Corona: Mikveh Erev Yom Kippur - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Corona: Mikveh Erev Yom Kippur

September 14, 2020

Question

For many years, I have been immersing in the mikveh on Erev Yom Kippur. It’s one of the spiritual highlights for me of the whole Yamim Nora’im. What should I do this year with Corona?

Answer

With Corona rates still high in many communities, we cannot recommend immersion for spiritual purposes, such as for teshuvah on Erev Yom Kippur.

Mikveh for women following niddah is a high priority because it’s a halachic requirement. It can also be done safely by taking a number of precautions. These are less feasible when many women immerse within the same time-frame, as on Erev Yom Kippur.

Since refraining from immersion this year isn’t a personal choice, there is no need for hatarat nedarim (an annulment of vows typically associated with diverging from one’s customary practice). We hope you are able to experience a meaningful Yom Kippur nevertheless.

Yom Kippur 5782: Mikveh immersion Erev Yom Kippur depends on the Corona situation in your area, and on local health department policy.

Gemar chatimah tovah!