Delaying hefsek
22 May, 2005
Question:I realize that one should not delay mikvah after the 7 days, even in many extenuating circumstances. May one delay a hefsek taharah – thus indirectly delaying mikveh – in a case where a couple knows in advance that it will be difficult do go to mikveh 7 days later (long walk on shabbat, 3-day yom tov, etc.)? Or must one try to acheive a hefsek as soon as possible?
Answer:The reasons against delaying mikveh also apply to deliberately delaying a hefsek taharah. She is not going to the mikveh at earliest opportunity.
Additionally, sometimes seemingly extenuating circumstances change – a Shabbat away is canceled, a mikveh lady agrees to stay later, etc. If a woman delays her hefsek taharah, she forfeits the opportunity to take advantage of a change in circumstances.
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