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Post-Menopausal Mikvah
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I did not have a monthly cycle, would never experience what I had been hearing about – the excitement, anticipation and spiritual renewal that other women had the opportunity to have. What, I asked myself, was the point?
Absolutely amazing article! My eyes were practically glued to the screen. Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience! I am really looking forward to your book, and to more articles from you. One of G-d's precious gifts to me is that I too was given "a piece of chocolate to taste" in "discovering" and becoming part of the wonderful chabad community and learning about the deeper, richer meaning to life.
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This is so exciting for me to read. I too never went to a mikveh. The difference is that my husband is deceased. But I spoke to one of the ladies from Chabad who told me I can still do this. I spoke to my rebbitzin, and she agreed to go to the mikveh with me. I found that a very powerful posting, and appreciate the opportunity to read it. I am also a convert. I had a Reform conversion, but for the past several years have been moving closer to Orthodoxy.I have been attending services at an Orthodox synagogue for close to 20 years. Although I am a widow, I have been covering my head for the past several years, and have had a kosher home for close to 25 years. I have a formal Jewish education (Gratz College "85), and in the process of preparing for an Orthodox conversion.Thank you for that link.
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What an incredible article. The timing could not have been better. I have just been discussing with a friend of mine the importance of the mikvah. I am in the same situation as you having just a a hysterectomy only three months ago. My husband is not too well and my "frum" friend thought it would be a good idea for me to go to the mikvah. I really didnt want to go but after her gentle persuasiion and reading your article, I know it is the right thing to do - Thank you very much
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At the time that I discovered the mitzvah of mikveh, I was no longer married. But Mikveh is about more than sex. It is about purifty. Not about dirtiness, but about enhancing purity. I had to fight to be allowed to use the mikveh, which is supposed to be for married women only. But I did use it, under the rubric of Yom Kippur. Men go to the mikveh to prepare for Yom Kippur, and so did I. Every year, for over ten years, I did this. At first I had to concentrate, I had to make my long hair very wet, to be sure that all of me was touched by the sacralizing waters. And to remember not to touch the narrow sides of the mikveh. But soon I became comfortable enough to pray in the mikveh, and to feel my prayers rise up to Gd. WOW! Whenever I used the mikveh, another woman went with me to let me in and to watch that I fully immersed, and that woman is no longer available. I have not used the mikveh for two years now. And I miss it. And I am still unmarried.
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As a Ger preparing for conversion I can say that I feel like "a salmon swimming upstream" -- the drive, the longing, to reach that moment, that point of conversion, the immersion in the mikveh is incredibly strong. This beautiful article only increases that longing and anticipation! Yes, I believe that G-d places us each on this earth and in our personal paths of life as He sees fit, and I thank Him with all of my being for this point of purification in all the ways that He sees fit! Thank you for sharing.
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I too am post menopause. In the process of separation with my husband and drawing closer to Judaism. When I move I will be looking for an orthodox synagogue to attend. I am so humbled to know that I may partake of this beautiful ritual despite my circumstances. I look forward to it being a blessed life changing event as I find my way through my new life. thank you for this wonderful article.It touches my soul deeply
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I too am a "late bloomer", I am 51, but did not honestly begin my "return" until my sons were in college!! It would be really interesting if there were a place online that we can meet and share our stories. Discovering our heritage at this point is an awesome but sometimes bittersweet experience!
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When my husband and I were preparing for our wedding 32 years ago, we met with the rabbi and I did ask him if I should go to the mikvah. He told me it was not necessary. I still have not fulfilled the mitzvah of mikvah. I am interested in going to the mikvah now (at the age of 57). I think it could be meaningful to me at a point in my life and my marriage when I am concious of renewing my sense of faith and our love for one another.
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Aged 70 I went through the living waters of a mountain stream of Mikvah. Incredible.As I was about to put cotton in my ears and worry about all sorts of protection as the Doctors had advised it was like I heard a voice from the Heavens itself that I was safe, safe in HIs arms as I fulfilled His commandment. So with great joy with eyes upon Him I went through the waters without any worry. Afterwards I felt so extra ordinarily purified, and I understood "at the ending of the first ten years of your life I asked you to mikvah in My Name and you did. Now again before the last 10 years of your life, you bless Me as I bless you." As I study the Torah it becomes more and more precious to me.
Somewhere in the lines, both my parents are Jewish. Somewhere. And I surely thank G-d.
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Dear Mrs. Austin,
What a beautiful response. Spiritual, inspirational and so truthful. Also, it comes in the week that we celebrated Pesach Sheni - the Second Passover when G-d gave us all a second chance. Your immersion in the mikveh at the age of 70 years old is surely making G-d smile and...hug you with the waters of the mikvah.
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