Mikveh
Here you will find content on the mikveh across multiple dimensions—halakhic, social, and feminist.
The immersion space is examined here in its many facets: halachically mandated immersions and customary immersions; ritual forms; public health and sanitation; and policy. Included as well are topics of bodily autonomy, privacy and dignity, the right to immerse alone, the attendant–bather encounter and the boundaries of authority, alongside questions of accessibility, safety, and respectful language.
The laws of purity for postpartum women are in some ways similar to the regular laws of niddah, but not completely so. The purity laws concerning a woman who has given birth are set forth in the Bible, but applied halakhic rulings are very different.
Transitioning from the state of niddah to purity requires immersion in the mikveh. At the same time, some women wish to immerse for reasons not required by halakhah, such as personal moments or unique events. This article presents a variety of voluntary immersion occasions and offers an invitation to transform one’s immersion into a personal celebration.
Until recent years, brides were required to present proof of baptism in a Mikveh as part of the marriage registration process at the rabbinate. Until this requirement was removed. What is the background and reasons for this significant change?
The timing of mikveh night is considered fixed and, seemingly, should not be postponed. However, various situations can make it difficult to immerse at the appointed time, such as time management, planning, transportation, social and professional commitments, and so on. During the COVID-19 pandemic, immersion also entailed additional concerns, among them special guidelines, mandatory isolation, and a general lockdown. In this article, I explore the issue of immersing at the appointed time versus the possibility of postponing immersion and offer practical suggestions.
Just as we place great importance on words of intimacy and affection between spouses, we should also value the words that are meant to signify the separation between them during the days of niddah. Here are some suggestions for reflection on our choice of words that may assist in communicating the distancing message.
The mikveh attendant should show extreme sensitivity toward the woman who is immersing, enabling her to fulfill the mitzvah according to her customs and practices so that she can return to her home and marital life in purity, tranquility, and fulfillment. Being a mikveh attendant in a private mikveh can create a singular reality.
A Makor Rishon panel explored the tension between COVID-19 safety rules and the halakhic obligation of mikveh immersion, with diverse rabbinic voices.
A critical analysis of the government’s decision to exempt mikvaot from COVID-19 regulations. The article explores the tension between halakhic observance and public health, highlighting how responsibility was placed on women’s shoulders.
Can a woman immerse in natural water sources? If so, what solutions are available to common concerns that arise in this regard?
The decision of what Mikve means to each woman, is no less important than the actual tevilla itself.
“Immersing in Tranquility” is an online space created to discuss the mikveh experience, to learn and talk about halakhah, sexuality, feminism, and immersion itself.
Some people easily transition from prohibition to permission and eagerly anticipate renewed touch and closeness after going to the mikveh; others need time and a measured, thoughtful progression. Distance does not easily yield to intimacy in an instant.
You advise me that we are going Wandering. I organise a demonstration in protest But go as you command.
Advot began with a call to talk about the mikveh. Through panels and public work, women’s voices shaped change for bathers & attendants. Watch the 2013 2nd conf. panel.