Cartilage piercing a chatzitzah? - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Cartilage piercing a chatzitzah?

July 17, 2009

Question

Is a cartilage piercing (it is a small post ring that does not press up against my ear) that I never take out as it is incredibly painful and causes infection every time I remove it considered a chatzitzah?

Thanks so much and Shabbat Shalom.

Answer

It is permissible to immerse with permanent jewelry such as a post ring, if it cannot be easily removed, and you wish to keep the ring in place.

Make sure to clean the area around the ring well prior to immersion. If it is not painful, try to loosen the ring before immersing and to rotate it slightly under the water, so that it is not stuck in one place when you immerse.

This response was updated on 7 December, 2025.