Abstract
This thesis examines the motivations and experiences of women who—prior to \r their wedding—immersed in the Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath unaffiliated with a congregation or denomination. Using survey and interview methods, the study found most respondents were raised in Reform or Conservative homes, and currently are less inclined to identify with any denomination. Both survey and interview data demonstrated that most respondents had not returned to Mayyim Hayyim to immerse again. The interview data suggested that these women understood ritual to be most meaningful when they are voluntary (as opposed to obligatory), and specific to life cycle events, which are infrequent and thus not at risk for becoming rote. They viewed mikveh immersion as most meaningful if they elected to do so at special and transitional moments in their lives, and tailored to their specific preferences. This understanding of mikveh immersion is what Eric Hobsbawm called an “invention of \r tradition”—it is a ritual that draws on past traditions (such a ritual immersion prior to a wedding), but is also a response to contemporary situations and expectations.