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Post by alon on Jan 2, 2022 11:53:55 GMT -8
This is going to put some noses out of joint, however most I think will welcome the information as it answers the quandary many of us face: "what do I do if I can't find a mikvah?" Most (myself included) have been trained to think and answer this question rabbinically. But the truth is (according to this artical) before the 2nd cen BCE the practice of ritual immersion in a mikvah did not exist! Torah mostly uses the term “rachatz” רחץ, which simply means "to wash." Could be all at once, or one body part at a time. It does not specify. And indeed there is no archaeological or documented reference to the practice of full body ritual immersion prior to sometime about mid 2nd cen BCE. I did a search and found nothing prior to that time either. Here's the artical:www.thetorah.com/article/on-the-origins-of-tevilah-ritual-immersionMakes an interesting read.
To be clear, I am not saying tevilah is a bad thing, or that we should not do it. On the contrary, Yeshua did it when about to start His ministry (Mark 1:9-11). There is nothing wrong with tradition as long as it doesn't go against scripture. And if it was wrong, you can bet Yeshua never would have done it. Also we should, whenever possible follow His example. But mikvaot being scarce as they are, we should not stress over not splashing ourselves in frigid waters somewhere this time of year!
So to all those I told your bath was not a suitable substitute, I apologize. Apparently it is.
(Drat, now I have to update my "I Found Out I Was Wrong" thread ...)
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