A request for information regarding the Rebbe Rashab's guidelines for the construction of a mikveh and other matters

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Comments regarding programs for adult education in Eretz Yisrael

No. 540

This letter was addressed to R. Asher Abramson.

B"H, 8 Cheshvan, 5710

Greetings and blessings,

In response to your letter of 26 Tishrei: I am not aware of any particular fastidious measures involving the construction of a mikveh that only the members of the chassidic brotherhood observe, because I am not familiar with the customs of others in this matter.

I wrote to R. Landau who was involved in the construction of a mikveh in Rostov under the instructions of the Rebbe [Rashab]. If he informs me of any new points, I will certainly inform you. It is certainly unnecessary to inform you that we are careful that the reservoir containing the rainwater itself should always contain an ample measure of 40 seah.[81] The hole connecting [this reservoir to the pool of immersion] should always be [above the level of the 40 seah]. When immersing in the pool of immersion, there should be a connection between the pool and the reservoir [of mei geshamim (rainwater)].[82] The pipes that convey the rainwater to the reservoir should not be bent.

You wrote about removing the water of the reservoir [of rainwater] via a pump. According to my humble opinion, this is not correct. For the leniency suggested by the Chasam Sofer[83] — to create an acceptable mikveh by connecting a pool to a reservoir [of rainwater], then emptying the reservoir, [filling it with ordinary water], and making it acceptable by connecting it to the pool — was not accepted in our [community]. (Perhaps your intent was that [after emptying the reservoir], one would wait until rainwater collects in the reservoir again.) As is well known, an endeavor is made that a mikveh be constructed to fit the requirements of several different opinions.

To add a note: When a short woman comes to immerse and some of the water [in the pool] is removed [for her comfort], it is obvious that an ample measure [of 40 seah] must remain.[84] Therefore in some places the pump is not located in the pool of immersion but in a tank of water that is connected to the mikveh [pool] through a hole. In such an instance, one must be careful that the water not be removed — i.e., the pump should not be working — at the time a woman immerses herself. For then, [the pool's] water is considered to be flowing,[85] as is obvious.

[The donation of] 150 was duly received.

To conclude with greetings to the members of your household and wishes for everlasting good in all matters,

M. Schneerson

   

Notes:

81. (Back to text) [40 seah, the minimum measure for a mikveh to be acceptable is slightly more than 454 liters (approximately 120 gallons) according to Shiurei Mikveh. One should, however, endeavor to have it contain 921.6 liters (approximately 243.5 gallons).]

82. (Back to text) [At present, most mikvaos are constructed with a pool of immersion which is filled with tap-water and a reservoir (bor) of rainwater that is either below (according to Lubavitch custom) or at the side of the pool. There is a hole through which the two are connected. This practice (referred to as hashakah) causes the water in the pool to be considered acceptable for immersion.]

83. (Back to text) [Yoreh Deah, Responsum 212.]

84. (Back to text) [40 seah is the measure in which an ordinary man can immerse himself. If water was removed so that a short woman would not be frightened because of the mikveh's depth, one must be certain that this minimum measureof40 seah remains.]

85. (Back to text) [And water that is flowing out of a mikveh disqualifies it. See Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah, sec. 301:2.]

A request for information regarding the Rebbe Rashab's guidelines for the construction of a mikveh and other matters

Table of contents

Search this book:

Comments regarding programs for adult education in Eretz Yisrael