27. Using a hot Mikveh on Shabbat
It is a Chassidic custom to dip in a Mikveh (ritual bath) on Shabbat in the morning before prayer. Is it permissible to use a hot Mikveh or must one dip in a cool or lukewarm one because of the decree against using bath-houses.
Answer: One may dip in a hot Mikveh on Shabbat in the morning, however one must be careful to dip only, and not remain in the water afterwards.
There are no hard and fast rules about white shirts. In general, a white shirt is considered to be a modest but respectable garment, and a person should wear clothing that is respectable.
Also, part of the day is spent standing in prayer in front of the Creator, and this certainly warrants respectable attire.
In any case, the main thing is not the external garments, but rather the spiritual ones, namely, a person’s thought, speech, and deed. Physical clothing is only a means to the end, the goal being purity of spiritual garments.
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