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

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Not looking at whites

21 November, 2004

Question:

This is about the "not looking"/ignoring aspect of this site.

I was always taught to train myself not to look at toilet paper (esp when white). However, I have just learned that there are women who think they have been taught to ignore stains on white garments, such as the white crotch of tights, by "not looking". Does anyone permit this, or are they confused? Is this is a legitimate "shita"?

hanks!


Answer:

There is no obligation to look for stains on white garments except during the seven clean days (shivah neki'im). (There is never an obligation to look at toilet paper.)

However, a woman cannot disregard a stain that she has already found.  Since there are many circumstances where a stain would not render her niddah (e.g., size, color – see the article on stains for more details), a specific question should be asked about each stain until the details of these halachot are perfectly clear.


This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases. All health and health-related information contained within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with your health care professional. The advice is intended to offer a basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider but not individual advice. Although every effort is made to ensure that the material within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is accurate and timely, it is provided for the convenience of the Web site user but should not be considered official. Advice for actual medical practice should be obtained from a licensed health care professional.

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