The Sacramento Mikvah was established in 1989 by The Mikvah Committee of Kenesset Israel Torah Center and is committed to serving the entire spectrum of the Jewish community of the greater Sacramento region including Davis, Reno and the foothill communities. Prior to the building of this Mikvah in Sacramento, those needing a Mikvah traveled all the way to the Bay Area.
Why? A Mikvah is not an ordinary pool of warm water. The commandment requires "live waters" from a living source such as rain, river or ocean and therefore the guidelines for building one are complex. When the Sacramento Mikvah first opened, there was no rain water available to mix with the tap to fill the Mikvah. A truckload of snowpack from the Sierra's was brought to fill the Mikvah!
The commandment of the Mikvah is Biblical in origin and part of a group of laws known as chukim, laws for which no reason is given. At Sinai all Jews entered the convenant with God by purifying themselves in a Mikvah in order to receive the Torah. Observances like these chukim, based on faith, not logic, bring us closer to God. This observance is so important that the building of a Mikvah is said to take precedence over other Jewish structures. When there is not a Mikvah available in an area, community leaders are obligated to sell a Torah in order to help pay for the building of a Mikvah
There are three different types of commandments that call for immersion in a Mikvah: * within marriage * for conversion to Judaism * and for utensils. A bride before her wedding and a woman during her married life use the Mikvah to elevate their relationship from a merely physical one to a spiritual and holy one. In every generation throughout the millennium, on every continent, Jewish women have marked the rhythm of their sexual lives by immersing themselves in Mikvot from Masada to Sacramento.
How does one fulfill this mitzvah? On the onset of a woman's menses, she and her husband abstain from physical contact. After the cessation of "flow" she counts an additional seven "white" days. After special preparation at home which includes a physical cleansing, she comes to the Mikvah to immerse. She is greeted by the Mikvah attendant who will supervise her immersion, a spiritually purifying act. According to her custom, she immerses and recites the blessing: "Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning immersion."
Conversion to Judaism requires immersion in a Mikvah. Emulating the Jews entering the covenant at Sinai, one becomes Jewish when one immerses and accepts the Torah. If this Mikvah is needed for conversion, please have your Rabbi call the Mikvah administrator to make arrangements for you.
Utensils, pots and dishes are required to be immersed in a Mikvah before being used. One's table is likened to an alter and the transforming powers of the Mikvah waters sanctify the utensils. Unlike the appointments for women, which must occur after nightfall, dishes can be immersed at any time.
The Sacramento Mikvah has three small rooms: an entrance, a bathroom with shower, bath and toiletries for your convenience, and the Mikvah room. The Mikvah in accordance with Jewish law and tradition has two pools; a holding pool, the Bor, and an immersion pool. The holding pool collects rainwater is mixed through pipes with the tap water in the chest high immersion pool. Water mixes between the two pools and is gathered together, or as it is called in Hebrew, Mikvah, gathering.
Our attendants, religiously observant woman in our community, are all volunteers. We have educational resources, including books, and a video available for lending. Private classes and consultations are available through the Mikvah for women and or their spouses. All appointments and communications with the Mikvah staff are conducted with the utmost modesty and discretion. If you would like an appointment we ask that you call at least three days in advance.
For general information and daytime appointments call Kenesset Israel Torah Center and leave a message for Rebbitzen Julia Bailey. If you are a woman and would like to schedule an appointment at night, please call the mikvah line at: 916-481-1158. You may obtain additional information from your congregational Rabbi or Rebbitzen.
| Recommended reading: |
| A Hedge of Roses by Rabbi Norman Lamm |
| Waters of Eden by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan |
| Total Immersion, An Anthology The Magic Touch by Gila Manolson |
| The Secret of Jewish Feminity by Tehilla Abramov |
The Sacramento Mikvah is a financially independent institution, relying on patron contributions and charitable donations. If you would like to contribute to sustain this vital community institution, you may send your tax-deductible donation to: The Sacramento Mikvah, PO Box 255503.,Sacramento, CA 95865
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