Q&A: Immersion in a Bathtub
Immersion in a Bathtub
Question
Why is there (or is there not) a problem with a menstruant woman immersing in a bathtub if it contains forty se’ah? After all, the water passes only through pipes that are connected to the ground, and it is ruled in Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh De’ah 201:48: one who wants to draw water into a mikveh must ensure that it not pass through something susceptible to ritual impurity… And if the pipe is made of metal but connected to the ground, even if it pours directly into the mikveh, it is valid, since it is not susceptible to ritual impurity because it is rendered subordinate to the ground. End quote. There is no need to review the whole chain of development from the Mishnah through Maimonides to the Shulchan Arukh; I just wanted to present the matter simply. If the Rabbi thinks there is a source along the way that sheds different light on the topic, of course I would be happy to hear it. In any case, on the practical side, I think there are no vessels not connected to the ground between the sea / aquifer etc. and the consumer at home. If that is indeed the case, why is immersion in a bathtub forbidden? It may be that I do not know the reality accurately.
Answer
It depends on familiarity with the reality and on various subtle distinctions that I am not well versed in. I once read a critique of Rabbi Amsalem’s ruling regarding immersion in a bathtub that nicely summarizes all the problems. But unfortunately I do not remember the source right now.
Discussion on Answer
The critique does not appear there. I received it by email.
Then I’d be happy if the Rabbi would upload it here. I looked too.
If I had it, I would upload it. I don’t.
(Also Rabbi Amsalem’s ruling, and that of those who disagree with him.) Thanks!!
Rabbi Amsalem’s ruling was supposed to appear and be published by him. I cannot publish it without his permission.
It is brought in Tur 289.