Pesuah

Pesuah is a term that can refer to several things, most notably a Jewish ritual bath. The Hebrew word "mikveh" (מקווה) is more commonly used to describe this ritual bath, but "pesuah" can also be employed in certain contexts. A mikveh is a specially constructed pool of water used for immersion in Judaism. Its primary purpose is to achieve ritual purification. The water in a mikveh must be natural and in contact with the earth, either directly from a spring or rain, or indirectly through a system that connects it to a natural source.

Ritual immersion in a mikveh is required for several reasons in Jewish law. Converts to Judaism must immerse themselves in a mikveh to complete their conversion. Women traditionally immerse in a mikveh after menstruation and childbirth as part of the practice of family purity. Men may also immerse in a mikveh, particularly before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and in some Hasidic communities, before Shabbat and holidays. The process involves immersing the entire body in the water, ensuring no part of the body is covered by anything that would prevent direct contact with the water. The act of immersion is symbolic of a spiritual cleansing and rebirth.

Beyond its ritualistic uses, "pesuah" might also appear in other, less common contexts, potentially as a personal name or a place name, though these are not its primary or widely recognized meanings. The most significant and prevalent understanding of pesuah relates to the Jewish mikveh and its role in religious observance.