Water is where the Jewish story begins. In Genesis, before creation itself takes shape, the spirit of God moves over the waters. The mikvah is a gathering of water used for ritual immersion. It connects us to that primordial moment and has been part of Jewish life for over two thousand years.

In this one-hour session, we will explore the meaning, structure, and practice of the mikvah through both text and direct experience. We’ll begin with a guided discussion: What is ritual, and what does it do for us? Why water? We’ll look at texts from Genesis and contemporary Jewish thinkers who illuminate how immersion has been understood as a gateway to renewal a moment of softening, of reentry, of transformation and creation choosing who we want to become when we emerge, how we want to face the world.

We’ll then turn to the mikvah itself: what it means, how it is built, and the remarkable halachic requirement that living waters and the waters’ “kiss”. We’ll explore who uses the mikvah and why, from traditional commanded immersions to the many new and unique ways people use this ancient practice.

The session concludes with a tour of the mikvah itself. No prior knowledge required. Come ready to ask questions and perhaps be surprised.

Accommodations: None

Organization: Adas Israel Congregation

Livestream or Virtual: No, it’s not