עברית
Women
Why is it forbidden for an unmarried woman to immerse?
Question
Hello!
Is the prohibition on unmarried women immersing in a mikvah because they become "too pure" and, in their vulnerable state, may attract destructive angels or malicious accusers who might harm them? If not, why can't an unmarried woman who wishes to add sanctity to herself immerse?
Many thanks in advance.
Answer
Hello,
The prohibition for unmarried women to immerse is because it may lead to many spiritual stumbling blocks after the severe prohibition of niddah is removed from them (Shu"t HaRivash, Siman 702; cited in Beit Yosef Yoreh De'ah, end of Siman 183. See also the in-depth discussions on this matter in Taharat HaBayit, Part 1, pp. 34-36, Shu"t Teshuvot VeHanhagot Part 1, Siman 865, Shu"t Shoalin U'Dorshin Part 7, Siman 366, and Shu"t Even Pina Part 1, Siman 144).
It is written in the book Shulchan Yosef (pp. 117-127) in the name of the Gaon Rabbi Yosef, of blessed memory, that there is a severe prohibition on unmarried women, as well as divorced, widowed, and single women, to immerse in a mikvah in any way, so long as they have not married according to halacha. Since there are rabbis who send unmarried women and the like to immerse for segulot or to attain purity, it must be announced that there is no truth to such things, and there is no benefit in it—it is a transgression that causes spiritual stumbling blocks. Women who speak frivolously should be careful and warn others not to immerse unmarried women or the like.
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
