In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Yom Kippur hefsek & moch
September 22, 2004

Question

I will probably have to do a hefsek taharah just before Yom Kippur ends. I am wondering if I am allowed to wash myself before the bedikah.

Also, I usually like to lie down while I have the moch dochuk inserted as I find it uncomfortable to walk around. However, being Yom Kippur I would like to be in shul. Is there any way I can get around this problem?

Thank you for your advice.

Answer

On Yom Kippur it is prohibited to come in contact with water for pleasure, but it is permitted to wash in a limited manner to remove dirt and maintain basic hygiene. Therefore, you may wash in preparation for the hefsek taharah. You should minimize your contact with water as much as possible – limit it to the vaginal area only, and to cleaning off your hands afterwards. As on Shabbat, you need to avoid wringing water from a cloth or using warm water from the tap. We follow the view that it would also be permissible to clean the area with a wet wipe.

In this specific scenario, you may omit the moch dachuk.

Gmar Chatima Tova!

This response was updated on 2 October, 2022.
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