Mikveh immersion with a physical disability

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January 16, 2009

Question

Is a woman who is physically disabled exempt from immersing in the mikveh? What happens if she cannot visit a mikveh that is handicapped accessible? Would she be still obligated to immerse, but with assistance from another woman? What happens if physical assistance from another person is not possible?

Any textual basis/support for your response would be much appreciated, too. Thank you so much.

Answer

There is no exemption from mikveh immersion for a physically disabled woman.

Some mikvaot have been designed to be accessible to women with disabilities, incorporating devices such as hydraulic lifts. If such a feature would be of use, please write again with the woman's location. We can track down the one closest to her.

Alternatively, a woman can arrange to have the mikveh attendant (or a friend) hold her during immersion. The attendant should dip her hands in the mikveh prior to her immersion and hold the disabled woman loosely enough for water to penetrate her grasp. It would also be possible for two women to hold her under these conditions. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 198:28 and the commentators there.)

Another possibility would be for the disabled woman to hold on to an underwater handle or railing, again in such a way that water can penetrate her grasp, or even to sit on one of the mikveh's lower steps. (See Shiurei Shevet Halevi p. 347.)

If none of the above suggestions resolve the situation, we suggest writing back to us or contacting your local mikveh to find out how they may accommodate your needs.

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