Tell me more ×
Mi Yodeya is a question and answer site for those who base their lives on Jewish law and tradition and anyone interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 8 down vote favorite

I have noticed that almost all Mikvas are built into the ground (either as a basement or on the first floor). Why is that? I have heard that it could be an ease-of-use issue (one doesn't have to climb stairs), but if that was true, then there should be the same climb from a basement as the climb from the first floor?

share|improve this question
2  
Perhaps for the same reason pools and hot tubs are usually on a ground floor. They're heavy and would need more building support – HodofHod Oct 23 '11 at 22:36

3 Answers

up vote 10 down vote accepted

They aren't all built near the ground - for example the mens mikvah where I live is on the second floor.

However they frequently build them on the ground simply because water is extremely heavy, and building it higher up requires special building reinforcement - the building would basically have to be built specifically to be a mikvah, and could not be renovated to a mikvah since it wouldn't be strong enough.

share|improve this answer
I'm not sure that you can build a Kosher Mikva on the 2nd floor; bringing a proof from a mens' Mikva is no proof, since a mens' Mikva does not need to be Kosher. – Danny Schoemann Aug 9 '12 at 8:40
@DannySchoemann It's Bor Al Gabei Bor if that matters to you, and it's not a large mikvah. – Ariel Aug 9 '12 at 8:48
Interesting. But still, as long as it is a "mens' Mikva" it may not really be Kosher. E.g. you would want to ask your LOR before using it as a Keilim Mikva for dipping new dishes. – Danny Schoemann Aug 9 '12 at 10:01
@DannySchoemann I've seen people dip dishes there, and considering the LOR built it, it would be pretty insulting to imply to him that it's not kosher. And anyway, for what reason do you think it's not kosher? Just because it's not on the ground? – Ariel Aug 9 '12 at 10:04
As I said: "I'm not sure that you can build a Kosher Mikva on the 2nd floor". Maybe you can, maybe you can't. Nobody on this thread has provided proof either way. And unless you actually ask the LOR-builder if it's Kosher, you won't know - since "mens' mikva" does not imply "Kosher for Torah-requirement" even if lots of people think so. – Danny Schoemann Aug 9 '12 at 10:10
show 1 more comment
up vote 6 down vote

The standard design for a contemporary mikva has it fed by a system of gutters that channel rainwater directly into the mikva, without any elbows or other feature that could temporarily "hold" the water.

I'd figure this design would be simplified with a ground-level mikva.

share|improve this answer
up vote 3 down vote

Most swimming pools are also usually built into the ground. It seems that would be the easiest way for people to use them.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.