Hovaya Al Yedei Tahara (Creation Through Purity): Difference between revisions

In practice, this stringency does not apply to mikvaos where the hashakah (connection) hole is on the side, since in such cases the vessel is not made to serve as a receptacle or for stepping on, and therefore cannot receive tumah. However, in a Chabad-style mikvah built with the bor al gabei bor (pool above pool) method, where the hashakah hole is in the floor of the upper mikvah, the Rebbe notes:<blockquote>"Regarding what you wrote that it wasn't designated for stepping - one can simply say that since it blocks a hole in the floor, besides that sometimes only a small part protrudes above the floor and consequently the one immersing or blocking the hole steps on it either accidentally or intentionally to seal the hole properly, even if it protrudes more, sometimes people use it to stand on to reach something above the mikvah walls and the like. Obviously if they step on it even accidentally, it becomes part of the floor and is designated as such. Moreover, if they step on it to properly seal the hole, it ultimately becomes part of the floor designated for stepping, and this too is called designation for stepping."</blockquote>Chabad Chassidus is very strict about this matter. For example, Chabad leaders prohibited the use of plastic, despite it being common in mikvaos worldwide and most poskim ruling that plastic (primarily made from petroleum) cannot receive tumah. However, the Rebbe prohibited its use: "...regarding your letter about nylon and plastic - it seems (most likely) there are variations (now, and changing from time to time) regarding what these are made from. Since the Rebbe Rashab considers rubber something that can receive tumah - these should not be used either..."