Early afternoon preparation - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Early afternoon preparation

October 29, 2015

Question

We commute our children to a school which is one hour away from us and use the Mikvah there too. Usually we bring our children home, feed them, put them to bed, and then go back there in the evening to use the Mikvah. This time it might be more convenient to just stay there after we pick up the children since nightfall is one hour later (5:35).

My question is this. Can I do the chafifa so early? Meaning starting at 1:30 ? Is that too big of a break in between? I know you are supposed to go straight from the preparations to the Mikvah. Can I do that anyhow? Can I drink in between?

Answer

Yes, although the preference is to complete preparations closer to immersion, if need be you can do your chafifah early.

To the extent possible, try to avoid anything that might get you dirty and be difficult to clean off. You should avoid eating until after immersion, but drinking is permitted. When you arrive at the mikveh, you should rinse off in the shower, rinse out your mouth, comb your hair, and visually inspect yourself just prior to immersion.

Please write back with any further questions.