Passover Immersion Ceremony

Intention – Kavannah

To be read before preparing for immersion:

Just as the Israelites stood at the shores of the Red Sea,
I prepare to immerse in the mikveh as part of my own journey toward freedom.

Immersion – T’vilah
FIRST IMMERSION—LEAVING EGYPT

Read before you immerse for the first time:

I acknowledge the narrow places in my life,
the ones I have come through and those yet ahead of me.

Slowly descend the steps into the mikveh waters, take a breath and immerse completely so that every part of
your body is covered by the warm water. When you emerge recite the following blessing:

Barukh atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh ha’olam asher kidshanu bi-t’vilah b’mayyim hayyim.

Blessed are You, God, Majestic Spirit of the Universe
who makes us holy by embracing us in living waters.

SECOND IMMERSION—HOPE

Read before you immerse for the second time:

Our ancestor Nachshon showed courage by stepping into waters yet un-parted.
I, too, claim courage in the unknown and immerse a second time for hope.
Take a deep breath and exhale, while gently and completely immersing for the second time.

THIRD IMMERSION—SPRINGTIME RENEWAL

Read before you immerse for the third time:

As the buds unfurl in spring, I honor the renewal and new growth within me.

Relax, and let your body soften, as you slowly and completely immerse for the third time.

FOURTH IMMERSION—PERSONAL REFLECTION

Take a moment for personal reflection.
Immerse completely for the fourth time.
When you emerge recite the following:

Rooted in my people’s history, I emerge from these living waters,
ready to take my place in our continuing quest for freedom.


Created by Mayyim Hayyim Ritual Creation Team, 2004. This ceremony was created by Matia Rania Angelou, Deborah Issokson, and Judith D. Kummer for Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters.

Facebook
Email

Ritualwell content is available for free thanks to the generous support of readers like you! Please help us continue to offer meaningful content with a donation today. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Support Ritualwell’s free offerings and events and receive a weekly guide with prompts and practices for each week of the Omer.

Ritualwell is here for you! Join us for community eventsand creative inspiration to do this spiritual work. 

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network