You’ll be welcomed
A volunteer Mikvah Guide will greet you, show you the space, and answer questions.
Your visit, made simple.
Everything you need to feel prepared, supported, and at ease before entering the water.
Your visit at a glance
Four things to know before you arrive.
Everything is provided
Preparation supplies and instructions are ready for you. You do not need to bring anything.
Your choices matter
Immerse privately, with your guide as witness, or with a trusted Jewish friend or family member. Conversion immersions may have separate clergy requirements.
Guests are welcome
Guests are welcome to come with you and may wait nearby or gather outside the mikvah room during your immersion. A guide may witness your immersion while protecting your privacy with a raised towel or robe, lowering it only at the moment of immersion.
Your Mikvah Guide
A calm, caring presence.
Your volunteer guide is there to support your experience, not direct it. They can explain the process, show you the space, answer questions, and serve as a witness only when you want one.
Before entering the water
Preparing for the mikvah.
Preparation removes anything that could create a barrier, called a chatzitza, between your body and the water.
Remove barriers
Remove jewelry, contact lenses, makeup, bandages, and nail polish whenever possible.
Wash thoroughly
Take a shower or bath, clean your nails and teeth, and shampoo and detangle your hair.
Arrive as you are
MACoM provides preparation supplies and clear instructions. You do not need special equipment.
Good to know: Bring glasses if you normally wear contacts.
Questions about a specific situation?
Contacts & glasses
Remove contacts before immersion. You may bring glasses into the mikvah room and place them at the mikvah’s edge.
Hair & conditioner
Shampoo and remove braids or tangles. Avoid conditioner when possible.
Jewelry and Body piercings
If jewelry cannot be removed, rotate it in the water during immersion so water can reach as much of the area as possible.
Acrylic & gel nails
Acrylic or gel nails worn for more than 30 days are considered part of the body and do not need to be removed.
Stitches or open sores
If you have stitches or open sores, consider consulting a rabbi or contacting MACoM before your visit.
Menstruation
If your appointment falls during your menstrual cycle, you may prefer to reschedule. Contact MACoM if you would like to discuss your options.
Have a preparation question that is not answered here? Email immerse@atlantamikvah.org or consult with your rabbi.
Accessibility at MACoM
A comfortable visit for every guest.
MACoM’s preparation and pool areas include features that support visitors with mobility needs. Let the office know in advance if you would like assistance or need the lift.
- Wheelchair accessible preparation shower
- Support for safe and comfortable pool entry
- Hydraulic chairlift available with advance notice
Accessibility at MACoM
In the water
Your immersion, step by step.
There is room for both tradition and personal meaning. Your guide can explain the options before you begin.
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Enter the warm water
Walk down seven steps into the mikvah and take a moment to settle.
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Immerse fully
Put your head beneath the water so every strand of hair is covered, lift your feet from the floor, and relax your limbs.
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Follow your custom
Three immersions are customary for many people. Others immerse once, seven times, or eight times according to their tradition.
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Add words or silence
Depending on your practice, blessings may be recited. You may also include prayers, readings, songs, or a provided ritual.
BlessingsBlessings are available next to the mikvah in Hebrew, English, and transliteration. If you are immersing for conversion, speak with your sponsoring clergy beforehand about blessings and witness requirements.
Bringing guests
Your people can be part of the moment.
Guests are welcome. Choose the level of closeness and privacy that feels right for your immersion.
- Invite a guest into the mikvah room.
- Have guests wait in the lobby or gathering room.
- Open the transom window so guests nearby can hear the blessings.
- Let MACoM know in advance if you are bringing a large group.
The community room may also be rented for a gathering after your immersion.
Plan your visit
Arrive prepared.
Leave renewed.
MACoM and your guide are here to manage the details so you can focus on the meaning of your immersion.