Types of mikvaot
25 August, 2004
Question:What is the difference between a maayan, bor al gabai bor, and a side by side in regards to the type of mikvah?
Answer:A ma'ayan is a flowing source of water such as a natural spring. A number of conditions which apply to a mikveh do not apply to a ma'ayan.
The other two types you mention are different forms of construction of a mikveh using standing water. Some specific groups, such as Chabad, have special requirements for mikveh construction.
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