In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

Donate
Donate

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

I’m becoming more observant – is my tattoo a chatzitzah?
September 10, 2004

Question

Prior to my interest in Judaism, I had a small butterfly tattooed on my foot.

Now I am deepening my practice of Judaism and want to start observing niddah and begin going to the mikvah. Is the tattoo considered a barrier? Must I have it surgically removed prior to beginning mikvah?

What are your thoughts? Thank you for your web site. It has been very helpful!

Answer

As the tattoo is a permanent part of your body, it does not constitute a barrier to using the mikveh. There is no need to have it removed surgically for this reason.

Related Q&A

» 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

» OCD, body image, and checking before mikveh

» Removing loose hairs before mikveh

» Immersion with worm infection

» Silver nitrate stains a chatzitzah?

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 & 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.