seven reflections (kavanot) of preparation

The Holy One created the world in six days, but made it complete with Shabbat, the seventh day. The number seven suggests wholeness and represents the creative process. Seven steps lead into the mikvah.

These seven kavanot - preparatory meditations - are offered in the hope that your immersion will provide you a sense of wholeness and peace (shleimut).

1. Hineini. Here I am.

Take a minute and think about the transition mikvah will help you mark today.

Immersion in the mikvah represents a spiritual transformation from one state to another. In traditional language, your change is from ritually unready (tameh) to ritually ready (tahor). Prepare yourself by writing in a journal, or saying a personal prayer, or reading something of meaning to you. Breathe deeply. Sigh audibly.

2. Nekavim nekavim. G-d fashioned the human being intricate in design.

Empty your bladder.

Our tradition celebrates and blesses the body in every possible moment and mode.

3. B’tzelem Elohim. I am made in the image of God.

Remove all clothing, eyeglasses, contact lenses, dental plates, hearing aids.

Each person enters the mikvah as naked as the day of his birth, as the day of her birth. Without rank or status. Simply a human being. Gloriously a human being.

4. Hiddur Mitzvah. The unadorned body is beautiful in itself.

Remove all jewelry as well as makeup, paying special attention to the eyes. Remove nail polish on fingers and toes. (Acrylics may stay on if they have been recently affixed or filled.)

There is no need for adornment or artifice in the mikvah. There should be no physical barriers between the body and the living waters.

5. Elohai neshama shenatata bi tehorah hi. The soul in me is pure.

Shower or bathe with thoughtful attention to the miracle of your own body. Pay attention to every part of yourself. Wash yourself, head to toe; shampoo your hair, lather your shoulders, back, arms, belly and genitals. Scrub elbows, knees and heels, removing calluses and dead skin. Wash between fingers and toes.

Relax and enjoy. The water of the mikvah will feel even sweeter after this.

6. Kol haneshama t’halel yah. The breath of every living thing praises You.

Clean your ears, blow your nose, brush and floss your teeth, rinse your mouth.

Stand before the mirror. Consider all of your senses. Look into your own eyes and smile. Think about the words that come from your mouth.

7. Tikkun Olam. We can can make the world better. We can enable repair.

Clean under your nails - toenails, too. (Nails do not need to be cut.)

Consider the power of your hands and feet to create wholeness in your life, in our world.

When you enter the mikvah do not rush. Walk slowly. Count the seven steps into
the water, stopping on each one. Relax into the embrace of the water, into
whatever the next moment may hold for you.

Provided by www.mayyimhayyim.org

make an appointment

To make an appointment, please contact Jan Rose at (408) 357-7444 or mikvah@jvalley.org. We ask that you call at least one week in advance whenever possible.

more resources

community mikvah home page

men, women and water

what happens when i visit the mikvah?

tzedekah during mikvah visits