Jerusalem, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)
The Stepped Mikveh
Ritual Purification Baths
— The Ophel Mikveh Trail —
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 13, 2023
1. The Stepped Mikveh Marker
Inscription.
The Stepped Mikveh. Ritual Purification Baths. The Mishnaic Tractate Mikva'ot details all the rules, formulated in Second Temple times, regarding ritual purification baths. These rules are based on the following conditions that made the mikveh ritually valid: It had to be connected to the ground; it had to contain a minimum of 40 se'ah of water; the water could not be drawn or conveyed by vessels from elsewhere; and it had to be spacious enough for one to immerse the entire body at once. , In keeping with these basic conditions, the mikveh was usually rock-cut with a rock-hewn or built roof. Broad, comfortable steps led from the entrance of the mikveh to its bottom, and its walls were lined with hydraulic plaster to prevent water from seeping out., (Hebrew text not transcribed)
The Mishnaic Tractate Mikva'ot details all the rules, formulated in Second Temple times, regarding ritual purification baths. These rules are based on the following conditions that made the mikveh ritually valid: It had to be connected to the ground; it had to contain a minimum of 40 se'ah of water; the water could not be drawn or conveyed by vessels from elsewhere; and it had to be spacious enough for one to immerse the entire body at once.
In keeping with these basic conditions, the mikveh was usually rock-cut with a rock-hewn or built roof. Broad, comfortable steps led from the entrance of the mikveh to its bottom, and its walls were lined with hydraulic plaster to prevent water from seeping out.
(Hebrew text not transcribed)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 13, 2023
2. The Stepped Mikveh Marker
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 13, 2023
3. The Stepped Mikveh Marker
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 13, 2023
4. The Stepped Mikveh Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 31, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.