Q&A: A Woman Who Is Afraid to Put Her Head into the Mikveh
A Woman Who Is Afraid to Put Her Head into the Mikveh
Question
Hello Rabbi Abraham,
Is there a halakhic solution for a woman who suffers from stress at immersing her head in the mikveh water (it triggers anxiety in her)? Is there room to be lenient with her [for example: that she put her whole body into the water and wash her face with her hands or pour water with a washing cup, so that she will not suffer the anxiety involved in putting her head under the water]?
Thank you very much
Answer
I can’t think of a solution. There is no way other than that her entire body be inside the water at one time, even for one second. She can hold on to some kind of railing with her hands if she wets them beforehand and put her head into the water for a second.
It’s worth checking with a psychologist what the source of the fear is, and perhaps trying to treat it.
Discussion on Answer
No. That is drawn water, and it is doubtful that it would cover the entire head all at once.
Maybe sedate her first and put her into the water? Some people undergo dental treatments under general anesthesia.
She could also jump into the mikveh with momentum
Isn’t it possible to pour water over her from a bucket all at once while only her head remains outside?