The Spiritual Depth of Mikveh: A Journey of Renewal and Connection

Mikveh shares a linguistic root with tikvah—hope. This connection is not coincidental. Throughout generations, mikveh has been a wellspring of hope, renewal, and continuity for the Jewish people. Immersing in its waters links us to the past, to the countless women who have upheld this mitzvah, sustaining Jewish families and fortifying our nation’s resilience through even the most difficult times. And just as it bridges us to the past, mikveh is also a bridge to our future.

More than just a physical structure, the mikveh is an opportunity—a space that invites connection. It connects us to ourselves, to our partners, to Hashem, and to the generations yet to come. Chassidic teachings liken the mikveh to the Shekhina, the Divine Presence. When we immerse in the mikveh we surround ourselves with the source of holiness – literally, every part of our body comes in contact with the water, and by extension, with the power of the Divine.

The water of the mikveh must originate from a natural source—rainwater—which is solely provided by Hashem. This very water has existed since the beginning of creation, cycling through time through a process of evaporation and precipitation in an unbroken connection to the origins of existence. Rain, an element beyond human control, serves as a reminder of Hashem’s continuous presence in our lives. 

Furthermore, the mikveh must contain 40 se’ah of water—a number of profound significance in Jewish tradition. Forty represents transformation: the flood that reshaped the world, the 40 days Moshe spent on Har Sinai receiving the Torah, and the 40-day journey of teshuvah from Elul to Yom Kippur are prime examples. Just as these moments brought about fundamental shifts, mikveh immersion offers us the chance for deep internal change, for spiritual renewal and rebirth. It is the same physical body that goes in and comes out of the water, but with the opportunity to emerge spiritually elevated.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the mikveh is its inclusivity. It welcomes every person and every BODY. We enter in our most authentic and vulnerable state, and the water fully embraces us. Water is both gentle and powerful—it nurtures and sustains, yet it can carve through mountains. It creates boundaries, yet it flows and adapts. It lifts and supports whatever is placed in it, allowing for growth, change, and renewal. Water, the essence of life,

reflects our own spiritual journeys. Water is a source of nourishment, healing,and transformation.

When a woman immerses in the mikveh, she has the opportunity to connect with whatever she needs most at that moment. And each of us will need something different. 

So daven for strength if you need it; daven for flexibility if you need it; daven for boundaries. Daven to feel connection in your relationship with your husband or with Hashem. And daven for Am Yisrael.

The Eden Center recently hosted an event about saying goodbye to mikveh at menopause, where a speaker discussed how yoga helps center the body and reduce tension. She described techniques for stimulating the vagus nerve and bringing warmth to different parts of the body, helping to foster calm and connection. The parallels to mikveh preparation (and the incredible wisdom of Chazal) were striking—before immersion, we are encouraged to clean and check ourselves from head to toe, physically connecting with every part of our being. And in doing so, hopefully we calm and center ourselves before we join with our husbands. When we've prepared and anchored ourselves, when we've connected with our bodies and taken the time to relax and calm our internal selves, then we can enter the mikvah. This process not only ensures physical readiness but also invites mindfulness and grounding before entering the transformative waters of the mikveh.

When we immerse, we allow ourselves to be enveloped by something greater, to access the warmth of Hashem’s presence in our lives through the water, and to open ourselves to spiritual change. The mikveh offers an extraordinary opportunity for renewal, where the waters hold infinite potential for change—if we choose to embrace it.

May every woman who steps into the mikveh feel embraced, uplifted, and connected. May it be a place where tefillot are heard, where renewal is realized, and where the power of water ignites transformation. And may the prayers that rise from the mikveh contribute to the safety, security, and ultimate redemption of Am Yisrael. Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet is the Founder and Executive Director of The Eden Center. You can reach her at naomi@theEdenCenter.com.