Soc.Culture.Jewish Newsgroups Frequently Asked Questions and Answers URL: www.scjfaq.org/faq/11-02-03.html

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Question 11.2.3:
Sex and Purity: What is a "mikveh"?

A mikva or mikveh is a place used for ritual immersions. A proper mikva contains a minimum of 40 SE'AH--about 191 U.S. gallons (Sorry, but you'll have to do your own metric conversion.) of undrawn water. In general, if there are more than 40 SE'AH, then the remainder of the water may come from any source.

"Undrawn" means not filled by bucket or by metal pipes.

Natural lakes, whether or not fed by streams or rivers, fall into the category of "undrawn waters." Many synagogues also provide indoor mikvas.

Additional information may be found in N. Lamm, A Hedge of Roses; and I. Klein, A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice (Chapter 37).

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