There is no "cure" in the waters of the mikveh, but many people do find a sense of healing and wholeness there.
Immmersion is used used to mark the changes and challenges inflicted by illness and loss. Immersion is also a way to embrace the future with gratitude.
The emotional and spiritual toll that follows many kinds of losses and struggles is not always acknowledged. Many people find that mikveh provides a way to face up to the changes wrought by pain, illness, and loss.
Some of the reasons for a healing immersion include:
After a diagnosis of cancer, as a way to prepare for treatment
After cancer treatment is completed and the "patient" becomes a "survivor"
After divorce
After a period of mourning
After miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion
Upon deciding to end infertility treatment
Mayyim Hayyim has a range of ceremonies to help individuals name the fear, despair, faith, gratitude, and hope that are often part of the healing process.
Mayyim Hayyim has also published a book called
Blessings for the Journey: A Jewish Healing Guide for Women with Cancer. Written by a group of thirteen volunteers -- cancer survivors, caregivers and health care professionals -- who identified the need for a guide to the journey through treatment and its aftermath, they created an invaluable resource based on Jewish teachings and first-hand experience. To read more about
Blessings for the Journey and to purchase a copy, click here: Blessings for the Journey
