mikve

A mikve (often transliterated mikveh; plural mikve’ot) is a Jewish ritual bath used for immersion to achieve ritual purity. The term comes from Hebrew mikveh, meaning collection or gathering, and the practice is described in rabbinic literature as a means to restore purity according to Jewish law.

To be considered valid, a mikve must contain a sufficient amount of natural water drawn from a natural source. Traditionally, the minimum is 40 se’ah, a volume in the hundreds of liters range, though exact measures vary by tradition. The water must be natural living water, such as rainwater or groundwater, and the pool must be filled in a way that preserves its natural water source. In general, the use of artificially heated or chemically treated water is not considered acceptable for the mikveh unless a community-specific ruling allows certain arrangements.

Immersion in a mikve is performed by fully submerging the body, typically in a single act or in several consecutive immersions, depending on custom. The practice is central to certain ritual obligations, including immersion after menstrual impurity and childbirth for women, and immersion as part of the formal process of conversion to Judaism. In many communities, immersion is conducted with a blessing prior to entering the water, and it may be performed by men or women according to halakhic guidelines. Dedicated attendants and separate facilities exist in many places to accommodate various practices.

Today, mikva’ot are found in many Jewish communities worldwide, including Israel and North America. They range from simple, modest facilities to large, purpose-built complexes, and they continue to play a key role in Jewish laws of ritual purity and conversion. For specific laws and local practice, individuals consult their rabbi or community authority.