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Mikveh Use

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN EVERY PUBLIC MIKVAH (RITUAL BATH)

You have the right to physical and halachic privacy – it is your immersion!

  • You can immerse according to your own customs – the decision of how many times you immerse, the time of immersion, how you prepare, etc. is yours alone.
  • A balanit (mikvah attendant) cannot perform an “inspection” on your body or touch you without your explicit consent nor can they impose halachic guidance on you against your will. A balanit cannot ask you personal questions, and she cannot condition your immersion on your answers to such questions. She cannot enter the mikvah room without your consent.
  • You can immerse without the presence of the balanit or accompanied by a friend as opposed to a balanit. A balanit cannot implore you to immerse in her presence.
  • You can ask the balanit to only enter the room once you are immersed in the water, and you can ask to immerse in a loose robe.
  • A balanit cannot ask you about your marital status.
  • You have the right to a handicapped mikvah. If there is none in your area, contact the Ministry of Religious Services or ITIM for more information.

The prices for immersion in mikva’ot of religious councils (public mikva’ot) are fixed:

  • A bride within the first year of marriage – free
  • Immersion + shower – 16 NIS
  • Immersion + bath – 33 NIS
  • Bridal immersion and immersion outside of regular hours* – 55 NIS

* Half an hour before sunset, until 9:00 PM (winter) or 10:00 PM (summer)

Encounter a mikvah that does not respect your rights?

ITIM is here to assist you: +972-2-648-2205 *8083

Accessible Mikva'ot Map

The ITIM Assistance Center can help

  • Ensure your local religious council is meeting State sanitation requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Explain your rights in using mikvehs
  • Represent you before a local religious council if you believe your rights have been violated
  • Locate a mikveh that suits your needs
  • Advocate for disabled accessibility at your mikveh
Call from within Israel: *8083

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