Half-hour bath? - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Half-hour bath?

March 20, 2007

Question

Is it really necessary to spend 30 minutes in a tub before going to the mikveh? For someone who wears no makeup, nail polish, etc and who showers daily, it seems like an awfully long time… especially considering that a shower follows. This becomes a bigger problem in the winter when hot water runs low and the bath water cools fast.

Answer

It is not obligatory to spend half an hour in the bath. You should bathe for as long as necessary to soften any scabs and ensure your skin is clean. When a bath is not available, a long shower is sufficient in preparation for immersion.

The key is to make sure that you have done a thorough job of chafifah. This means ensuring that all dirt and foreign objects are removed, that warm water has gotten to all folds and crevices, and that your hair has been washed with warm water and thoroughly combed.