Washing before hefsek

I did not have time to wash myself before doing my hefsek taharah. Is the hefsek valid?

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question.

The custom to wash oneself prior to a hefsek was instituted to benefit the woman, so that she wouldn't find any old blood or stains during the seven clean days and need to start again. The custom should be followed if at all possible. However, the hefsek is not invalidated where it is forgotten or even when knowingly omitted. 

This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases.

If you have further questions or comments about this email, please click here to Ask the Yoetzet.

The Nishmat Women's Health and Halacha is a public service of Nishmat, The Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women. This project and others like it are made possible by contributions from people like you. If you have benefitted from the service, and wish to enable us to help others, click here to donate.