Instructions and Tips for a Yom Tov Tevillah
A. Preparing in Advance for a Tevillah on a Night of Yom Tov
1. Contact Your Rav and Bodekes
Halachah allows a woman to toivel (immerse) on Shabbos and Yom Tov. This teaches us how important the mitzvah of onah (intimacy) is for the couple, and emphasizes that mikvah should not be delayed unless there are extenuating circumstances. It is a good idea to:
a. Print out the times and location of when your local Rav is available over Yom Tov, so if shailos (halachic questions) arise while you are within the seven clean days, or regarding any chatzitza , you will know how to contact him.
b. If you need the services of a Bodekes , please find out if and when she is available over Yom Tov, to avoid the need to delay Tevillah unnecessarily.
2. Contact Your Mikvah
It is a good idea to contact your mikvah to find out their Yom Tov policy and procedures. For example:
- Times of available appointments
- Walking partners service
- Payment options
- Special Shabbos/Yom Tov entrance/exit
- Do they allow prep at the building on Yom Tov?
- Do they provide hot water, a toothbrush, mouthwash, precut floss or picks, and liquid soap?
- Do they have special arrangements if, for any reason, you need to toivel after the Yom Tov seudah?
Many mikvaos have websites where this information is clearly posted.
3. Advance Preparations
Yom Tov is a busy season and comes with extra stress and preparations. It is advisable to make a list of things you can do in advance, to make the mikvah experience as pleasant as possible.
a. Plan your shopping, cooking, and food preparation so that you can designate quality time on Erev Yom Tov to do a proper chafifa . This is a must.
b. On Erev Yom Tov itself, you can do parts of the chafifah earlier in the day, for example cutting nails, removal of eye makeup and nail polish, and even more if needed, to minimize the rush closer to candle lighting.
c. If your house has only one bathroom or bath, or you are a guest in someone's home, and you will not have access to a private bath, please call the mikvah in advance to find out if you can do your chafifah using a prep room at the mikvah, either earlier in the day or closer to candle lighting. [If there is no available option to bathe properly, ask a shaila if a thorough shower is sufficient].
d. If walking to the mikvah on Yom Tov poses a problem, and you prefer to drive there before candle lighting on Erev Shabbos/Yom Tov, and then to walk back after Tevillah , please contact your Rav for instructions.
e. Using disposable gloves for food preparation avoids making hands harder to clean.
4. Tips for Hostesses and Guests
Yom Tov is time spent with family and friends. However, the mitzvah of Tevillah and onah are the priority. Here are some user-friendly tips for hostesses and guests: