Rashi 68a s.v. vetamah and s.v. ha lo efshar (according to the Bach’s emendation) explains that it is always better to do the washing prior to the tevilah during the day so that the woman isn’t a rush to finish the washing to be able to return home quickly. When it is impossible to do the washing during the day prior to the tevilah such as if the tevilah night is Motzei Shabbat and it is forbidden to do the washing on Shabbat, then the washing is done on Friday afternoon. The Rosh (Mikvaot no. 37) favors Rashi’s explanation. | ||
* The Shiltot (Tzav, cited by Tosfot 68a s.v. kach) argues that it is always better to do the washing at night immediately prior to the tevilah. When it is impossible to do the washing during the night such as if the tevilah night is Friday night then the washing done during the day. The Rashba ([http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=9381&st=&pgnum=400 Torat Habayit Hakatzar 30b]), Rambam (Mikvaot 2:16), and Rif according to the Ran (Shavuot 7a s.v. lo) agree with the Shiltot. The Shulchan Aruch YD 199:3 rules like the Shiltot. </ref> In cases of extenuating circumstances it is permitted to do the washing before going to the mikveh entirely during the day or entirely at night.<ref>Rama YD 199:3</ref> In such cases a person should consult a rabbi. | * The Shiltot (Tzav, cited by Tosfot 68a s.v. kach) argues that it is always better to do the washing at night immediately prior to the tevilah. When it is impossible to do the washing during the night such as if the tevilah night is Friday night then the washing done during the day. The Rashba ([http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=9381&st=&pgnum=400 Torat Habayit Hakatzar 30b]), Rambam (Mikvaot 2:16), and Rif according to the Ran (Shavuot 7a s.v. lo) agree with the Shiltot. The Shulchan Aruch YD 199:3 rules like the Shiltot. </ref> A proper practice is for a woman to take the comb with her to the mikveh so that she can comb her hair until she goes into the mikveh.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 199:4, Taharat Habayit (v. 3 p. 246)</ref> | ||
# In cases of extenuating circumstances it is permitted to do the washing before going to the mikveh entirely during the day or entirely at night.<ref>Rama YD 199:3. The Taharat Habayit (v. 3 p. 249) writes that it is permitted to do all of the preparations at night even if it is a personal extenuating circumstance such as if she has older children who will find out if she does her preparations during the day.</ref> In such cases a person should consult a rabbi. | |||
====Friday Night==== | ====Friday Night==== | ||
# The tevilah night is Friday night the washing and preparation should be done on Friday afternoon<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:62 adds that the preparations should be done before sunset but leaving herself enough time to light the candles.</ref> and completed before sunset.<ref>Shulchan Aruch YD 199:5, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 160:5. According to the Shiltot (see Tosfot Niddah 68a s.v. kach), this is the case of the gemara where it is impossible to do the tevilah by night and so it is done during the day. According to Rashi the preparation are always done during the day.</ref> Nonetheless, between doing the preparation and the tevilah the woman shouldn't be involved in anything that will cause a chasisa such as touching something sticky.<ref>Taz 199:8</ref> Immediately before the tevilah on Shabbat the woman should wash her concealed areas with water that was warmed before Shabbat, clean in between her teeth, and check herself.<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:61 based on Shulchan Aruch YD 199:6</reF> Some say that she shouldn't eat between the preparations for tevilah and tevilah.<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:62 based on Sidrei Tahara 198:48. [http://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/864207/rabbi-mordechai-i-willig/niddah-shiur-20-chafifah-continued-/ Rabbi Willig (Niddah Shiur 20, min 2-15)], however, is lenient if the couple made early Shabbat to eat the meal between the preparations and the tevilah. Even Badei Hashulchan (Biurim 199:6 s.v. tachuf) is willing to be lenient if she's eating with guests or is a guests and she'll be very embarrassed if she doesn't eat.</ref> | # The tevilah night is Friday night the washing and preparation should be done on Friday afternoon<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:62 adds that the preparations should be done before sunset but leaving herself enough time to light the candles.</ref> and completed before sunset.<ref>Shulchan Aruch YD 199:5, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 160:5. According to the Shiltot (see Tosfot Niddah 68a s.v. kach), this is the case of the gemara where it is impossible to do the tevilah by night and so it is done during the day. According to Rashi the preparation are always done during the day.</ref> Nonetheless, between doing the preparation and the tevilah the woman shouldn't be involved in anything that will cause a chasisa such as touching something sticky.<ref>Taz 199:8</ref> Immediately before the tevilah on Shabbat the woman should wash her concealed areas with water that was warmed before Shabbat, clean in between her teeth, and check herself.<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:61 based on Shulchan Aruch YD 199:6</reF> Some say that she shouldn't eat between the preparations for tevilah and tevilah.<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:62 based on Sidrei Tahara 198:48. [http://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/864207/rabbi-mordechai-i-willig/niddah-shiur-20-chafifah-continued-/ Rabbi Willig (Niddah Shiur 20, min 2-15)], however, is lenient if the couple made early Shabbat to eat the meal between the preparations and the tevilah. Even Badei Hashulchan (Biurim 199:6 s.v. tachuf) is willing to be lenient if she's eating with guests or is a guests and she'll be very embarrassed if she doesn't eat.</ref> | ||
## If a woman's tevilah night is Friday night she should light candles after doing the preparations for tevilah and then go to the mikveh. If that's not possible, she should light earlier with a stipulation that she isn't accepting Shabbat and then do the preparations and go to the mikveh.<Ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 160:5</ref> | ## If a woman's tevilah night is Friday night she should light candles after doing the preparations for tevilah and then go to the mikveh. If that's not possible, she should light earlier with a stipulation that she isn't accepting Shabbat and then do the preparations and go to the mikveh.<Ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 160:5</ref> | ||
# If Friday day is a Yom Tov and the tevilah night is Friday night then the preparations and checking should be done before Yom Tov. The woman should | # If Friday day is a Yom Tov and the tevilah night is Friday night then the preparations and checking should be done before Yom Tov. The woman should tie her hair so that it doesn't get tangled over Yom Tov before the tevilah.<ref>Shulchan Aruch YD 199:6. According to Rashi and the Shiltot (see Tosfot Niddah 68a) this is a situation when it is impossible to have the preparations right before the tevilah and so the tevilah is done beforehand in accordance with Rav Chisda (Niddah 67b). Even though Shulchan Aruch only requires preparing (chafifa) for the tevilah before Yom Tov, the Shach 199:11 also requires checking together with the preparations. </ref> Additionally, in between the preparations and the tevilah if it is possible to avoid touching sticky items one should do so and if not, one should wash one's hands immediately afterwards.<Ref>Tur and Rama 199:6. The Bet Yosef argues that this is an unnecessary stringency and therefore he omits it from the Shulchan Aruch. He proves contention from the Ran and Rashba that in such a case the most critical element is the checking which is done right before the tevilah. The Taz 199:10 explains that the reason we are careful to avoid a chasisa is between the preparations for the tevilah are done before Yom Tov far in advance of the tevilah.</ref> Lastly, on Yom Tov on Friday afternoon the woman should wash her concealed parts with warm water even that which was heated on Yom Tov and check herself right before the tevilah.<ref>Tur and Shulchan Aruch 199:6.</ref> | ||
====Saturday Night==== | ====Saturday Night==== | ||
# If a woman's tevilah night is Saturday night according to Sephardim the preparations for the tevilah should take place on Saturday night.<ref>Shulchan Aruch YD 199:4. According to the Shiltot (see Tosfot Niddah 68a s.v. kach) the gemara Niddah 68a states that whenever possible the preparation for the tevilah should be at night immediately prior to the tevilah. Additionally, according to Rashi (with the emendation of the Bach) the gemara Niddah 68a says that if it is impossible to do the preparation during the day such as if the tevilah night is Saturday night the preparations should take place at night. The Tur and Shulchan Aruch YD 199:4 therefore write that the preparations should be on Saturday night. </ref> According to Ashkenazim, the preparation should also take place on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday night.<ref>The Tur 199:4 writes that although the preparations could happen on Saturday night a proper practice is to prepare on Friday and again on Saturday night. The Bet Yosef 199:4 questions why it is a good practice if according to all opinions the gemara warrants doing it at night. The Rama YD 199:4 quotes this practice. | # If a woman's tevilah night is Saturday night according to Sephardim the preparations for the tevilah should take place on Saturday night.<ref>Shulchan Aruch YD 199:4. According to the Shiltot (see Tosfot Niddah 68a s.v. kach) the gemara Niddah 68a states that whenever possible the preparation for the tevilah should be at night immediately prior to the tevilah. Additionally, according to Rashi (with the emendation of the Bach) the gemara Niddah 68a says that if it is impossible to do the preparation during the day such as if the tevilah night is Saturday night the preparations should take place at night. The Tur and Shulchan Aruch YD 199:4 therefore write that the preparations should be on Saturday night. Taharat Habayit (v. 3 p. 246) writes that Sephardim do not accept the practice to prepare on Friday also.</ref> According to Ashkenazim, the preparation should also take place on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday night.<ref>The Tur 199:4 writes that although the preparations could happen on Saturday night a proper practice is to prepare on Friday and again on Saturday night. The Bet Yosef 199:4 questions why it is a good practice if according to all opinions the gemara warrants doing it at night. The Rama YD 199:4 quotes this practice. | ||
* The Shach 199:6 has an alternate explanation of the gemara and Rashi. According to the Shach, the preparations should always be done during the day even if it is impossible to do it during the day immediately prior to the tevilah, though if it is impossible to do the tevilah during the day immediately prior to the tevilah, such as if the tevilah night is Saturday night, the preparations should be done both during the Friday day and Saturday night. According to the Shach 199:9 this practice isn't just a stringency it is required. The Shiurei Tahara 199:14 validates the idea of the Shach regarding the Saturday night tevilah night but is very skeptical of his extension to every case that preparation is necessary during the day even when the tevilah isn't for another 3 days. | * The Shach 199:6 has an alternate explanation of the gemara and Rashi. According to the Shach, the preparations should always be done during the day even if it is impossible to do it during the day immediately prior to the tevilah, though if it is impossible to do the tevilah during the day immediately prior to the tevilah, such as if the tevilah night is Saturday night, the preparations should be done both during the Friday day and Saturday night. According to the Shach 199:9 this practice isn't just a stringency it is required. The Shiurei Tahara 199:14 validates the idea of the Shach regarding the Saturday night tevilah night but is very skeptical of his extension to every case that preparation is necessary during the day even when the tevilah isn't for another 3 days. | ||
* The Levush 199:4 has another explanation for the practice. Once the preparations are done before Shabbat and she was careful about chasisot on Shabbat the preparations on Saturday night will be much quicker and there won't be a concern that she'll rush and do an improper job. | * The Levush 199:4 has another explanation for the practice. Once the preparations are done before Shabbat and she was careful about chasisot on Shabbat the preparations on Saturday night will be much quicker and there won't be a concern that she'll rush and do an improper job. | ||
| Line 67: | Line 68: | ||
* The Rama 199:4 writes that the preparations on Saturday night only include a little combing, but the Taz 199:7 and Badei Hashulchan 199:59 explain that once it is done before Shabbat the combing will go quicker.</ref> | * The Rama 199:4 writes that the preparations on Saturday night only include a little combing, but the Taz 199:7 and Badei Hashulchan 199:59 explain that once it is done before Shabbat the combing will go quicker.</ref> | ||
====Unique Cases==== | ====Unique Cases==== | ||
# In all of the following cases the preparations are separated from the tevilah and as such if possible the woman should be careful not to touch anything sticky and if she does touch something sticky she should wash her hands immediately. Additionally, the preparations should include her tying up her hair<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:72 adds that she can do anything to prevent her hair from getting tangled.</ref> so that it doesn't get tangled before the tevilah.<ref>Rama 199:6, Shach 199:10</ref> | # In all of the following cases the preparations are separated from the tevilah and as such if possible the woman should be careful not to touch anything sticky and if she does touch something sticky she should wash her hands immediately. Additionally, the preparations should include her tying up her hair<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:72 adds that she can do anything to prevent her hair from getting tangled.</ref> so that it doesn't get tangled before the tevilah.<ref>Rama 199:6, Shach 199:10, Taharat Habayit v. 3, p. 249-251</ref></ref> | ||
# If Saturday night is a Yom Tov and the tevilah night is Saturday night the preparations and checking for tevilah should be done on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday night she should wash her concealed areas with warm water heated up on Yom Tov<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:84 clarifies that if she doesn't have warm water, she could use cold water.</ref>, clean in between her teeth, and check herself.<ref>Shulchan Aruch YD 199:6. Shach 199:11 holds that she should also check herself when she prepares on Friday afternoon. Badei Hashulchan 199:67 clarifies that the preparations don't have to be done right before sunset on Friday since anyway the tevilah isn't for another day.</ref> | # If Saturday night is a Yom Tov and the tevilah night is Saturday night the preparations and checking for tevilah should be done on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday night she should wash her concealed areas with warm water heated up on Yom Tov<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:84 clarifies that if she doesn't have warm water, she could use cold water.</ref>, clean in between her teeth, and check herself.<ref>Shulchan Aruch YD 199:6. Shach 199:11 holds that she should also check herself when she prepares on Friday afternoon. Badei Hashulchan 199:67 clarifies that the preparations don't have to be done right before sunset on Friday since anyway the tevilah isn't for another day.</ref> | ||
# If her tevilah night is after a one or two day Yom Tov she should prepare before Yom Tov and also the night of the tevilah.<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:58 and 199:60 based on Sidrei Tahara</ref> | # If her tevilah night is after a one or two day Yom Tov she should prepare before Yom Tov and also the night of the tevilah.<ref>Badei Hashulchan 199:58 and 199:60 based on Sidrei Tahara</ref> | ||
