Women
When Does One Begin Counting Seven Clean Days?
Question
Shalom,
When does one begin counting 7 clean days?
On the 5th or 6th day of the flow?
And is this related to Ashkenazi or Sephardi customs?
Thank you and have a good week.
Answer
Good week,
According to Sephardi custom, a woman may perform a Hafsak Taharah (ritual stopping) on the fourth day from the beginning of her menstrual period and begins counting seven clean days from the fifth day (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 198, Section 11; Responsa Yabia Omer, Vol. 1, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 15; Taharat Habayit, Vol. 2, Siman 13, Section 11).
According to Ashkenazi custom, she may perform a Hafsak Taharah only on the fifth day from the beginning of her flow and begins counting seven clean days from the sixth day (Mishnah Berurah there).
In all customs, it is not permissible to perform Hafsak Taharah and begin counting seven clean days before the menstrual blood has completely ceased.
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
