Showering After the Mikvah—for Men

Showering After the Mikvah—for Men

There is a prevailing custom among men—in addition to the tradition of tevilas Ezra, dating back to the times of the second Bais Hamikdash (See Halachah #308 and Halachah #423)—to use a mikvah for spiritual reasons, in preparation for tefillah (prayer) and before entering the heightened state of kedushah (holiness) of Shabbos and Yom Tov.

There is no ban against showering after exiting the mikvah pool. Although halachah considers an individual who has showered with mayim she’uvim (tap water) to acquire a level of tumah (impurity), this does not affect the purity attained by dipping in the mikvah; nonetheless, it is still preferable to avoid doing so. In addition, it is unseemly to wash off the water which was just used as a tool for taharah (purification)—so showering post-dip should only be done if necessary.

Furthermore, it is noted in sefarim (the holy books) that in accordance with kabbalistic custom, we should leave some of the holy mikvah waters on our bodies. Though most people do indeed towel off after using the mikvah, it is good to be makpid (careful) to leave a small area to air dry.

https://halacha2go.com?number=604

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