Jewish High Holy Days - Year 5760

September 6, 1999

Source: Los Angeles Times

On September 6, 1999, the Los Angeles Times published an article about the resurgence of the mikvah, a Jewish ritual bath used for "spiritual purification and renewal." Four synagogues in Orange County, California are planning to construct mikvahs, which will alleviate travel burdens for those residents who had to travel to Los Angeles County to find a mikvah. Mikvahs are used by all branches of Judaism and are used for purification before marriage, conversion, and High Holy Days and after a married woman's menstrual cycle. Increased use of mikvahs has been seen in all branches of Judaism, most notably in the more liberal branches: "As more Jews learn about their traditions, there's a greater sense of loyalty to their ideals," stated Rabbi David Eliezrie of North County, CA.