In this episode, host Kate Mishkin visits a mikveh, or Jewish ritual bath, in Los Angeles. She examines the origins and evolution of mikveh immersion — and how, in some circles, the ritual is stretching itself to adapt.

Further reading and resources:

• What is a Mikveh? (My Jewish Learning)

• The Mikveh's Significance in Traditional Conversion (My Jewish Learning)

• Non-Traditional Uses for Mikveh (My Jewish Learning)

• A Detailed Explanation of Niddah, or "Family Purity" Laws (My Jewish Learning)

• Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh

• Mass Center for Jewish Journeys — Community Mikveh

• ImmerseNYC

• Adina Blaustein, Yoetzet Halakhah

• Dr. Jordana Topp, Yoetzet Halakhah

• Miriam Ezagui on TikTok

Credits:

• Writer/producer: Kate Mishkin

• Story producer: Gabrielle Birkner

• Fact-checking: Rachel Scheinerman

• Sound design/mixing: Jonathan Shifflett of Studio Phonic

• Interstitial music: Nan Schwartz

• Art direction: Grace Yagel

• Outro music: "Swirls & Eddies," written and performed by Grace Corsi

Shofar, So Good! is a podcast from My Jewish Learning, a division of 70 Faces Media. Ami Eden is the CEO of 70 Faces Media, and Rebecca Phillips is the publisher.

This podcast was originally developed in the Jewish Writers Institute Digital Storytellers Lab and produced with support from Maimonides Fund. Special thanks to Rebecca Friedman.