Spring-Fed Mikvah Status When Flow Ceases

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Unknown recipient

Description

The Chasam Sofer rules that a pool filled from a spring whose flow has since ceased should lechatchilah be treated stringently following the Ra'avad, though the Rambam would permit it. He rejects the Maharik's additional stringency regarding a still-flowing spring-fed mikvah as unwarranted, since the Rambam's permissive ruling is sufficient authority to avoid imposing a new gezeirah. As long as the flow openings are visibly open, one may immerse without hesitation.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §209

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