Jerusalem, Jerusalem District, Israel — The Middle East (West Asia)

The Stepped Mikveh

Ritual Purification Baths

— The Ophel Mikveh Trail —

The Stepped Mikveh Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 13, 2023

1. The Stepped Mikveh Marker

Inscription. 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: Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 31° 46.533′ N, 35° 14.156′ E. Marker is in Jerusalem, Jerusalem District. It can be reached from Derekh Ha'ophel Street. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Asia,

specifically in West Asia,

in the Middle East,

in The Levant,

on the Red Sea,

in a coastal Mediterranean country,

and in the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire,

the Ottoman Empire,

a British Mandate,

and the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Hulda Gates (here, next to this marker); An open public space was created on the Ophel ascent (a few steps from this marker); The Western Huldah Gate (a few steps from this marker); The Ophel Mikveh Trail

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(a few steps from this marker); Rock-cut channels (within shouting distance of this marker); "Purity has spread in Israel" (within shouting distance of this marker); "Happy are the inhabitants of this house" (within shouting distance of this marker); "The path back...may be deemed clean" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jerusalem.

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 185 times since then and 10 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.