Intention KavanahLit. Intention Refers both to one’s intention when performing a mitzvah or when focusing for prayer. Kavanah also refers to specific readings to help focus one's attention prior to performing an act.
To be read before preparing for immersion:
Water is God’s gift to living souls,
to cleanse us, to purify us,
to sustain us and to renew us.
As I immerse myself in mayyim hayyim, living waters,
may I open to the possibility of forgiveness.
May my entry into these waters mark my intention to forgive myself,
forgive others, and ask others to forgive me.
May my resistance to this task be dissolved.
Immersion T’vilahThe act of immersion in the ritual bath (mikveh).
FIRST IMMERSION
Slowly descend the steps into the mikvehThe ritual bath. The waters of the mikveh symbolically purify – they are seen as waters of rebirth. A convert immerses in the mikveh as part of conversion. Many Orthodox married women go to the mikveh following their period and before resuming sexual relations. Couples go to the mikveh before being married. Many, including some men, immerse before Yom Kippur; some go every Friday before Shabbat. waters and immerse completely so that every part of your body is covered by the warm water. When you emerge, recite the following blessing:
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech 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
To be read before you immerse:
The gates are open. Hear my prayer, God.
May I have the courage and clarity to engage in the process of teshuvah, repentance.
Take a deep breath and exhale completely, while gently and completely immersing for the second time.
THIRD IMMERSION
To be read before you immerse:
V’al kulam, Elohai s’lichot,
s’lach lanu, m’chal lanu, kapeir lanu.
For all my wrongs, O God of forgiveness, forgive me,
wipe the slate clean, grant me atonement.
Take a moment for personal reflection.
Relax, and let your body soften, as you slowly and completely immerse for the third time.
A Closing Intention Kavanah
Turn us to You and we shall return. Renew our days as before.
May I return to my true self and be strengthened as I continue my journey of tikkun halev—repairing the heart, tikkun hanefesh—repairing the soul, and tikkun olam—repairing the world.
