Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Mikveh on Rosh HaShanah

16 December, 2010

Question:

According to my calendar, I will need to go to the Mikvah on the first night of Rosh Hashana. Is it permissible for me to immerse and have relations with my husband on that night? Thank you very much.


Answer:

There is a custom to avoid marital relations on Rosh HaShanah, in keeping with the awesome nature of the holy days, and since these days are best spent in prayer and repentance. However, this is a custom, and not a halachic requirement, and therefore relations are usually permitted when mikveh night falls on Rosh HaShanah, and particularly if the couple has not yet fulfilled the mitzvah of Pru U'rvu (procreation), which entails having one boy and one girl.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions. 


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