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2.3 Mikvah - Immersion - The mikvah of a convert to HaDerech (a Jewish sect, known as the Way, which this site represents) is a response of a good conscience towards God. The mikvah is a halakhic requirement for all converts to HaDerech. In addition to it being a response of a good conscience toward God, the mikvah serves to publicly proclaim one's identity as a member of HaDerech via witnesses which must be present.
- 2.3.1 Mikvah Definition
- In keeping with Jewish tradition, a mikvah is a full immersion into "living" water, that is, water from a natural source such as a river or lake. Kosher mikvot are encouraged to be built within Messianic communities in order to serve basic community needs such as kashering, and providing mikvot for monthly, weekly, and even daily use. If such is not present, then a pool of water which can be filled and emptied via a drain will suffice, however it is important to note that this is not a kosher mikvah according to various sources, and believers are encouraged to participate in a kosher mikvah at their earliest opportunity.
- 2.3.2 Witnesses
- Two witnesses are required to establish the truth of a matter that one has performed the mikvah of conversion to HaDerech.
- 2.3.3 Proclamation
- A proclamation of one's faith in the Messiah is required before participating in a mikvah of conversion to HaDerech. A subsequent response to such a proclamation may be enjoined by the presiding witnesses to identify the one performing the mikvah as being immersed into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, that is, the name of Yeshua HaMoshiach for the forgiveness of sins.
- 2.3.4 Mikvah B'Shem Yeshua HaMoshiach
- To be immersed into the name of Yeshua means more than being immersed via water. It means to be immersed in the fullness of who He is, and what He does through us as His disciples. It is an outward response to a desire of lifetime obedience and discipleship to Messiah Yeshua.
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