Mikvah FAQ's

WHAT IS A MIKVAH?

A mikvah is a natural body of water or a gathering of water that has a designated connection to natural water. The pool is designed specifically for immersion, according to the rules and customs of Jewish law. It contains about 200 gallons of water. Immersion in the mikvah is a purely spiritual experience.

WHAT IS TAHARAS HAMISHPACHA, FAMILY SANCTITY?

The Jewish marriage sanctifies husband and wife. Intimacy between husband and wife is holy and is kept sacred by upholding the laws of Taharas Hamishpacha - Family Sanctity. Observance of these laws requires times of abstinence from sexual interaction and reunion as part of a cycle in married life. The time of abstinence is when the depth of the husband-wife relationship is expressed without physical intimacy. It is a period of anticipation and preparation for mikvah immersion. The reunion, which follows, holds the highest potential for sanctity in marriage.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE WATER IN A MIKVAH?

Water is the primary source of all living things. It has the power to purify, to restore and replenish life. A mikvah must be filled with 40 se'ah (approx. 200 gallons) of living water living waters from a flowing source that has never been dormant, such as fresh spring water, rainwater, or even melted snow. Our mikvah uses rainwater which is permitted to fall into a huge container called the bor. Our mikvah has a bor beside and underneath the immersion pool. It also has a complex system to air-pump bore-hole water into the mikvah. The immersion pool and the bor share a common wall that has a hole at least two inches in diameter. The free flow, or "kissing," of waters between the pools makes the waters of the immersion pool an extension of the natural rainwater, thus making the immersion pool a halachically valid mikvah. The water is kept scrupulously clean.

HOW IS THE MIKVAH KEPT CLEAN?

The water is filtered through a special system that heats and purifies the water regularly. This system is the same as that used in a spa.

WHY SHOULD I GO TO THE MIKVAH?

Immersion in the mikvah is a biblical commandment of the hightest ordinance, equated with mitzvot (commandments), such as Kashrut and Shabbat. Immersion is also a way of drawing G-d into your marriage, by making Him an integral part of it. Mikvah helps create a husband-wife relationship that is in a state of continuous renewal. With marriages failing daily, the laws and ideals of Jewish marriage may help you find fulfilment within a sanctified marriage that is caring, romantic and strong enough to last a lifetime.

HOW DOES ONE PREPARE FOR MIKVAH IMMERSION?

Following one's monthly menstruation, a woman counts seven "spotless" days. During this entire time, from the onset of menstruation until mikvah immersion, couples refrain from marital relations. Prior to immersion, a woman cleanses herself thoroughly. She immerses after nightfall. Mikvah Preparation Checklist.

IS THE MIKVAH ONLY USED BY WOMEN?

While ours is a women's mikvah, a mikvah can be used at various times for the purpose of spiritual sanctity:

It is the final step for conversion to Judaism.
It is used by men customarily at auspicious times, such as before Yom Kippur and a groom on his wedding day. Some men use it Erev Shabbos, and some chassidic men even use the mikvah daily before prayer.
Generally, new dishes should be immersed in the mikvah before use.
In the times of the Temple, the mikvah played a vital role in ensuring spiritual sanctity before work was done in the Temple.
Brides and married women use the mikvah in the context of the Family-Sanctity laws.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR MY APPOINTMENT?

All preparation supplies and towels will be provided for your use at the Mikvah.

WILL MY VISIT BE KEPT PRIVATE?

Our Mikvah is by appointment only. Your visit will be absolutely private.

Complete understanding and observance of these laws necessitates in-depth study and subsequent review on a woman-to-woman basis, in private or group settings, with open sharing of knowledge and experience. Please do not hesitate to contact us for group courses or private one-on-one discussions: info@greatmikvah.com