Causes of Nocturnal Emission
Question
With G-d's help,
Hello, esteemed Rabbi! I would like to ask what are the causes of nocturnal emissions, Heaven forbid, and what are the ways/advice/special practices to avoid this sin? Unfortunately, we have no control over the situation while sleeping. Thank you very much and Shabbat shalom.
Answer
Chikur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 86
Section 5
Anyone who has experienced an emission at night, when he wakes from his sleep, should wash his hands and say with a broken heart: Master of the Universe, I have done this unintentionally, only due to bad thoughts and negative imaginings. Therefore, may it be Your will, Hashem, my G-d and G-d of my ancestors, that in Your great mercy, You erase this sin, and save me from bad thoughts and similar matters forever. Amen, may it be Your will.
Section 6
One who wishes to guard himself from this sin should keep his mouth from vulgarity, lies, gossip, slander, and frivolity; he should also guard his ears from hearing such things, be careful to fulfill his vows, not to be overly concerned, and be mindful to avoid bad thoughts. Additionally, before going to sleep, he should engage in Torah study or say the first ten Psalms, and he should be careful not to sleep alone in a room.
Section 7
Remedies for one who has fallen into this sin are written in the book Yesod Yosef, which compiled and collected from sacred and ancient texts, and I will briefly write some of them here. One should strive to be a *sandak* (the person who holds the baby during a circumcision) when children are circumcised, especially for the poor; to increase charity to the needy; to observe Shabbat properly and enjoy it, lighting many candles; to honor and love those who study Torah; to pray thoughtfully and with tears; to choose humility; and when he hears someone insulting him, he should remain silent and forgive. When he performs any mitzvah, he should do so with strength and alacrity until he warms up to it, especially in doing the mitzvot for Passover. He should raise his children to Torah study and guide them in fear of Heaven. He should bring an orphan into his home and treat him as his own son. He should engage in the mitzvah of welcoming the bride. He should be called to the Torah at least once a month and bless the blessings aloud. He should also look in the Torah and read quietly along with the reader. He should be among the first ten in the synagogue. He should stand at midnight to make a *Tikkun Chatzot* (a midnight supplication) with tears. If he cannot wake at midnight, he should do the *Tikkun Chatzot* later, to love peace and pursue peace.
