A mikvah is a ritual bath satisfying very specific requirements that incorporate “living water” (running or moving water from a God-given source such as rain, snow, ice or a spring). Immersion in a mikvah is performed for ritual purification and a change in status, including before a wedding ceremony. The purpose of immersion is not physical, but spiritual, cleanliness.
A post on Chabad.org notes: “Tremendous amounts of time and energy are expended in planning a wedding. There is an innate human hope that a perfect wedding equals a perfect start in life. Yet all thinking individuals recognize human limitations. That which we most need and want – health, good fortune and children – is beyond our control. … Immersion in the mikvah is an important way of drawing God and His blessing into the marriage.”
Following are some comments from women who made the mikvah part of their marriage experience:
- “At the time of my wedding I was a medical resident going through rigorous training to become a doctor. Life was fast and demanding. Participating in the ritual of the mikvah before my wedding helped slow everything down in order to provide a sacred, quiet space to appreciate the meaning of this singular moment in my life. I will always remember the unique stillness of the surroundings and the kindness of the rebbetzin who guided me through the experience.”
- “When my husband and I began our wedding plans, our education regarding traditional Jewish customs began in earnest. The mitzvah of mikvah is beautiful in and of itself, but Esther Becker provided a comfortable, spiritual and wonderful introduction to a practice I now intend to continue throughout my life. Esther explained everything in a way I could understand and relate to in a manner that stays true to the tradition.
- “The mikvah looks like a beautiful and very spiritual spa. The space is private and calming. Carrying out the ritual, I felt a beautiful connection to Hashem and to my heritage. I am so grateful that we were open to learning and trying this ancient tradition and that I was lucky to have Esther and the Chofetz Chaim Mikvah who made it such a wonderful first experience.”
- “Going to the mikvah was a very meaningful part of my wedding preparation. In the frenzy and excitement of the days preceding our wedding, it was like an oasis of spirituality and meaning. I loved the space – it was calm, peaceful and supportive. I felt like I was at a spa. My friends could be there with me to enhance the experience and the celebratory spirit. …I look back on the experience positively and am so glad I made it a priority as I planned for this very important transition in my life.”
- “I loved going to the mikvah before I got married. I’ve never felt so connected to my Jewish heritage. Jewish women have been going to the mikvah for thousands of years; it was humbling to feel so connected to my roots. Plus, it felt like a spa! I had no idea what to expect, and I loved it.”
