#mikvahs

[ask-jumblr]

What's going on with mikvehs at the moment? Just wondering what congregations are doing especially those where they keep niddah and everything...

Mod here. I presume this varies at least somewhat by COVID-19 spread and preventative measures in the surrounding community, so respondents may want to consider providing some sort of information of that nature (e.g. approximate cases per 100,000 people, local or regional positive test rate, whether there’s a shutdown or safer at home order).

I was torn on whether to put this question as a Tikkunity post. If your community keeps niddah, and you have opinions on whether this should be a Tikkunity post, please message me and I’ll update (or not update) accordingly.

Much thanks! (Todah rabah!)  !תּוֹדָה רַבָּה

[archaeologicalnews]

Portuguese Plumbers Discover Ancient Mikvahs

Plumbers fixing a water leak in central Portugal discovered what appears to be a cluster of 600-year-old Jewish ritual baths.

The discovery was made earlier this year in the city of Coimbra as the plumbers were replacing the piping of an old building in what used to be the Jewish part of the Old City, according to a report Thursday by the Publico daily.

Jorge Alarcao, an archeologist who was called upon to study the structures, told the paper: “This could be the only discovery of its kind made in Portugal.”

The structures appear to be mikvahs, or ritual baths, predating the 14th century which were designed for Jewish women, according to Alarcao. Read more.