Missed sh’kiah by a few minutes
6 October, 2016
Question:I almost forgot to do my hefsek taharah this evening, and remembered at 16:59, I live in Modiin and from where I checked shekiah was at 16:53. Is there any way my hefsek can still be counted so I don't need to wait an extra day?
Answer:Usually, a hefsek taharah performed after sh'kiah only counts for the next day (for example a hefsek taharah on Wednesday evening after sh'kiah would be valid for Thursday but not for Wednesday). In cases in which the timing is very close, such as yours, there may be room for leniency when there is a major extenuating factor, such as fertility or shalom bayit issues.
Additionally, if a bedikah is performed on the morning before a planned hefsek taharah, it usually can count after the fact as a hefsek taharah for that day. In some cases, using a tampon or something similar might also have halachic weight.
In fact, we recommend that women perform a bedikah on the morning before a planned hefsek taharah, in order to have a fall back option in situations such as these.
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