This informative excerpt from the Encyclopedia Judaica 2:81-82 provides a detailed explanation of the significance and symbolism involved in the act of ritual immersion or ablution in the Jewish faith. This powerful act of washing serves to transform an individual from a state of impurity to a state of purity, enabling them to participate in a number of specific Jewish rites and practices. While some may view the act of immersion as being simply hygienic or even magical, the rabbis themselves viewed it as a divine commandment, and for that reason did not question its significance. In most cases of ritual impurity, complete immersion in water is required, as prescribed by the Torah. This act of immersion and subsequent purification is a powerful symbol of transformation, and is particularly significant for those who are converting to Judaism, as it serves as a ritual of spiritual rebirth. Even today, the act of immersion is accompanied by intention and a benediction, and its enduring impact continues to offer hope for spiritual renewal and personal transformation.
Washing or Cleansing – My Study Bible
- Red HeiferThe Animal whose ashes were used in ritual purification of persons and objects defiled by a corpse (Num. 19) While the English term heifer means young cow that has not had a calf, the Bible (Num. 19:2) speaks simply of a cow (Heb. Parah). The Bible prescribes that the red cow be without blemish (Heb. […]
- MikvehA collection of water A pool or bath of clear water, immersion in which renders ritually clean a person who become ritually unclean through contact with the dead (Num. 19) or any other defiling object or through an unclean flux from the body (Lev. 15) and especially a menstruant. It is similarly used for vessels […]
- Water of PurifyingWater mixed with the ashes of the red hefer See also Purity in Second Temple Times, and Ablution
- Purity in Second Temple TimesThis array of vessels from Jerusalem provides evidence of the stone-craving industry that flourished in the city at the end of the Second Temple Period (form the first century B.C.E. until the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.). Highly skilled artisans carved this collection, which includes small household mugs (foreground), a wine jar (left […]
- Ablution (Immersion)This informative excerpt from the Encyclopedia Judaica 2:81-82 provides a detailed explanation of the significance and symbolism involved in the act of ritual immersion or ablution in the Jewish faith. This powerful act of washing serves to transform an individual from a state of impurity to a state of purity, enabling them to participate in […]
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