Conservative Judaism has largely ignored this practice in the past, but recently has begun to reevaluate its silence in this area and to consider the spiritual implications of mikvah immersion for human sexuality and for women. In general, these rationales, taken together, add a sense of ongoing holiness to the marital relationship. Conservative Judaism's outreach activities have, in recent decades, resulted in increasing numbers of people seeking to convert to Judaism. The Conservative Jewish process of conversion requires candidates, after a significant period of study, to appear before a beit din , or rabbinic court, to explain their reasons for choosing Judaism and to commit themselves to live as Jews, observe the Commandments, and raise any children with whom they may be blessed in the Jewish community and faith. Male candidates are required to undergo circumcision or, if already circumcised, to have a symbolic ceremony.
All converts complete the rituals of conversion by immersing themselves in a mikvah .
An experience I shall never forget. At a time when New Age enthusiasm is persuading numbers of people, disenchanted with traditional religious expression, to seek fresh ways of discovering spiritual meaning in their lives, Conservative Judaism has found in an age-old practice a metaphor for rebirth and renewal that retains its power to uplift, cleanse and inspire. Five Thoughts about Mikvah 1. Immersion in the mikvah is an ancient ritual that still has Jewish legal validity. The purpose of the mikvah is a spiritual one, not to bathe for physical cleanliness.