Tevilas Ezra

Tevilas Ezra

Ezra HaSofer instituted Takanas or Tevilas Ezra. According to this takanah (institution), men who are in a state of impurity may not engage in learning Torah until they have purified themselves by toveling in the mikvah. Later on this rule was extended to davening as well. Although Tevilas Ezra does not apply nowadays from a halachic standpoint, it has become the accepted custom. Some Rishonim maintain that the original takanah is still in effect in regard to davening, but the accepted halachah is that it is not. Nevertheless, all poskim agree that, “Hatefillah mekubeles yoseir im hatevilah? (One?s prayer is more readily accepted On High if one has toveled), and that it?s certainly a praiseworthy act with many spiritual and material benefits. Toveling in the mikvah is a form of sanctification, and is in keeping with the mitzvah of “Kedoshim tihiyu? (You shall be holy). In case a person is running late and may miss davening with a minyan by going to the mikvah, according to many poskim he may miss davening with a minyan in order to do Tevilas Ezra. If one is in need of Tevilas Ezra, it?s best to refrain from  saying brachos until after going to the mikvah; however, brachos that cannot be delayed, such as Asher Yatzar and Hamapil, should be said before going to the mikvah.  #423

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Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.