Mikvah

The Little One

FI and I are both going to the mikvah next Thursday before our wedding next Saturday.  I have never been to a mikvah and don't know much about preparation.  I know I will be with a mikvah lady but can anyone provide some information to help me prepare?  I know no nail polish but what about other things I might not know?If this is too personal to post on a public forum, I would appreciate a reply via email blondinibride at gmail.  Thank you!

lachlom

This is from an Orthodox perspective, although I'm not sure how many non-Orthodox women go to the mikvah, so...Generally, when you make your appointment to the mikvah as a kallah, you mention as much and they are expecting you. The mikvah lady should know you are a kallah and will help you with whatever you are concerned about.All you need to remember is to wash your body thoroughly before you arrive, including removing nail polish, all makeup, and contact lenses before you immerse. A lot of women cut their nails short, as the dirt underneath makes the immersion not kosher. However, if you remove the dirt, you are fine. Brush your hair really well, as knots are a problem as well.The only other thing I can think of is a little TMI, so my apologies. I know that you should do a bedikah(inserting a white cloth to check for blood) before you go, to make sure you are free of menses. If your hymen is still intact, you should be very careful to not rip it, as then you may then have to ask a very very uncomfortable question to your Rabbi about your status as niddah or not(for the record, a torn hymen does NOT make you niddah).

The Little One

Thank you, I appreciate the information. 

Danaz1

they told me to make sure I was clean they had a shower there if I wanted to, I actually forgot to take my toe nail polish off and she didn't say anything. I took my contacts off there. That's about it i think. I hope it is a spiritual experience for you. it didn't do much for me. The Rabbi asked my husband if he wanted to go and he didn't so props to your fiance for going.

slbriz34

Depends on what your mikvah offers.  One place I've been too had everything - nail polish remover, clippers, etc. etc. - so you could do everything there in your own room.  There was a shower with shampoo and everything you needed, so I took another thorough shower and washed my hair, etc.  The mikvah lady also inspected me but I did a good job. If the place you go to won't have all such amenities or just to be sure, come totally clean but either way, you'll be expected to take another light shower.  Enjoy the experience and mazal tov on your upcoming wedding.

silversparks

Have you called the mikvah to make an appointment? If you tell them you're a kallah they will usually bend over backwards to make sure you're comfortable and have the information you need ahead of time. The mikvah lady can also tell you what facilities they have and what you have to bring with you, and if there's a charge. Usually the mikvah will post a checklist in the room that you can follow as you get ready too so don't worry about having to remember everything. The best resource that I found on-line is the Yoatzot website. It is affiliated with an Orthodox women's seminary and so it uses some technical language and may appear stringent, but it's very thorough. www.yoatzot.org, click on the mikveh tab on the left... Mazal tov!

silversparks

Just wanted to add - DH also went to the mikveh before our wedding - I went Thursday evening, he went Friday morning - and it added so much to the experience for both of us (especially since I still go every month)... so I think it's amazing that your FI's going too! And I noticed you live in Boston - if you get to go to Mayim Chayim, the community mikveh in Newton I am jealous!