Mikveh

A mikveh (Hebrew: מִקְוֶה, plural mikva'ot מִקְוֵאֹת) is a bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism. The word mikveh is derived from the Hebrew root k-v-h (ק-ו-ה), which means "to gather," referring to the gathering of water. In English, a mikveh is often referred to as a ritual bath or immersion pool. The term is also translated to other languages, such as mikve in Yiddish and mikveh in Ladino. A mikveh contains sufficient living water—rainwater or naturally occurring spring water—and is used for the purpose of ritual purification. In Jewish law, immersion in a mikveh is required for a woman to become ritually pure after menstruation, for converts to Judaism, and for various other situations. The use of a mikveh is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and has been practiced for thousands of years.