Rachel’s Well, Portland’s Community Mikvah (Havurah's Mikvah Liaison: Evan King)

Rachel's Well Community Mikvah (Photo Credit: Josh Partee)

What is a Mikvah? 

A Mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath requiring "living waters" sourced from rain. Natural bodies of water are all kosher mikvahs. The ritual of immersion is rooted in centuries of tradition and is a way for Jews to experience an embodied spirituality that can connect us to God, our bodies, our ancestors and the water cycles of our planet. 

What is the Mikvah used for? 

A Mikvah is a Jewish sacred space designed to support Jewish ritual life and the personal transitions of individuals and families in the community. We welcome those visiting the Mikvah for traditional reasons like: women immersing monthly (niddah/taharat ha-mishpacha), getting married, making dishes kosher, conversion, and preparing spiritually for Shabbat and holidays. 
 
Equally welcome and encouraged are creative reasons to immerse, such as to celebrate a major life transition or change in status. Examples of this type of visit are varied but include reaching a milestone birthday, acknowledging a diagnosis or recovery from illness, marking the end of a mourning period, becoming a bar or bat mitzvah, coming out, transitioning, or celebrating an anniversary. 

Who can use the Mikvah? 

Anyone who identifies as Jewish is welcome to experience Rachel's Well Community Mikvah. It is customary to give tzedakah (a contribution) when visiting a Mikvah. No one will be turned away for inability to make a donation.