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

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Corona: Mikveh Erev Yom Kippur

22 September, 2020
Question:

For many years, I have been immersing in the mikveh on Erev Yom Kippur. It’s one of the spiritual highlights for me of the whole Yamim Nora’im. What should I do this year with Corona?


Answer:

With Corona rates still high in many communities, we cannot recommend immersion for spiritual purposes, such as for teshuvah on Erev Yom Kippur.

Mikveh for women following niddah is a high priority because it’s a halachic requirement. It can also be done safely by taking a number of precautions. These are less feasible when many women immerse within the same time-frame, as on Erev Yom Kippur.

Since refraining from immersion this year isn’t a personal choice, there is no need for hatarat nedarim (an annulment of vows typically associated with diverging from one’s customary practice). We hope you are able to experience a meaningful Yom Kippur nevertheless.

Yom Kippur 5782: Mikveh immersion Erev Yom Kippur depends on the Corona situation in your area, and on local health department policy.

Gemar chatimah tovah!

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