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

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Dunking once to alleviate anxiety

3 September, 2014
Question:

Is there basis for only dunking once in the mikveh? I know the general custom is to dunk at least twice, but I experience a lot of anxiety prior to tvilah and I find that dunking only once calms my anxiety somewhat beforehand.


Answer:

Yes, the basic halacha is that a single immersion in the mikveh makes a woman tehorah. Ashkenazi women have the custom to dunk twice, but, in extenuating circumstances such as your situation, a single immersion is permissible.

When dunking only once, you should recite the bracha before immersing.

Please write back with any further questions.

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