A Brief History Of Mikveh Pool

Jennifer Strauss

Abrahamic traditions all contain some form of ritual bathing, including the transformative Christian baptism or the ghusl that is regularly performed by adherent Muslims. The oldest of these traditions is the Jewish mikveh, which is not simply a bath, but offers a way for a person to transcend to a cleaner and therefore more divine state of being.

Mayyim Hayyim

The word ‘mikveh’, literally meaning ‘collection’, appears as early as the Old Testament creation story in Genesis, when God brought the waters together, separating them from the land and making the oceans. The salty sea is therefore the supreme mikveh, and streams, rainwater pools, and lakes are also mikvaot (the plural of mikveh). Types of mikvaot can range from home rainwater collection basins to gorgeous tiled spas such as those found at Mayyim Hayyim in Newton, Massachusetts.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Mayyim Hayyim, 2009

The practice of immersion in a ritual bath is at least as old as the writing of Leviticus, which scholars date to before 322 B.C.E, and possibly as old as Mosaic times. Constructed mikvaot have been discovered in excavations all over the Middle East and Europe, and one example is the famous site of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were also found. But throughout the ages, mikveh culture along with general Jewish observance has adapted various fashions and incarnations to reflect the times: Roman era resistance, Middle-Age secrecy, Renaissance aestheticisms, scientific era hygiene, and even 21st century gender equality.
When you arrive for your appointment at a modern-day Jewish mikveh, you first pay the entrance fee – ranging from five to 30 US Dollars – before you are ushered into a changing room replete with a range of personal grooming tools, from shampoo to acetone. The attendant will instruct you to remove all jewelry and nail polish, loosen you hairdo and shower thoroughly in preparation for the ritual. Once inside the immersion chamber, you will be inspected for any missed dirt or stray hairs before descending the seven steps into the pool. It might take a few dunks in the water to get it right, and various prayers must be recited depending on the reason for the visit. After this process you are officially pure.
Now the Mikveh itself may look at first like an in-ground Jacuzzi, but it is in fact a religious instrument into which an impure person can enter and emerge spiritually clean. ‘Impure’ and ‘unclean’ do not imply dirt or germs, but a dearth of holiness that can be filled by complete submersion in holy waters; it only works if every centimeter of skin and every hair from root to tip are simultaneously in contact with the water, and a prayer is recited. Just as the Jewish laws of food purity, known as kashrut or ‘Kosher Laws’, are considered by many to be pre-scientific efforts at avoiding trichinosis and other food-borne illnesses, the mikveh may also have evolved as a way of encouraging bathing. Back then, a person would be considered unclean as a result of contact with, among other things, a corpse, a leper, or a woman during menstruation.

Qumran

Prior to the Roman revolt in Jerusalem of 70 C.E., the ritual bathing was mainly used to purify a Jewish votary before entering the temple or making a sacrifice. Since the destruction of the second temple, the purity laws were mostly abolished and only the laws applying to women and menstruation have been expatiated. Today the mikveh is used principally by married orthodox women, who have counted seven days after the end of their period and must immerse themselves before resuming sexual relations with their husband. The mikveh is also used as part of a conversion to Judaism, and in preparation for the traditional Jewish wedding. Men in some mystical disciplines will voluntarily visit a mikveh before holidays or the Sabbath, while some have incorporated a mikveh plunge as part of a coming-of-age ceremony. Others use its restorative evocation to relieve psychological stress.
Contemporary branches of Judaism, including egalitarian and feminist movements, are attempting to reclaim the mikveh into the domain of women, and in doing so dispel its image as an arcane, chauvinistic ritual that humiliates women and their natural cycles. This is especially important today in the wake of several scandals that emerged, including the illicit observation of women in the mikveh. In many circles, the mikveh has become not only a treasured, female-focused tradition, but a place of healing after cancer treatment, sexual abuse or trauma, or an optimistic part of a prayer for fertility. No matter the reason for your visit, the mikveh is a deeply rooted Jewish tradition and a valuable experience for a person seeking to enhance their spiritual practice.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article