miqvaot

Miqvaot, also spelled mikvaot or mikveh, are ritual baths used in Judaism for the purpose of spiritual purification. The word "miqvaot" is the plural form of "miqveh," which means "a collection of water." The use of miqvaot is rooted in the Torah and is a significant practice in Orthodox Judaism. There are specific laws governing the construction and use of a miqveh, including requirements for the type and quantity of water it must contain. The water must be natural, not artificially processed, and typically comes from a spring, rain, or a well. It must be in contact with the ground. The miqveh is usually a pool or a small building designed for immersion. Women traditionally immerse in a miqveh after menstruation and childbirth for ritual purity, and also before marriage. Men may use a miqveh for spiritual readiness before holidays or on certain occasions. Converts to Judaism also undergo immersion in a miqveh as part of their conversion process. The act of immersion signifies a transition to a state of ritual purity, allowing individuals to participate fully in certain religious observances. The miqvaot are considered sacred spaces within Jewish communities, and their maintenance is carefully overseen.