Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Daytime immersion before wedding

4 January, 2011
Question:

Hi: I'm originally from Venezuela and live in Israel. I'm getting married in a couple of months and have heard that here in Israel people go to the Mikveh only at night, as opposed to my country where before the wedding they go during the day. Is it true that you're only allowed to go at night? Why? Are there any exceptions?


Answer:

Mazal tov on your upcoming wedding!

In general, mikveh immersion is permissible only at night.  Mikveh immersion during the day on day seven of the clean days could be invalidated by bleeding before nightfall and thus is prohibited.  Immersion on day eight or later could give the impression that immersion is permissible on day seven during the day; it is thus prohibited by rabbinic decree except for special circumstances. 

There is a special exception made for brides, who are permitted to immerse during the day.  In Israel, common custom is for brides to immerse at night like other women.  If you strongly prefer a daytime immersion prior to your wedding, you may be able to arrange this with the mikveh in advance.

Please get back to us if we can be of further assistance.

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