User Guide

INTRODUCTION

IMMERSING IN A MIKVAH is a beautiful and intimate ritual for spiritual renewal. In the tranquil waters of the Mikvah, the woman taps into her closeness with God — the source of life, purity, and holiness. It is an auspicious time for personal prayers and meditation. As the waters embrace her, she connects with thousands of years of Jewish women who have been immersing in a Mikvah since Biblical times.   

In the merit of performing this mitzvah, may you and your family be blessed with physical, material, and spiritual health.

 

PREPARATION FOR MIKVAH IMMERSION 

For the duration of a woman’s menstrual cycle and for seven days following, husband and wife refrain from physical relations. The woman then immerses in the Mikvah, and the couple physically reunites in purity. 

This is the process: 

  • MENSTRUAL CYCLE: 
    A menstrual cycle is a minimum of five-days (regardless of flow). 

  • THE SEVEN DAYS COUNT:

    • Shortly before sunset on the day your period ends,*  make an internal examination (bedikah) of your vaginal canal using a soft, white cloth. This confirms that your period has ended and initiates the seven-white-days.

    • On the following morning, re-examine yourself (bedikah). 

    • Repeat this twice daily (morning and before sunset)—particularly on the 1st and 7th day.

    Immersion takes place the following week, after nightfall.* (For example: If you initiated the 7-day count with a bedikah on Sunday-before-sunset, “Mikvah night” is on the following Sunday evening.)

    Contact us for immersions that fall on Friday night, or on a Jewish Holiday. 

    Please contact us at least 24-hours in advance to book an appointment. 

    *The Jewish “day” begins at sunset. See here for timing. 
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  • PREPARATION FOR IMMERSION:
    The Mikvah is a spiritual womb; the goal therefore is for one’s entire body, including one’s hair, to be fully immersed in the water at the same time. Preparations are taken so that there are no barriers between the Mikvah waters and your body. 

  • On the Day-of Immersion: Refrain from activities that leave residue difficult to remove from your skin (eg: water-proof mascara) or from under your nails (eg: planting soil).

    Any temporary medical/dental apparatus that is difficult to remove (eg: cast, stitches) and unusual skin conditions require rabbinic consultation. We can call a rabbinic expert on your behalf.

  • At the Mikvah: 

    Our Mikvah provides everything necessary for your complete and comfortable preparation. Try to empty your mind of distractions and focus on the special task at hand. Should you have any questions, or feel unsure of a requirement or procedure, please do not hesitate to ask.

    • Remove all objects foreign to your body (such as: jewelry, contact lenses, false teeth, false eyelashes, band-aids, any removable medical/dental apparatus including removable birth control devices like the patch or ring).

    • Remove make-up and nail polish. 

    • Trim and clean fingernails and toenails. (Please place nail clippings in a tissue and flush down the toilet.)

    • Brush and floss teeth.

    • Bathe with warm water, washing your entire body.

    • Soften hard skin and calluses. 

    • Shower (even if you just took a bath).

    • Shampoo and comb your hair well. (Use conditioner only if you need to remove knots, then rinse out completely.) 

    • Check your body—visually and by touch—to ensure that it is free of intervening substances.

    • Put on the robe and slippers and signal to the Mikvah attendant that you are ready. (She will remain present during your immersion to ensure that you are fully submerged, and for your physical safety.) 

  • IMMERSION IN THE MIKVAH

  1. Enter the Mikvah waters.
    Get into a relaxed position—physically and emotionally. 

  2. Submerge your entire body and hair (at once, for a brief moment).

  3. Cover your hair with the cloth provided. 
    Embrace yourself beneath your heart, and recite the blessing: 

    BARUCH ATAH ADŌ-NOI ELŌ-HAINOO MELECH HA-ŌLAM ASHER KIDESHANOO BIMITZVŌTAV VITZEEVANOO AL HATVILA. 

    Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, Master of the universe, who sanctified us with His commandments, and gave us the mitzvah of immersion [in living waters]. 

  4. Immerse yourself twice more, and remain in the water for as much time as you need for your personal meditations and prayers.

    Many have the custom to recite this prayer for an idealized and actualized world:

    YIHEE RATZŌN MILFANECHA ADŌ-NOI ELŌ-HAINU VAILŌHAI AVŌTAINOO ​​​​​​ SHEYIBANEH BAIT HAMIKDASH BIMHAIRA BIYAMAINOO VITAIN CHELKAINOO BITŌRATECHA. 

    May it be Your will, L-rd, Our G‑d and G‑d of our fathers, that the Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days, and grant us a portion in Your Torah. 

    As the waters of the Mikvah embrace you, so may you be enveloped with Divine blessings in every aspect of your life.