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

ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם    Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam  

אשר קדשנו בטבילה במים חיים   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. (1)

Clip source: Mayyim Hayyim

to be read at the mikveh’s edge before entering the water:

As I step into the waters of the mikveh, I am mindful of the steps I have already taken on this journey to become pregnant once again. Gently holding the difficulties I experienced in the past, with some trepidation I move forward with hope and expectation. I step into these living waters to be supported and protected with my physical and mental well-being.

Clip source: Mayyim Hayyim

The mission of the Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network, an initiative of Mayyim Hayyim, is to inspire, strengthen and support communities that embrace an open, inclusive and welcoming approach to ritual immersion as a way to mark life transitions. 

We believe that providing for the spiritual needs of the entire spectrum of Jewish people will help create a more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive community for everyone. 

Our goal is to foster a network so comprehensive that no one will have to travel far to access a Rising Tide mikveh experience. Find a local mikveh at: https://risingtideopenwaters.org/members/

To be read before you immerse:

As I welcome my child, I pray for strength, patience, and resilience. May the One who blessed those who came before me, guide me. May I be a role model, an active parent, and a source of encouragement.

I pray that in difficult times I have the strength to ask for help, and that in good times I have the wherewithal to appreciate the joys and blessings of my life.

May I know all the happiness and contentment that comes with watching a child grow and flourish.

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

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha’olam shehecheyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higianu la’zman hazeh.

Blessed are You, Eternal God, for giving me life, sustaining me, and, through one miracle after another, bringing me to this moment.

Source: Mayyim Hayyim, Interpretive English translation by Matia Rania Angelou, Deborah Issokson, and Judith D. Kummer 

The formal ritual is simple and brief. Once in the water, the person ducks under to fully submerge for a moment, then recites a short blessing (Mayyim Hayyim provides traditional and creative texts). The person then immerses one or two more times, according to their custom, recites a blessing, and leaves the water.

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

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל הַטְבִלָה

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu al hat’vilah.

Praised are You, Adonai, God of all creation, who sanctifies us with Your commandments and commands us concerning immersion. 

Source: Mayyim Hayyim