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Natural Bodies of Water

A woman in a state of niddah returns to a state of taharah (ritual purity) only after immersing in a halachically acceptable body of water. A natural spring (ma’ayan) or a natural pool may be acceptable, but as the laws governing them are quite complex, it is best to immerse in a recognized and well-maintained man-made mikveh. If no official mikveh is available, however, one may immerse in another body of water if it conforms to halachic requirements. While an ocean would normally be acceptable, a river may or may not be. Halachic consultation is important.

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All health and health-related information contained within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with your health care professional. The advice is intended to offer a basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider but not individual advice. Although every effort is made to ensure that the material within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is accurate and timely, it is provided for the convenience of the Web site user but should not be considered official. Advice for actual medical practice should be obtained from a licensed health care professional.