The Power of Jewish Women
Left: Modern Mikvah in the U.A.E. | Right: Ancient Mikvah in Masada, Israel
The Power of Jewish Women
When Israeli archaeologist and former IDF Chief-of-Staff Yigael Yadin uncovered a three-pooled plastered structure carved into the rock at Masada in the 1950s, he had no idea he was looking at the earliest known discovery of a Mikvah—a Jewish ritual bath. This discovery would become the first of hundreds found throughout Israel, offering a window into the deep spiritual priorities of ancient Jewish communities.
The existence of a Mikvah on Masada tells a powerful story. While the Jewish rebels prepared for siege—securing food, shelter, and protection—they also built a Mikvah. This act was not about preparing to die, but about choosing to live, to sustain Jewish family life, and to preserve a future. In Jewish law, this priority is clear: "Building a Mikvah takes precedence over building a synagogue or purchasing a Torah scroll."
This week's Torah portion, Tazria-Metzora, highlights the mitzvah of Mikvah immersion, particularly for women after menstruation or childbirth:
“And if she becomes clean of her discharge, she shall count for herself seven days, and after this, she may be cleansed.” (Leviticus 15:28)
Historically, the Mikvah served many ritual purity functions for both men and women, especially during Temple times. Today, however, the primary biblical commandment remains for women following menstruation or childbirth, and for converts to Judaism.
Mikvah and Marital Intimacy
The cycle of Mikvah use profoundly shapes the rhythm of Jewish marital life. Each month, following a period of separation and spiritual preparation—at the conclusion of seven clean days after menstruation—a woman immerses in the Mikvah, allowing the couple to reunite physically in a renewed and elevated bond. This cyclical renewal fosters emotional intimacy, appreciation, and spiritual connection.
Modern research by therapists, marriage counselors, and medical professionals have shown that periods of refraining from physical intimacy within marriage can strengthen emotional bonds, improve communication, and contribute to greater relationship satisfaction and long-term marital stability. Yet, as Maimonides taught, the reasons for family purity transcend logic:
“Defilement is not mud or filth to be removed with water… It is a divine statute… dependent on the heart's intent.”
Still, like many mitzvot that elude rational explanation, Mikvah enriches life. The period of monthly separation provides space for emotional growth, better communication, and a deeper soul connection. As the Talmud suggests, it is the secret to a happy marriage—a sacred rhythm that prevents intimacy from becoming routine and reignites passion through restraint.
In contrast to various religions that may view intimacy as base or shameful, Judaism elevates it as holy. The Torah's first commandment—“Be fruitful and multiply”—places intimacy at the very foundation of divine purpose. In the union of husband and wife lies the possibility of new life, the descent of a soul, and the manifestation of the divine within creation.
Even when conception is not possible, the act itself retains its holiness. Kabbalah teaches that the circumstances under which a soul enters the world affect not only a child's physical health but their moral and spiritual essence. Remarkably, Jewish tradition holds that even a woman who never had the opportunity to use the Mikvah during her fertile years can still immerse once after menopause—bringing spiritual blessing to her family and her home.
The Global Rise of the Mikvah
While natural bodies of water can technically serve as a Mikvah, Jewish law contains many intricate regulations about what makes a Mikvah valid. As a result, purpose-built Mikvahs are preferred—and in recent decades, thousands have been constructed around the world. From Nigeria to New Zealand, the UAE to Westchester County, Mikvahs today range from humble, functional spaces to spa-like sanctuaries, beautifully designed to reflect the sanctity of the experience. See here for more about the modern-day Mikvah experience.
Faithful Women, Eternal Redemption
The Talmud (Sotah) tells us that it was “in the merit of the righteous women” that the Jewish people were redeemed from Egypt. While enslaved men despaired and refused to bring children into a world of hardship, the women remained full of faith. Confident in G-d's promise of redemption, they nurtured hope and raised the generation that would witness the Exodus.
According to the Arizal, the master Kabbalist, the souls of the final generation before the coming of Moshiach are reincarnations of that very generation. Just as redemption came then through the strength and faith of women, so too it will come again—in the merit of the righteous women of our time.
The Mikvah is not just a ritual bath. It is a spiritual wellspring, a source of renewal, and a beacon of faith in the future. Through the power of the Jewish women, life flows forward—one soul, one family, one generation at a time.
