In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

Donate
Donate

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

After mikveh, doubts about cleaning piercings
November 16, 2015

Question

I went to the mikva on Thursday night and started to have doubts on Shabbos if I cleaned the holes of my pierced ears.

I have four piercings and do remember cleaning the first two, but I can't clearly remember cleaning the other two holes of my pierced ears.

Would this cause any issues with my tevilah?

Answer

Since you know you cleaned two of the holes, you can assume that you cleaned the outer part of your ear normally. This is sufficient and there is no need to immerse again even if you didn't clean the other two piercings thoroughly.

In general if a woman has doubts about her chafifah while still at the mikveh, she should clean the questionable areas and immerse again. However, once she has returned home, and especially if she and her husband have already had relations, many (but not all) chatzitzot are treated leniently and there is no need to reimmerse.

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

Related Q&A

» Fourth day hefsek to avoid Yom Tov mikveh

» Mikveh with impetigo and cellulitis

» Afternoon immersion erev Yom Tov

» Steri-strips after cancer surgery

» Tevilah on Shabbat after Yom Tov

» Mikveh second day Yom Tov in Israel

» Washing hair on 3-day Yom Tov

» Mikveh after three-day Yom Tov

» Immersion after colectomy with J-pouch

» Mikveh with No Shelter or Safe Room

View All Q&A

Facebook
WhatsApp
Email

Related Content

Barriers to Immersion (Chatzitzot)

Anything that impedes the mikveh waters from reaching any part of a woman’s body or hair may be considered a
Click Here

Mikveh Preparation (Chafifah)

Mikveh preparation includes bathing, combing hair, and removing chatzitzot. A woman can prepare at home or at the mikveh, and
Click Here

Nails and Mikveh

There is a strong custom to trim nails before mikveh. Accepted practice is also to immerse without nail polish. Some
Click Here

Hair and Mikveh

Ideally, water should be able to reach every surface of a woman’s body when she immerses, including her hair. The
Click Here

Mikveh, Cosmetics & Jewelry

Makeup and jewelry should generally be removed as part of mikveh preparation. It is often permissible to immerse with items
Click Here

Mikveh Checklist

Consult this checklist as you prepare for mikveh, or review it just before immersing.
Click Here

Mikveh Immersion (Tevilah)

Proper immersion in a mikveh requires that a woman's entire body, including all of her hair, must be submerged in
Click Here

The Mikveh Attendant

A mikveh attendant's primary halachic role is to confirm that a woman has fully immersed in the mikveh, including all
Click Here

After Mikveh Immersion

If a woman suspects a problem after immersion, she may or may not need to re-immerse, depending on the circumstances.
Click Here

Mikveh & Makeup on Shabbat & Yom Tov

Makeup should be removed before mikveh, and there are restrictions on applying makeup on Shabbat and Yom Tov. This can
Click Here

PODCAST: Clean Enough? Exploring the Necessity of Bathing in Mikveh Preparation

Click Here

Yoatzot Halacha: Answering Women’s Halachic Questions

Call the Golda Koschitzky Hotline

Ask a Yoetzet Through the Website

Consult with a Fertility Counselor

Locate a Yoetzet Halacha Near You

Appreciate Yoatzot Halacha?

Donate

Support our work & allow your donation to make a difference.