Mikvah

The mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath used by traditional Jewish women and men as part of a purification process following menstruation, childbirth, illness, or for marking a significant spiritual transition.

This ritual takes place in place with a dedicated small pool filled with naturally sourced water, such as rainwater or lake water, that flows in and out of the pool. Today, the water is often also chlorinated for hygienic purposes.

Before immersion, a woman thoroughly prepares herself: she showers, washes her hair, shaves, removes all traces of nail polish, and exfoliates to eliminate loose skin. She is then accompanied by a shomeret, a female attendant who observes the ritual to ensure its proper completion.

In the mikvah room, the woman descends a set of steps and enters the pool naked. The water is warm and typically around five feet deep. She recites a blessing and then immerses herself fully—body, hair, and with eyes open and fingers spread wide to ensure complete contact with the water. After each immersion, the shomeret declares the act “kosher.” This is repeated three times to complete the ritual.

This ancient practice remains a deeply empowering experience in many women's lives. It marks moments of renewal and transition for women and men.