Immersing in a Mikveh on Erev Shabbos
Shulchan Aruch rules that it is a mitzvah for both men and women to wash their entire body with hot water in preparation for Shabbos. In addition, there is a widespread custom for men to immerse themselves in a mikveh, so as to enter the Shabbos in an enhanced state of purity. While this custom is not mentioned in the Talmud or the Rishonim and is not a halachic obligation, it is recorded in the Zohar and by the Arizal, and is quoted by many of the later poskim including the Chidah, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch[1] and Aruch ha-Shulchan.[2] As with any familial or communal custom, those who immerse in a mikveh on erev Shabbos may not deviate from their custom. Several important points need to be made for those who immerse in a mikveh on erev Shabbos:
- Some do not bathe or shower after they immerse themselves in the mikveh on erev Shabbos.[3] This custom is derived from the ruling of the Rama[4] who forbids women from showering or bathing after immersing in a mikveh after their niddah Most poskim, however, rule that this stringency does not apply to men who immerse in the mikveh on erev Shabbos, and indeed, some poskim even recommend that one shower with clean water after immersion in the mikveh.[5]
- It is forbidden to use the mikveh together with one’s Rebbe muvhak. A Rebbe muvhak is defined as one who taught him most of his Torah knowledge. If, however, his Rebbe needs assistance in immersing himself, it is permitted for the student to assist. A student who is immersing in a mikveh when his Rebbe walks in may continue to immerse himself and is not required to leave immediately.[6]
- It is forbidden for a father to use the mikveh together with his son[7] who is over nine years old.[8] Even if the father needs his son to assist him, it is still forbidden to enter the mikveh. A son who is using the mikveh must leave immediately if his father walks in. It is also forbidden to use the mikveh together with one’s father-in-law, or his mother’s or sister’s husband. Some poskim forbid brothers to use the mikveh at the same time,[9] while most others permit them to do so.[10]
- According to the teachings of Kabbalah, immersion in the mikveh on erev Shabbos should take place after one has cut his nails in honor of Shabbos.[11] The immersion should preferably take place after chatzos, or at least no earlier than an hour before chatzos.[12]
- Based on the teachings of the Arizal,[13] one should submerge himself in the water at least twice, once “to remove the weekday vestments,” and once to “bring the sanctity of Shabbos upon oneself.” Various sources suggest added amounts, some encouraging as many as fourteen immersions.[14]
[1] 72:12.
[2] O.C. 260:1.
[3] See Shevet ha-Levi 7:33-2.
[4] Y.D. 201:75. See Igros Moshe, Y.D. 2:96.
[5] Yesod v’Shoresh ha-Avodah 8:1, quoted by Shulchan Shelomo, addendum to vol. 1, pg. 16.
[6] Y.D. 242:16 and Aruch ha-Shulchan 42.
[7] Rama, E.H. 23:6, based on Pesachim 51a, and agreed upon by all of the poskim without dissent; Pischei Teshuvah, E.H. 23:5. See Aruch ha-Shulchan, E,H. 23:8 who bemoans the fact that many people are not careful to follow this Halachah.
[8] Rav Y.S. Elyashiv (Ashrei ha-Ish, vol. 2, 1:22).
[9] Beis Shemuel, E.H. 23:5; Chochmas Adam 127:8.
[10] Chelkas Mechokek, E.H. 23:5, Beiur ha-Gra 16 and Aruch ha-Shulchan 8; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72:13.
[11] Arizal, quoted by Be’er Heitev 285:1; Shelah, quoted by Eliyahu Rabba 260:4.
[12] See Kaf ha-Chayim 260:7. Some add that it is preferable to immerse as close to Shabbos as possible (Divrei Torah, quoted in Piskei Teshuvos 260, note 1); others deem this a mistaken practice, and state that it should be done as early as possible after chatzos, and not left until the last minute (Aruch ha-Shulchan 260:7).
[13] See Kaf ha-Chaim 260:7.
[14] Yesod v’Shoresh ha-Avodah 8:1.