Women's Immersion on the Eve of Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur

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Question

The custom of women immersing on the eve of Yom Kippur, does it still exist today? Can a woman whose mother did not practice this custom do so? What is the practical ruling for a woman who was intimate within three days, should she wash that area? What preparations should be observed and what should be emphasized? Thank you very much.

Answer

Shalom and blessings

A. Some still practice this custom today.

B. She can observe it herself.

C. She should wash herself.

D. Initially, one should remove any barriers that might impede the immersion.

See the sources I brought, the words of our teacher, the Gaon, Rabbi Ovadia Fried, shlita, on this matter.

Source

Azmera Leshimcha 304

20. It is a mitzvah to immerse on the eve of Yom Kippur. And one who finds immersion difficult may wash with nine kavim of water (the rules of washing will be explained in branch 54 of the Beit Horaah line). Initially, one should observe the laws of barriers in this immersion, so it is good to clean one's teeth, trim nails, etc., before immersion. However, even if there is a barrier, it does not prevent (see in She'elot u-Teshuvot, question 21).

21. Some say one should immerse three times.

22. Women's immersion – some practice it, and some do not. Even women who practice it, it is said they should not immerse during the seven clean days, and also unmarried women should not immerse.

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