{"id":10,"date":"2016-09-01T02:55:04","date_gmt":"2016-09-01T02:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cincinnatimikveh.org\/wp\/?p=10"},"modified":"2016-08-31T23:03:26","modified_gmt":"2016-09-01T03:03:26","slug":"what-is-mikveh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cincinnatimikveh.org\/wp\/what-is-mikveh\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Mikveh?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is Mikveh?<\/h2>\n

Mikveh<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The word mikveh literally means \u201ccollection\u201d and refers to a pool or gathering of water.\u00a0 The concept of using a mikveh for spiritual purposes is mentioned in the Torah \u201cA spring or a cistern where there is a collection of water shall be pure\u201d (Vayikra 11:36).\u00a0 While a river, large lake, or even the ocean would be considered kosher mikvaot, most communities choose to construct a building to house a man made mikveh pool which is constructed according to strict traditional guidelines.\u00a0 Most modern mikveh pools are filled with heated, treated tap water and are connected to smaller pools of collected rainwater which is also filtered and purified.<\/p>\n

Immersion<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Immersion in a mikveh facilitates the transition to a new spiritual status and sensitizes our bodies to a higher level of holiness.\u00a0 This is why the mikveh has been used for ritual purification since our earliest history.\u00a0 Cohanim (priests) in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem immersed in a mikveh before Temple rituals.\u00a0 Immersion in a mikveh has always been a requirement for traditional conversion to Judaism.\u00a0 Many men immerse before the Sabbath and High Holy Days.\u00a0 Many married women immerse in a mikveh monthly in harmony with their menstrual cycle and to establish a time of personal and marital renewal.\u00a0 Brides and grooms immerse in a mikveh before their wedding day.\u00a0 Some liberal Jewish communities have also begun to use mikveh immersion to acknowledge other life cycle events such as milestone birthdays, personal loss, or recovery after illness.<\/p>\n

Spirituality<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Before immersion, one must be scrupulously clean.\u00a0 This is because the mikveh\u2019s waters are for spiritual purification only.\u00a0 The use of water in spiritual purification is explained by profound Jewish philosophers, mystics and Rabbis.\u00a0 Water is the source of all life.\u00a0 G-d created the world from water.\u00a0 All living entities require water for their survival.\u00a0 An embryo develops enclosed in a sac of water.\u00a0 Immersion in a mikveh differs from all other mitzvoth (commandments) in one crucial way.\u00a0 All other mitzvoth involve the usage of just one limb or some other part of the body.\u00a0 By contrast, when immersing in the mikveh\u2019s waters, the entire body must be covered completely.\u00a0 On an emotional level, this submersion, when combined with an appreciation of the holiness of the process, a sensitivity to spirituality, and a feeling of connection with G-d, provides a true personal transformation\u2014a\u00a0 rejuvenation or rebirth and an intimate connection with creation and the Creator.<\/p>\n

Connection and Continuity<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The maintenance of a mikveh is a communal, not an individual, responsibility.\u00a0 In fact, traditionally, a community was charged to set aside funds to build a mikveh even before building a synagogue or buying a Torah scroll.\u00a0 This is because of its centrality to the continuation and growth of Jewish life.\u00a0 The Beth Tevillah Mikveh Society has undertaken the responsibility to build a modern, beautiful, and accessible mikveh facility for use by the entire Jewish community of Cincinnati.\u00a0 We are supported by many community institutions including the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation, the Chevra Kadisha Society, and others.\u00a0 We hope you will support our efforts as well.<\/p>\n

More Information<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

For more information on mikveh use, classes and other educational opportunities, please contact us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is Mikveh? Mikveh The word mikveh literally means \u201ccollection\u201d and refers to a pool or gathering of water.\u00a0 The concept of using a mikveh for spiritual purposes is mentioned in the Torah \u201cA spring or a cistern where there is a collection of water shall be pure\u201d (Vayikra 11:36).\u00a0 While a river, large lake,… <\/p>\n

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