Jewish marriage sanctifies man and woman. Mivkah observance introduces times of separation and reunion as part of a cycle in married life. Separation begins with the onset of the menstrual flow. It is a time when the depth of the husband-wife relationship is expressed without physical intimacy. It is a period of anticipation and preparation for Mikvah immersion. The reunion that follows holds the highest potential for sanctity in marriage.
Mikvah immersion is entrusted to the woman. It is a moment of special closeness in a woman's relationship with G-d. It is an auspicious time for her personal prayers and requests to be granted.
This checklist is useful prior to immersion. Complete understanding and observance of these laws necessitates in-depth study and subsequent review on a woman-to-woman basis, in private or group settings, with an open sharing of knowledge and experience.
It is our prayer that the practice of Mikvah will enrich the dynamics of your relationship and benefit your family.
You can use the checkboxes beside each item to keep track of what you've done. If you would like to see a checklist including the timing to be allowed for each step of your preparation, please click here
*In rare cases where conditioner must be used to prevent knots in the hair, be sure to rinse out throughly
Enter the Mikvah and immerse once. Recite the blessing:
BO-RUCH A-TOH A-DOH-NOI E-LO-HAI-NU ME-LECH HO-O-LOM A-SHER KI-D'-SHO-NU B'-MITZ-VO-SOV'-TZI-VO-NU AL HA-T'-VI-LOH.
Blessed are you G-d, our G-d, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with Your commandments concerning immersion.
Immerse again according to custom.
Upon completion many women say the following:
Y'-HI RO-TZON MI-L'-FO-NEH-CHOH A-DOH-NOI- E-LO-HAI-NU VAI-LO-HAI A-VO-SAI-NU SHE-YI-BO-NEH BAIS HA-MIK-DOSH BI-M'-HAI-ROH V'-YO-MAI-NU V'-SAIN CHEL-KAI-NU B'-SO-RO-SEH-CHOH.
May it be Your will, L-rd, Our G-d and G-d of our fathers, that the Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days, and grant us a portion in Your Torah.
The gates of heaven are now open to your private prayers.
There are important guidelines to proper use of the Mikvah. To ensure that all preparations and the actual immersion are all performed correctly, one should be advised by a reliable counselor. For a free and confidential consultation, please call 718-756-5700 or email us at mikvah@mikvah.org.