Yom Kippur hefsek

I will probably have to do a hefsek taharah before night fall this shabbos ie, just before yom kippur ends. I am wondering if I am allowed to wash myself before the bedikah.

Also, I usually like to lie down while I have the moch dochuk inserted as I find it uncomfortable to walk around. However, being yom kippur I would like to be in shule. Is there any way I can get around this problem?

Thank you for your advice.

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question.

On Yom Kippur it is prohibited to come in contact with water for pleasure, but it is permitted to wash oneself minimally in order to get rid of dirt. Therefore, it is permitted to wash in preparation for the hefsek taharah. You should minimize your contact with water as much as possible - limit it to the vaginal area only. As on Shabbat, you need to avoid wringing water from a cloth or using warm water from the tap.

As for the moch, usually women feel uncomfortable because it feels like it's sliding out. The deeper it is inserted, the more comfortable it should be. Limit the time that it is inside to the minimum - 18 minutes from sunset until tzet hakochavim. In shul you could sit rather than stand (which will probably go unnoticed, since many people don't feel great towards the end of the fast).

Good Luck and Gmar Chatima Tova.

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