Purpose of Mikvah
Ritual immersion in a mikvah can be done for a number of purposes – all centered on the intentions of the heart – and as often as one feels led:
To commemorate a change in status, a transition, or new spiritual beginning.
To express an inward commitment to Elohim, through a physical washing of water.
To renew a dedication to Elohim and His laws for righteous living.
To enter and leave the Mayyim Hayyim (Living Waters), as a memorial to the embracing of a new stage in the cycle of life. For example, to Mikvah is to recall the watery state each of us experienced before birth. Water became a part of the Biblical narrative when the Hebrews passed through the waters of the Red Sea after leaving Egypt (a picture of slavery to sin), marking their transformation from a tribe of slaves into a free people, thus birthing what came to be known as the Nation of Israel. The Exodus portrays a new beginning through following Elohim’s life-giving Laws.
To achieve a status of ritual purity before God:
Prior to Marriage (both male and female).
Following birth of a child.
Following Niddah – a woman’s monthly cycle.
Others – depending on one’s personal beliefs and Spirit led inclinations.
In this context, “purity” and “impurity” are imperfect translations of the Hebrew “tahara” and “tumah,” respectively, in that the negative connotation of the word purity is not intended; rather, being “impure” is indicative of being in a state in which certain things are prohibited (as relevant) until one has become “pure” again by immersion in a mikvah.
Mikvah Waters
The idea behind Mikvah is one of a physical picture of cleansing or washing, with the result being a renewal or state of cleanliness before Elohim for His purposes. We enter the waters of Mikvah in a state of constriction, prohibited from meaningfully carrying out His will for our lives. We emerge from the “Living Water” of mikvah in newness of life and cleansed for His purposes, being a spiritually renewed and viable vessel.
Generally, although views are varied on this, the water should be “Living,” just like the Written Word of God is a living, breathing entity through Yeshua, as its author and the perfecter of our faith. In the Book of Jeremiah, Chapter 17:13, we see where in English the word “hope” has been translated from the Hebrew mikvah, and at the same time is associated with the “fountain of living waters.” Accordingly, the “hope” of Israel is really the “mikvah” of Israel, and for those who have departed from the Lord and have forsaken the “fountain of living waters (Yeshua).” Thus, the source of water for mikvah should be a natural river, stream, large lake or ocean; something that is not stagnant but capable itself of continual renewal.
Intention of the Heart
Mikvah is a personal choice, to be prompted through the Holy Spirit working an intention of the heart in one’s walk with the Creator Elohim. Maimonides, in his codification of the laws of mikvah, states:
It is plain that the laws about immersion as a means of freeing one’s self from uncleanness are decrees laid down by Scripture, and not matters about which human understanding is capable of forming a judgment; for behold, they are included among the divine statutes. Now ‘uncleaness’ is not mud or filth which water can remove, but is a matter of Scriptural decree and dependent on the intention of the heart.”
“…If a man [or woman] immerses himself, but without special intention, it is as though he has not immersed himself at all.”
Maimonides continues by stating there is a moral basis for this:
“Just as one who sets his heart on becoming clean becomes clean as soon as he has immersed himself, although nothing new has befallen his body, so, too, one who sets his heart on cleansing himself from the uncleanesses that beset men’s souls – namely, wrongful thoughts and false convictions – becomes clean as soon as he consents in his heart to shun those counsels and brings his soul into the waters of pure reason [i.e.,Torah].”
From Ezekiel 36:25-27, we read:
“… I will sprinkle clean water on you [signifying cleansing from blood atonement], and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”
Mikvah Procedure
Mikvah is a personal time to acknowledge and embrace a new stage of your life. It involves you and Elohim. There should be one or more witnesses, only for the purpose of accountability and celebration of your decision to mikvah. A witness can spot you for safety in the water, but will not dunk you physically.
Wear modest attire, and water shoes for safety. Have your hair unleashed.
Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes.
Wade out to a depth you are comfortable with, but deep enough to kneel and bow forward, facilitating complete immersion, including hair.
You may quietly pray and meditate before your immersion. Some prefer to immerse once, others three times. You are in control of your immersion, as you feel led.
Your spotter will let you know if you have completely immersed or not.
You may request your witness(es) to recite a simple prayer afterwards, or not.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us
with Your commandments and has commanded us concerning the mikvah; Who
has kept us alive and preserved us and brought us to this appointed time. May
You bless (individual’s name) in his or her continuing walk with You.
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